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KP Sharma Oli has made it clear that he is not planning to step down as party chair in the near future. This comes despite calls from the public and party leaders to hand over the leadership to the new generation.

In a Zoom meeting with the party’s district presidents, the head of CPN-UML said that what happened on September 8–9 was a conspiracy against him, his party, and ultimately the country. “Though I am kicked out of power, I am continuously working for the party and country,” said Oli.

Even the top leaders of the party want to see Oli continue as leader. Within the UML, leader Mahesh Basnet has been vocal against the government and the Zen-Z protestors. Other top leaders—except General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, who frequently expresses his opinion on Facebook—have remained silent.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress is preparing to hold a series of meetings in the coming weeks. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has yet to appear in public after being attacked by protestors on September 9, has called a meeting of the party’s senior leaders to discuss the agenda for the Central Working Committee, which will convene soon. The CWC meeting is likely to clarify the party’s position on elections and the restoration of democracy.

Deuba is also expected to appoint Purna Bahadur Khadka as acting party president in response to the Zen-Z protests. Party General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have initiated a signature campaign demanding a special general convention of the party. However, this move is being opposed by second-tier leaders aligned with Deuba, who are attempting to block Thapa’s rise to party leadership.

Amid fears of another wave of Zen-Z protests and possible clashes with youth organizations of major political parties, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an appeal for dialogue and negotiation. It has urged protestors to express their agendas through civil, dignified, and peaceful means.

Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the chiefs of security agencies and the Home Minister have differing opinions on how to proceed against those involved in the killing of 19 students on September 8 and the vandalism and arson the next day. A group of Zen-Z protestors is demanding the arrest of Oli and his Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

According to reports, Home Minister Aryal and Prime Minister Karki are in favor of arresting the leaders, while the heads of the security agencies believe that such action could further inflame tensions. It remains unclear whether the government will leave this matter to the probe committee or take direct action.

There are still fears that potential street protests could turn violent, especially as the morale of the security forces has declined. During the September 8–9 protests, the Nepali Police were a primary target—protestors looted their weapons and vandalized offices. Media reports indicate growing misunderstandings between the Home Minister and security officials on how to handle the situation. Tensions could rise further if clashes erupt between Zen-Z groups and youth wings of political parties.

In a new development, the Election Commission (EC) is preparing to hold consultations with major political parties regarding the upcoming elections. This is expected to create a more favorable environment for conducting the elections. Earlier, the EC had faced criticism for preparing unilaterally without consulting the parties. The EC will hold talks with political leaders on October 16.

Separately, Prime Minister Sushila Karki has assured the EC that the government is ready to provide logistical support to conduct the elections. Two major parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—are quietly preparing to file a case in the Supreme Court demanding the restoration of the dissolved Parliament. In the current fragile political climate, a possible court-ordered restoration of Parliament cannot be ruled out. If the case moves forward, it could impact the election environment.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has briefed Nepali ambassadors abroad on the foreign policy priorities of her government. She instructed the ambassadors to coordinate with relevant organizations to ensure the success of the elections. “We will inform you separately and soon if we need to request special technical support from a friendly country,” said Karki.

She also mentioned that homework is underway on whether Nepali citizens temporarily living abroad can vote in the upcoming elections. In her policy paper, Karki discussed the current geopolitical situation and Nepal’s economic diplomacy. Unlike previous prime ministers, she did not emphasize that the new government’s priority is immediate neighbors India and China.

UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer Hamdy met with PM Karki to reaffirm the United Nations’ strong partnership with Nepal. According to the UN Nepal office, the discussions highlighted shared priorities: credible and inclusive elections in 2026, advancing transitional justice, promoting good governance, tackling misinformation, and sustaining progress toward graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. “The UN remains committed to supporting Nepal’s democratic journey and the aspirations of its people for peace, justice, and prosperity,” the office said.

In sum, it appears the government is focused on holding elections on time.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai 

Editor 

At least 52 people have been killed and several remain missing due to landslides and floods caused by torrential rains on Oct 4 and 5. The highest number of casualties has been reported in Koshi Province, with 37 deaths in Ilam district alone due to landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall.

