Prime Minister Balen Shah Criticized for Claiming Credit for Open Forum Preservation
Summary
Prime Minister Balen Shah is facing criticism for claiming credit for the preservation of Kathmandu’s historic open forum, despite earlier plans as mayor to build underground parking and sports facilities there. The article says the space was saved by citizen protests and heritage activists, not by his administration.
Key Points
- Balen Shah’s Facebook post claiming the open forum was “nicely made” and fit for new programs has drawn sharp criticism.
- The article says he previously pushed plans for underground parking and commercial sports fields at Tundikhel, sparking public opposition.
- Citizen protests and campaigns such as Occupy Tundikhel and Free Tundikhel are credited with stopping the projects and preserving the open space.
- The piece argues that the open forum’s current state is the result of public resistance, not political leadership.
