Energy Minister Janardan Sharma has brushed off the reports about misappropriation of money in the process of the government acquiring LED bulbs from India as baseless.

Talking to media-persons on his way to home district Rukum, the minister said the process to buy the bulbs would be initiated after an agreement between governments of both Nepal and India. "So there is not any misappropriation of money in the process," he said.

In a different context, Minister Sharma directed Salyan branch of Nepal Electricity Authority to provide electricity at the earliest to start Khalanga Sitalpati Drinking Water Project.

Likewise, he justified that the local level polls are scheduled to take place in two phases with the motive to bring all groups including the disgruntled Madhesi Morcha onboard the elections.

Referring to clashes between cadres and leaders of various political parties at different places during a time when the polls are nearing, he also urged all political parties to exercise restraint. RSS