From Sunday, there are no risks of heavy to very heavy rainfall, although light to moderate showers are still likely in some parts of the country. On Friday and Saturday, Bagmati and Madhes Provinces were particularly hard hit by the torrential rains.

Several highways that were blocked by landslides have been partially reopened. The BP Highway, which had only recently been repaired after massive damage in last year’s floods, has been damaged again. It is expected to take 3–4 days to fully restore access along the BP Highway.

The interim government led by Sushila Karki has been credited with better preparations for relief and rescue operations. Private airlines have been operating charter flights to assist passengers stranded in major cities. 

Ministers were reportedly concerned that poor handling of the crisis could lead to public criticism, especially since the government was formed only three weeks ago. Last year, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lost public support due to inadequate response to the floods and landslides that severely affected central Kathmandu.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the disaster, stating: The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time. As a friendly neighbor and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required.”

However, the Nepal government has not yet sought international assistance. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has instructed relevant agencies to collect and submit preliminary damage assessments, including the number of people affected and details of the impacted areas.

District administration offices have been directed to provide relief to the families of the deceased and arrange free treatment for the injured.

Due to ongoing heavy rains, the Saptakoshi River has reached its highest recorded water level, crossing the extremely high danger mark. As a result, all 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened. The government has announced that it will provide Rs 200,000 in relief to the families of those who died due to floods and landslides.

With the Dashain festival drawing to a close, political parties are set to resume their activities. The CPN-UML is preparing to hold its Central Committee meeting to discuss party leadership and its future political direction.

Before that, the party will convene a meeting of its 18-member Secretariat. Pressure is mounting on PM KP Sharma Oli to step down as party chair, but he remains reluctant.

The CPN (Maoist Center) has begun preparations for its general convention, having already dissolved its Central Committee to form a Convention Organizing Committee. 

The Maoist party was also the first to engage with the GenZ protests. Prime Minister Sushila Karki recently held an extended consultation with representatives from the GenZ protest movement, with 25 representatives from five different groups in attendance. As various GenZ factions are emerging with differing political demands, the PM aimed to gather diverse views to find common ground and potentially bring all groups under one platform.

Some GenZ protesters are advocating for constitutional amendments to introduce a directly elected Prime Minister, while others want to retain the current parliamentary system. 

In her national address, PM Karki clarified that constitutional amendments fall outside the jurisdiction of her interim government. Additionally, some GenZ groups are calling for the removal of the Chief Justice and other justices of the Supreme Court, intensifying political pressure on the judiciary.

It has been revealed that on Sept 9, the Nepali Army warned President Ramchandra Paudel and senior leaders of major political parties to reach a decision regarding government formation by that night. According to a report published by Janastha newspaper, Army Chief Ashok Sigdel reportedly told the leaders: “The movement will intensify after the army takes over the power. Once power is taken, the army will not return until everything is in order. It will be difficult to retreat.” The army chief reportedly said: “In that case, you must decide on your own. Create an environment for forming the government immediately.” Citing sources, the report says the Army submitted two proposals to the President: Permission to declare a state of emergency, and formation of a consensus government among major political parties and protest groups.

Greetings from Kathmandu!

Torrential rainfall that began on Oct 3 has wreaked havoc across central Nepal and parts of the Madhes Province, triggering widespread landslides, floods, and infrastructural damage. With major highways blocked, the capital city of Kathmandu has been effectively cut off from the rest of the country. The Nepal government has imposed a ban on vehicular movement to and from Kathmandu, citing public safety concerns.

In response to the crisis, the government has declared public holidays for Sunday and Monday (Oct 5 and 6) to ease pressure on emergency services and reduce public mobility. Domestic flights have been grounded due to poor visibility, while many international flights have been diverted.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the Tarai region has experienced severe downpours. Birgunj recorded 143 mm of rain in the past 12 hours, followed closely by Bara (140.4 mm), Gaur in Rautahat (129 mm), and Maheshpur in Rautahat (124 mm). The continuous rainfall is expected to persist at least until Oct 5.

