I will keep my fight against corruption: Prachanda

By Our Correspondent,Birtamod, Sept. 16: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ reiterated his commitment to confronting corruption, through legislative channels and public advocacy. Prachanda made these remarks while receiving a memorandum from the Bus Park Coordination Committee, which was formed to address land disputes in the Birtamod and Arjundhara city bus park areas.

Prachanda recounted that during his tenure in government, he found himself isolated when he exposed corruption issues, particularly concerning the 51 bighas of land in question. He asserted that his insistence on addressing these corruption issues led to his departure from the government. Prachanda pledged to continue his fight against corruption and to support the victims from both the House and the streets.

The memorandum was presented to Prachanda during his visit to Tek Bahadur Giri Bus Park (New Bus Park).

Surdshan Giri explained that the 51 bighas of land, originally part of the Giribandhu Tea Estate, was sold to Birtamod Housing Company under the guise of Naz Tea State. This transaction was sanctioned by a government decision to relocate and lease the land. The housing company subsequently subdivided and sold the land to various individuals and organisations. The area now hosts several structures, including a bus park.

The Supreme Court dismissed a writ petition filed in 2007 concerning this land, citing procedural violations. However, the Court recently released a full text of the judgment in 2023, affirming the dismissal but not issuing any orders regarding the land’s status. The Coordination Committee has requested a resolution, citing issues with land transactions and foreclosure. They noted difficulties in dealing with the Land Revenue Office and a lack of response from the Ministry of Land Reforms. Hari Bhandari presented the committee's memorandum to Prachanda.

In response, Prachanda acknowledged the challenges faced and reiterated that his government’s collapse was a result of his stance on issues like the Giribandhu  Tea Estate’s land. He assured that the Maoist Centre remains resolute in its fight against corruption and was dedicated to achieving justice for the victims through both legislative means and public engagement.