Amid complaints from provincial governments about the interim government’s “indifference” towards them, Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday held discussions with all chief ministers, expressing her commitment to act under the constitutional framework.

During the meeting, Karki stressed that the interim government understands its limits and would not take any step beyond what is prescribed in the national charter. The government led by a former chief justice was formed following the deadly Gen Z movement that ousted the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition government.

As a section of protesters still advocates scrapping the provinces, or restructuring them, provincial governments are sceptical of the Karki administration.

However, Karki expressed her commitment to federalism as provided for in the constitution. “The prime minister expressed strong commitment for the constitution and federalism,” Kamal Bahadur Shah, chief minister of Sudurpaschim Province, told the Post.

“The deadlock in communication with the federal government has ended with today’s [Sunday] meeting.” The prime minister also said her Cabinet will move ahead in collaboration and coordination with the provincial governments.

As per the statement issued by the prime minister’s secretariat, Karki said the government was working for the country’s betterment.

“There is no reason for anyone to doubt us. We intend to cooperate with the provinces,” the prime minister said. “This country is ours. It is we who must improve it and build it. If we do not bring about changes by ourselves, no one else will do it for us. Therefore, if there are problems, let us solve them together.”

The chief ministers had strongly objected to the move of the federal government to issue circulars to the provincial governments to enforce cost-cutting measures. They complained that several development projects had been obstructed due to the instruction.

“We clearly said that provinces have parallel governments, which are not the federal government’s subordinates. It cannot issue circulars to us,” Chet Narayan Acharya, chief minister of Lumbini Province, told the Post. “The prime minister has asked the finance minister to resolve the matter. She was positive about respecting the spirit of federalism—which is cooperation, collaboration and coexistence.”

Acharya, who is a CPN-UML leader, has been vocal about the budget cut from the federal parliament. Addressing a public event in Arghakhanchi last week, he said that projects directly related to the people, such as roadways, drinking water, and urban development, have come to a complete halt after the decision. Acharya had further said such abrupt budget cuts are not conducive to addressing people’s aspirations for development and a better life.

A few days after assuming office, Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal decided to halt various small projects totalling Rs120 billion as part of austerity measures. The money saved would fund post-Gen Z protest recovery. He decided to scrap poorly prepared and fragmented projects and introduce strict measures to control wasteful spending.

During Sunday’s meeting, Karki reiterated her government’s commitment to timely, free and fair elections. “An elected government is necessary for stability. Elections and political parties complement each other and one cannot function without the other. Without political parties, this system cannot run,” she said. “We have also told the new generation [Gen Z] to form parties, participate in the elections, and seek public endorsement of their agendas.”

She explained that all necessary arrangements are being made for the security agencies to get them ready for the polls. The process of purchasing vehicles that are urgently needed by the police has already begun. She also shared that neighbouring countries were providing vehicles while other countries had promised financial assistance.

During the meeting, the chief ministers, mainly from the UML, blamed the federal government for failing to create a conducive environment for the elections. “We asked how peaceful elections can be held when thousands of inmates are absconding while the security agencies are yet to reclaim hundreds of their lost arms,” said Acharya. “Remarks from some of the ministers have also created mistrust.”

However, Karki said around 90 percent of police structures damaged during the movement have been rebuilt by the local people themselves. This in turn has helped boost police morale and strengthen relations between the people and the police.

“Elections have been held even under much more difficult circumstances. Out of 120 types of materials required by the Election Commission, more than 90 percent are already available. The rest are being managed. The commission has expressed full confidence that elections can be held on the scheduled date,” Karki said.

“Looted and lost weapons are being recovered. The locations of remaining weapons have already been tracked. Escaped prisoners are also returning,” the prime minister added.

In response, the chief ministers said they are ready to work with the federal government on elections. “No political party is running away from elections. We are ready to support in whichever way we can. But it is up to the federal government to create the right environment for it,” said Shah.