Hundreds of people returning to Kathmandu after celebrating the Dashain festival are now stranded along highways, unable to move forward due to blocked roads. The government has directed Chief District Officers to arrange food and shelter for those stuck in transit. Residents living along the flood-prone banks of rivers in the Kathmandu Valley have been evacuated and moved to nearby schools, which have been converted into temporary shelters.

To support rescue operations, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed private helicopter companies to keep their aircraft on standby. Encouragingly, several private aviation firms have pledged to support rescue missions free of cost. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal reiterated that the government's top priority is the protection of human lives.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki issued a video message to assure the public that the government has mobilized all available resources to manage the disaster. “Our agencies are fully prepared for rescue and relief operations despite adverse natural conditions,” she said. Karki emphasized the importance of a coordinated response and praised the readiness of both governmental and non-governmental actors.

Major political parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), and Rastriya Swatantra Party have instructed their party cadres to support rescue and relief efforts at the local level. The CPN-UML has postponed its Secretariat meeting scheduled for October 5 to prioritize disaster response. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has directed its subordinate offices to ensure the continuity of communication services, fearing possible breakdowns due to damaged infrastructure.

In a separate tragic incident, six people died in a jeep accident in Kattike, Kummayak Rural Municipality-3, Pachthar district. The Bolero jeep (Me 1 Ja 3055) was en route to Dharan from Sawa of Mikkakhola Rural Municipality when it veered 300 meters off the road. All six passengers, including the driver, lost their lives. The injured have been transferred to Dharan for medical treatment, said Arun Pokharel, Chief District Officer of Pachthar.

This fresh wave of flooding comes at a time when Nepal is still reeling from the violent GenZ protests of Sept 8–9, which led to the deaths of 76 people and caused extensive damage to both public and private property. The protests—sparked by youth-led demands for government transparency, accountability, and employment reforms—left the nation deeply divided. While the government pledged reform, it is now facing renewed pressure as another national crisis unfolds. The Ministry of Finance has appealed for transparency in relief donations, urging contributors at home and abroad to deposit funds directly into its official account at Rastriya Banijya Bank under the Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Fund. This move is intended to ensure proper utilization and accountability of financial contributions for both disaster and protest-related recovery.

Nepal’s economy, already under strain due to slow post-covid recovery, ongoing reconstruction efforts, and upcoming election expenditures, is now facing the additional burden of infrastructure repair and emergency relief. Highways damaged during last year’s monsoon have once again been severely impacted, underscoring the vulnerability of Nepal’s transportation and communication infrastructure to extreme weather events. As rescue operations continue and weather forecasts remain grim, the coming days will be critical in determining the extent of the damage and the effectiveness of Nepal’s disaster response systems. The government, political parties, civil society, and private sector are being put to the test—not just in terms of immediate action, but in preparing long-term solutions for a country increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor

Greetings from Kathmandu!

Vijaya Dashami, the main day of the Dashain festival, was celebrated across the country with families coming together to offer and receive Tika and blessings from elders. However, Prime Minister Sushila Karki did not participate in the traditional Tika ceremony this year.

Instead, she met with families of the martyrs and emphasized that the government is exploring ways to support them, particularly in education and employment sectors. She remarked, "People in the government did not have enough wisdom," referring to the leadership during the protests. Karki met

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved continued financial assistance to Nepal under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The IMF Executive Board endorsed the sixth review of Nepal’s ECF program, signaling confidence in the country’s economic reforms. This approval opens the door for Nepal to access further financial resources under the program.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued a travel advisory ahead of a forecast of significant rainfall between Oct 17 and 20. Moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential travel during this period. In light of the forecast, vehicular movement along the Banepa-Sindhuli highway—severely damaged by last year’s monsoon—has been temporarily banned.

