Takashi Miyahara has lived in Nepal for the past 41 years. He is a Nepali citizen of Japanese origin and has opened his own 'Nepal National Development Party'. An engineer and tourism entrepreneur, Miyahara says he became a Nepali citizen precisely so he could launch his party.

Himal Khabarpatrika: So, what's with this party?
Takashi Miyahara: This is a party not for politics but for development.

How so?
My plan is to build an east-west railway track, other underground trains, north-south trains to link with Indian towns and highways joining Birganj-Kathmandu, Narayanghat-Kathmandu, Narayanghat-Pokhara through tunnels. I would shift the capital to Narayanghat, build an international airport in Simara, build dams on the Kosi, Karnali, and Gandaki to assist in irrigation, a port, tourism and transportation.

When did you set up the party?
14/15 months ago.

How large is the party?
Not too big. But after our press conference last month 30/40 youngsters came up and said they'd join.

But you need 10,000 members to register a party.
We'll get there. But that rule should also apply to the other eight parties.

Are you also going to contest the elections?
I am planning to stand for elections from Lalitpur No 2. If I don't stand myself, I'll get the youngsters to do so.