Kathmandu, Feb 19: Senior leader of the National Independent Party (NISP), Balen Shah, has pledged to transform Nepal’s Far West into a prosperous and self-reliant region.

Addressing the party’s “Parivartan Udghosh” assembly, Shah claimed that only his party has the determination and strength to fulfill the dream of uplifting the Far West. He emphasized ending the situation where citizens are deprived of education and health services due to financial hardship.

“The poor who do not have money in their pockets must get education and health services,” Shah said. “A road that could be built in two years should not take 20 years. Now it must be completed within one and a half years — that is our agenda.”

He strongly criticized delays in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, and stated that such delays would not be tolerated. Stressing urgency, he said roads must be completed by any means necessary, underscoring infrastructure as a top priority.

Shah further claimed that if his party comes to power, development projects, including road construction, would benefit cadres of all political parties — including Congress, UML, Maoists — as well as the general public.

Highlighting the Far West’s untapped natural and tourism potential, Shah referred to iconic destinations such as Badimalika Temple, Ramaroshan, and Khaptad National Park. Responding to comparisons of Nepal with Switzerland, he argued that the Far West itself holds world-class beauty and potential.

“People say Nepal should become Switzerland, but the father of Switzerland is Badimalika here,” Shah said. “The peaks of Switzerland are like Ramaroshan here, Khaptad is here — why do we need to copy others?”

He stressed the need to highlight the Far West’s identity and connect it emotionally and culturally with the rest of the country. According to him, national integration will be meaningful when Far Western culture, songs, and identity are celebrated in Kathmandu.

“The Far West will truly connect the day its songs are played in the squares of Kathmandu,” he said.

Concluding his speech, Shah claimed his party was not seeking votes but opportunities to work. “We have not come here to ask for votes; we have come to ask for work. Even if you do not vote, give us a list of tasks. We will prove ourselves through action,” he said. “Sudur is not far — it is close to my heart.”

The assembly reflected the party’s focus on development-driven messaging and regional empowerment as election campaigns intensify.