KATHMANDU, Aug 3: Former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Bidhya Sundar Shakya has accused the incumbent Mayor Balendra Shah of engaging in hooliganism with the support of the city police.
Former Mayor Shakya made these allegations during a tree-plantation program organized by the Nepal Confederation of Sports (NECOS) in Kathmandu on Saturday.
"At New Road, there has been an incident where city police used their power to oppress people’s representatives. The representatives were on the street, while the city police were armed with batons to suppress them," said Shakya. "Such hooliganism under the guise of city police will not be tolerated."
Shakya also criticized the unnecessary increase in city police and expressed frustration with the current administration's focus on demolishing rather than constructing. He stated that he is eager to hear from residents about positive developments in the city rather than its destruction.
Regarding Dharahara, Shakya condemned Mayor Balen's rhetoric, stating, "Some people are still getting attention because of the Dharahara. They claim they will destroy the area if given the chance but take all the benefits otherwise. They use insults to claim credit and shift the blame onto others. We shouldn't be concerned about that."
Additionally, Shakya pointed out that during his tenure, Kathmandu was ranked 9th by the federal government, but its ranking has now dropped to 17th.