With Dashain festivities coming to a close, political activities are expected to pick up momentum. Major parties are gearing up for internal meetings to outline future strategies. The Election Commission, which has already begun preparations for the upcoming elections, is set to hold consultations with political parties. Additionally, the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are planning to convene an all-party meeting to develop a common stance on key contemporary issues, including electoral matters.

No negotiations have yet taken place between the government and political parties—a necessary step to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections. The absence of dialogue is raising concerns about the feasibility and credibility of the electoral process.

Adding to the tension, two major political parties—Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML—have strongly objected to the government’s decision to bar former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and other senior officials from traveling abroad. The decision has been criticized as politically motivated.

In contrast, the CPN (Maoist Center) has remained silent on the matter. According to insiders, party Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal views the growing unpopularity of NC and UML as an opportunity to strengthen the Maoist Center's position. Notably, during the GenZ protests, Maoist leaders were not significantly targeted—something Dahal reportedly sees as a strategic advantage in the shifting political landscape.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor

Greetings from Kathmandu!

There has been a significant drop in the production and dissemination of news, as Nepali journalists are busy celebrating the Dashain festival. Political activities are minimal, except for leaders issuing Dashain greetings. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has urged residents to remain alert about dengue infections in the Valley. The local authority stated that it is adopting preventive measures to control the disease. Since 2021, the number of dengue cases has been gradually rising across Nepal. Once limited to the Terai districts, dengue has now spread to all 75 districts of the country.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of the country this week, due to the likely formation of a depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal. This could impact people traveling home for Dashain celebrations. Government agencies have issued travel advisories, urging the public to remain cautious during the rainfall.

The Nepali Congress has objected to the government’s decision to bar KP Sharma Oli from traveling abroad. In a press statement, the party urged the government not to take revenge against opposition leaders or promote impunity. It also criticized the government’s directive to the police not to arrest or take action against individuals involved in vandalism and arson, calling it a mockery of the rule of law. Earlier, the CPN-UML had also objected to the decision. Leaders from both parties have expressed concern that such actions could hinder the environment necessary for holding free and fair elections on Oct 1.

The multiple GenZ protest groups, divided by different demands and political ideologies, are now attempting to unite on common causes such as ending corruption, promoting good governance, providing relief to the families of those killed during protests, and ensuring successful elections. However, there are concerns that some forces may try to exploit the GenZ protestors to serve their own agendas. There are reports that GenZ protestors are planning another demonstration in Kathmandu on Oct 9. However, some leading activists have released video messages denying such plans, expressing a desire to avoid violence in the coming days.

There is growing public concern over Mayor Balendra Shah, who was previously seen as a driving force behind the GenZ protests but has remained silent after the violence. He is under scrutiny for reportedly failing to send fire trucks when protestors set Singha Durbar on fire. Since the protests, Shah has mostly stayed quiet but has ramped up public relations efforts highlighting the progress made by the Metropolitan City. Though he remains popular among youth, his approval rating has slightly declined for the first time since being elected mayor in 2022.

Within the CPN-UML, some leaders are projecting former President Bidya Devi Bhandari as a potential party chairperson to replace the incumbent KP Sharma Oli. Recently, Bhandari held consultations with several politicians and intellectuals regarding the current political situation. Despite facing internal challenges, Oli has indicated he does not intend to step down, claiming he remains "popular among the people." However, his public reputation has taken a hit. In previous crises, Oli often played the "nationalist card" to regain support, but this time, it appears to be ineffective now.

Nepalis are now preparing for the main day of the Dashain festival on Oct 2, when people receive Tika and blessings from elders and respected members of their families. This year, President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki will not be offering Tika to the public in light of the deaths of over 74 people during the GenZ protests. According to Nepal Police, more than one million people have left Kathmandu to celebrate Dashain, leaving the Valley nearly empty. Except for essential shops, most markets remain closed. On a positive note, major highways across Nepal remain functional despite minor landslides in some areas.

People who have reached their hometowns to celebrate the Dashain festival appear joyful.  They are sharing short videos of their villages, highlighting their deep connection to their birthplace, local environment, culture, and warmth of family love and reunion. I am really missing home and plan to leave early tomorrow morning.

