Nepali Times

Dil Bhusan Pathak: You said you would build a lovers’ park and underground parking spaces in Kathmandu, but people didn’t take you too seriously.

Keshab Sthapit: Despite pressure I have always dreamt big and worked tirelessly to make those dreams come true. It’s usually the older generation that criticises me, the younger ones have been very receptive and welcomed my ideas.

You went from backing the UML to being pro-king and now you support the UCPN (Maoist)?

I don’t care much about political ideologies and affiliations. I work with those who want to build a better and prosperous Nepal. I stayed away from party politics for a while, but now I am a general member of the UML and I hope to do meaningful work.

The same government which made you the commissioner of KVDA, sacked you. Why?

None of the KVDA projects and plans was approved by the cabinet. And although PM Baburam Bhattarai had promised his full support, we were neither given any office space nor provided with resources. The PM had also said we would be allowed to work independently, but there was constant interference from Hisila Yami, her personal assistant, and others close to Bhattarai. I refused to follow their orders. When they realised they couldn’t get any benefits from KVDA, they said I was incompetent and were not comfortable working with me. 

Did you tell the PM about the constant intervention and pressures?

Yes I told him that I couldn’t work under such pressure from Hisila ji and would no longer report to her about the functioning of KVDA. It is ridiculous to ask me to give jobs to 20 of her relatives when the organisation itself is in such a poor state. Although he assured me that he would take care of things, I was sacked.

The Supreme Court (SC) has intervened in your case, what’s the verdict?

Yes the SC has stayed the government’s decision to dismiss me, but since I have already been removed from my post I cannot go back as commissioner unless the court orders.

If and when the SC reinstates you, what projects do you have in the pipeline?

Since Kathmandu is vulnerable to major earthquakes, the first project would be to prepare the Valley for such a disaster, raise awareness, and build emergency shelters. I would also work towards urban regeneration and making the newly expanded roads pedestrian and disabled friendly.

What if the PM calls you back?

I am ready to cooperate with Bhattarai or anyone else for the sake of nation building. However, the state needs to give me complete independence. I am against nepotism of any sort and refuse to give in to their greed.

 Watch the original interview in Nepali