KATHMANDU: At the call of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a joint discussion was held with all seven provincial chief ministers at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Sunday.

During the meeting, the chief ministers expressed their readiness to cooperate with the federal government to help create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections.

They welcomed Prime Minister Karki’s initiative to engage in dialogue and consultation with political parties and all concerned stakeholders, expressing confidence that such steps would help foster an atmosphere favorable for elections.

The chief ministers pointed out that maintaining peace and security remains the major challenge for holding elections, and stressed the need for the government to take the matter seriously.

They said that if the federal, provincial, and local governments work together in a spirit of cooperation, coordination, and coexistence, it would be possible to hold elections on the scheduled date.

Karnali Province Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel said, “I represent the UML. We are not against elections. But the federal government must take the lead in creating an electoral environment and recognize our role in it. The only way forward now is elections.”

He also suggested that the federal government introduce a special package to rebuild infrastructure damaged during the Gen Z movement.

According to Prime Minister’s Press Advisor Ram Bahadur Rawal, the meeting also drew attention to the government’s decision to cut electricity lines of industries failing to clear dues for dedicated feeders, warning that such moves could negatively affect industries, workers, and government revenue.

The Prime Minister reminded that political parties are the carriers of this system and expressed her eagerness to hold elections as soon as possible so that power could be peacefully handed over to a party-based government.

The meeting also discussed the federal government’s directive that it cannot appoint more advisors and assistants than legally permitted, and that tenders must be called for all projects exceeding Rs 1 million to ensure fair competition.

Some chief ministers voiced suspicion that the government, formed after the Gen Z movement, had focused more on expanding facilities for provincial political office-bearers rather than pursuing judicial and administrative reforms.