Even during the Dashain festival, the newsletter will continue without interruption.

Happy Dashain to all.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor 

The violent protests of Sept 8–9 led to the collapse of the powerful coalition government led by the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, with KP Sharma Oli at the helm. More than three weeks have passed since the formation of the interim government under Sushila Karki, established on the mandate of the GenZ protests.

Second-rung and youth leaders from the major political parties—NC, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center)—who had long demanded changes in party and government leadership, have now aligned with GenZ’s core demands: curbing corruption, restoring law and order, and initiating leadership reforms.

The CPN (Maoist Center) has already dissolved its Central Committee to prepare for a general convention. Within the Nepali Congress, leaders Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma are pushing for a leadership transition.

However, within the UML, resistance to change remains strong. While some party leaders have voiced that KP Sharma Oli should at least step down as chairman, Oli has remained defiant. Critics within the party warn that maintaining the status quo could damage the UML’s chances in upcoming elections.

Oli, who has faced a storm of criticism—particularly on mainstream media and social media—for the deaths of 19 youths during the protests, has shown no signs of accepting responsibility. A senior UML leader who attended a recent party meeting said, “Even after such major changes in the political landscape, Oli has not acknowledged his mistakes.”

According to the leader, Oli dismissed the protests as being driven by foreign interference, claiming that “Nepali citizens would never engage in such violence.” He also reportedly told colleagues that his nationalist policies and efforts to strengthen ties with China made him a target of foreign conspiracies.

As Oli continues to deflect blame, he has made it clear he has no intention of resigning as party chair. Over the past week, he has repeatedly insisted that he never ordered the police to open fire on protestors. Oli has also labeled the current interim government “unconstitutional,” accusing it of coming to power through violence and destruction. In response, the government has imposed restrictions on his movement: he is barred from foreign travel and must seek permission from the probe committee to leave the Kathmandu Valley.

Despite growing internal criticism, Oli retains support within the UML. Of the party’s 18-member Secretariat, more than half still back his continued leadership. His loyalists argue that removing Oli now would further weaken the party, and blame second-rung leaders for the UML's current disarray. Nevertheless, some leaders are now openly challenging Oli’s authority. While Oli has signaled that any leadership transition will follow party procedure—beginning with a Central Committee meeting to discuss a general convention—calls for fresh leadership are growing.

Some voices within the party have even floated the idea of bringing back former president Bidya Devi Bhandari as a unifying leader. However, the party has already formally revoked her membership, complicating that possibility. As pressure mounts, the UML stands at a crossroads—torn between loyalty to a controversial leader and the growing demand for reform from both within and outside the party.

Nepalis across the country celebrated Maha Asthami, the eighth day of the ten-day-long Bada Dashain festival, by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani. With the nation immersed in festive celebrations, political activity has significantly slowed. According to Nepal Police, over 111,000 people have left the Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours to reunite with family and celebrate the festival.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa, delivered a comprehensive address during the UN General Assembly’s high-level debate, calling for urgent international solidarity to address global crises. Thapa highlighted Nepal’s recent socio-political challenges and achievements, framing them within the broader need for strengthened multilateral cooperation.

Referring to the recent GenZ-led protests, Thapa emphasized the youth’s demand for transparent governance, equal opportunity, and an end to corruption. He acknowledged their aspirations for “a fair, just, and prosperous Nepal,” while also expressing concern over the violence that occurred during the demonstrations, which resulted in casualties and damage to public infrastructure.

In response to the changing political landscape, Ghanashyam Bhushal, General Secretary of the CPN (Unified Socialist), released a statement outlining key proposals: political parties should issue a white paper evaluating the post-constitution political developments, a high-level commission should be formed to investigate the properties of individuals in senior positions, undeclared wealth should be nationalized, communist parties should unify and take decisive action against corruption and employment generation must become a national priority.

Adding to the political tension, the Rastriya Yuba Sangh, a youth wing affiliated with a major political party, issued a statement condemning the government’s decision to bar party chairman KP Sharma Oli from traveling abroad. The organization also opposed the Nepal Police’s plan to arrest CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet in connection with a cyber-crime investigation.

