By Dipak Gyawali
Butwal, Oct. 3: State 5 is on the way to fix its capital as its Cabinet has proposed Bhalubang area of Dang district as its capital.
Likewise, the name of the State is proposed Lumbini, which is the birthplace of the Buddha.
If the name of the State and capital is approved by the State Assembly, it will be the fifth State to complete the tasks. Of the seven states, State 1 and 2 are yet to make any progress in this direction while four states have already named themselves as Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim.
The Cabinet of State 5 has decided to send it to the State Assembly
As per the decision, the capital will include the areas of Rapti and Gadhawa Gaunpalikas of Dang and Sheetganga Gaunpalika of Arghakhanchi district.
Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of the State Kul Prasad KC said that the name and the capital would be fixed after they get approval from the State Assembly.
State 5 has 87 lawmakers - 61 of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP), 19 of the Nepali Congress, six of Madhes-based parties and one of Rastriya Janamorcha.
The Cabinet decision has made an immediate impact in Butwal with student unions taking to the street and professional associations close to the government expressing objections.
Chair of NCP Rupandehi Shiva Lal Subedi said that the state assembly had the right to decide about the name of the State and its capital so it would be according to the public opinion.
Chair of NC Rupandehi Abdul Razzac said his party was stunned to hear the proposal.
Other party representatives expressed mixed reactions. Meanwhile, the security has been intensified in Butwal to check any untoward activities.
Likewise, the people and leaders of Dang district have expressed happiness over the proposal.