I Have Now Received Justice In Wide Body Purchase Scam, Says Former Minister Shahi

• Man Bahadur Bishwakarma

27 December, Kalikot – Former Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and former Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, has stated that attempts were made to implicate him with ill intent in the wide body aircraft procurement case.

Speaking at a press interaction organized during a party program in Manma, the district headquarters of Kalikot, on Wednesday, Nepali Congress leader Shahi clarified his position on the allegations.

Shahi was suspended from office following accusations of irregularities in the wide body aircraft procurement case during his tenure as the tourism minister. However, the court later acquitted him, stating that he was not guilty.

After being exonerated by the court, Shahi embarked on a series of public assemblies across Karnali. He was warmly welcomed in Kalikot on Wednesday, where he was accompanied by Minister for Water Supply and Resources Vijaya Budha, Provincial Planning Commission member Ashok Nath Yogi, and Nepali Congress Central Committee member Man Bahadur Nepali, among other leaders.

During the press interaction organized by Press Union Nepal, Kalikot, Shahi responded to journalists’ queries, asserting that he had no involvement or directive in the wide body aircraft procurement and that the allegations against him were baseless. "I have now received justice," Shahi stated.

"After being acquitted by the court, I am meeting the people of Karnali to seek their blessings," he said.

Shahi also claimed credit for initiating several significant projects in Karnali during his tenure as Chief Minister. In response to questions, he highlighted efforts to allocate additional budgets for corridors, conduct test flights at Suntharali Airport, and secure funding for the Khulalu Bridge, among other initiatives.

He lamented that, despite having the opportunity to work for the people, certain adversaries had filed cases against him early in his tenure as Chief Minister, hindering his ability to execute plans as envisioned. However, he emphasized that "in the end, the people have triumphed."

Meanwhile, Ashok Nath Yogi, a member of the Provincial Planning Commission, stated that since assuming his role, he has been working to transform the commission into a dynamic body. "We are breaking through widespread despair and instilling hope," he said, adding, "Being a member isn’t just about holding a title; it requires delivering tangible results."

Yogi also revealed that the second five-year plan for the Karnali Province is set to be approved soon by the provincial council of ministers. Once implemented, this plan will focus on infrastructure, religious tourism, agricultural production, employment, and promoting digital Karnali. He emphasized that the vision for the next five years includes good governance, social justice, and a prosperous Karnali.