Controversy has also emerged around Gauri Bahadur Karki, the chair of the investigation commission tasked with probing the Sept 8–9 GenZ protests. Karki has faced criticism over a series of posts he made on X (formerly Twitter) before assuming the role, in which he sharply criticized political leaders—raising concerns about impartiality.

In cultural news, Aryatara Shakya, a two-year-and-eight-month-old girl, has been selected as the new Kumari, or living goddess. She was ceremoniously carried from her home in a Kathmandu alley to the traditional temple palace, replacing the outgoing Kumari, who retires upon reaching puberty. In the tourism sector, flights between Ramechhap and Lukla have resumed, targeting tourists heading to the Everest Base Camp during the autumn trekking season. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that operations have restarted to accommodate increased travel demand.

Hello, greetings from Kathmandu

Today marks the seventh day of the 10-day-long Dashain festival. On this occasion of Bijaya Dashami, the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, politicians, and high-level government officials extended their best wishes to the public.

As this newsletter is being written, thousands of people are on their way home to celebrate the Dashain festival. However, some remain stranded due to landslides along major highways. In his message, President Ram Chandra Poudel called on all citizens to remain patient and extend their full support and cooperation in holding the upcoming elections on the announced date.

He emphasized the need to ensure the continuity of the people-elected parliament and government. Since the formation of the new interim government on Sept 12, President Poudel’s consistent message has been the timely execution of elections. He sees no other democratic way out of the current crisis than going to the polls as scheduled.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki, in her message, reiterated her commitment to holding the elections on March 5. She stated that the current government was formed on the foundation of GenZ protests and that it would conduct the elections to the House of Representatives on time. Karki faces mounting pressure to hold the elections on the stipulated date while also addressing the demands of protestors and political parties. In her address to the nation, she has made it clear that the government cannot fulfill demands that fall outside the bounds of the current constitution.

She carries the herculean task of creating an appropriate environment for elections amid provocative statements from both political leaders and GenZ protestors. So far, Karki has not held meetings with any political leaders. However, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and other forces are pressuring her to amend the constitution to pave the way for a directly elected president.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Coordinator of the Special Convention Organizing Committee of CPN (Maoist Center), expressed hope that cultural festivals like Dashain would inspire collective efforts toward building a prosperous Nepal with social justice, by overcoming the present complexities.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, in his message, described the events during the GenZ demonstrations as unimaginable and tragic in Nepal’s history. This is Deuba’s first public statement since the protests, during which he was severely beaten by protestors.

Interestingly, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has not issued any statement on Dashain so far. Meanwhile, on Sunday night, Nepal Police raided the Jawalakhel-based residence of Bhushan Rana, brother of Arzu Rana Deuba and brother-in-law of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Police have yet to release any official information about the raid. The move follows Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal's recent instruction to reopen long-sidelined corruption cases, including the high-profile fake Bhutanese refugee scandal.

CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has claimed that the country has become a "deep state laboratory" due to geopolitical conflicts—though he did not elaborate on the statement. However, it is clear that CPN-UML suspects the involvement of foreign powers in the recent protests in Nepal.

In a Facebook post, Pokharel wrote: “Our country fell under the grip of geopolitical conflict. We could not protect ourselves from their game of weakening national power.” Communist parties in Nepal often view external conspiracies behind domestic developments that don’t align with their interests. His statement came a day after a day-long party meeting, where Chairman KP Sharma Oli shared his views and insights regarding the ongoing protests.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party(RSP) has directed its lawmakers to submit their red diplomatic passport and parliamentary identity cards to the Parliament Secretariat. Following the GenZ protests, the party announced the mass resignation of its parliamentarians. The protests have also triggered internal disputes within the party.

Note: In light of the country’s critical situation, The Annapurna Express has launched a daily newsletter aimed at informing both our domestic and international readers about the latest developments in Nepal. If readers need any clarification about what is happening in Nepal, feel free to contact me at [email protected]

Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor