Most political issues over Constitution settled: Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli

KATHMANDU: Notwithstanding the protests by Madhesis seeking more rights and representation in Nepal's new Constitution, Prime Minister K P Oli today said "most of the political issues" had been "settled" and the country must now move forward to change its economic landscape.

"We have settled most of the political issues after the promulgation of Constitution," Oli said at a grand function celebrating the 2,560th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.

The government's topmost priority was development, Oli said in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

"We must move forward to change the economic landscape of the country," he said.

Oli's remarks come as Madhesis, largely of Indian origin, have launched a fresh round of protests in the capital demanding more rights and representation in the Constitution.

The major demands of Madhesis include re-demarcation of the seven province model of federal structure, inclusiveness and proportionate representation of marginalised groups and ethnic minorities including the Madhesis, indigenous groups and dalits in all the state bodies.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the function and lit up a lamp in the presence of a group of senior Buddhist monks.

Oli, who is also the Chairman of the main Buddha Jayanti celebration committee, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist chief Prachada were among the senior political leaders who attended the event.

The ceremony witnessed participation of more than 350 senior Buddhist monks from two dozen different countries and more than 12,000 Buddhists and general public from across the country.

The three-day International Buddhist Conference that began in Kathmandu ended today.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Oli said the Nepalese government was committed to Lumbini's development through the implementation of the Lumbini Development Master Plan at the earliest.

"Lumbini is not only the birth place of Lord Budhha, but also the fountain of love and compassion," he said.

The unity displayed by the people of Nepal in the wake of the devastating earthquakes was extraordinary, Oli said, adding that the post-earthquake reconstruction would be completed within five years.