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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

Hello from Kathmandu,

A probe committee formed to investigate the violent protests on Sept 8–9 has recommended that the Nepal government ban former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and five other high-level officials from traveling abroad.

The committee, led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, made the recommendation following pressure from the interim government led by Sushila Karki. The other officials barred from leaving the country include former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Lal Rijal.

The commission has also ruled that these individuals must seek permission to leave the Kathmandu Valley. The decision is based on the premise that, as individuals under investigation, they must remain accessible to the commission at any time.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a controversial statement requesting that police refrain from arresting or prosecuting individuals involved in vandalism and arson of public and private property during the Sept 8–9 protests. This has drawn widespread criticism.

The ministry’s statement further noted that, since an inquiry commission has already been formed, government decisions will be based on the commission’s findings, and regular law enforcement mechanisms will not take action independently. Nevertheless, police have already arrested dozens in connection with the vandalism, including individuals involved in the killing of police officers and arson of police posts. There is growing pressure on the police to release these suspects.

Senior constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari has criticized the Home Ministry’s stance. “The police and prosecution in Nepal can and should act under criminal law independently of any independent commission’s timeline,” said Adhikari. “The commission’s report may inform broader accountability or reforms, including policing changes, but it does not halt criminal investigations.”

The National Human Rights Commission has urged the Nepal government to enhance national security and service delivery in view of the upcoming Dashain festival.

The CPN-UML convened its first secretariat meeting since the recent protests, during which the party strongly objected to the government’s reported decision to block former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from traveling abroad. Speaking after the meeting, UML leader Pradeep Gyawali said, “We have taken serious note of the news that a recommendation has been made for the suspension of Oli's passport. We strongly object to this move.”

Gyawali accused the government of taking a path of political revenge. “It appears that the government is not only avoiding consultations with other political parties but is also moving toward a policy of prohibition,” he said. “There are clear signs that the government is attempting to suppress political parties, which is a matter of serious concern for us.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has announced that it is investigating allegations that political leaders have been hoarding undeclared cash. In a statement, the ministry said the Department of Money Laundering Investigation is looking into the matter. This follows media reports that large sums of cash were found in the private residences of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The ministry added that it is taking seriously the reports—circulating in both mainstream and social media—that cash was burned or discovered in various locations during the GenZ protests. In a key appointment, the government has named Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, a former journalist and editor of The Himalayan Times, as Chief Advisor to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Govinda Narayan Timalsina has been appointed as Public Relations Officer. Meanwhile, GenZ protest groups are growing rapidly. One such group has released a statement declaring that they reject the current constitution. Like political parties, there are multiple GenZ protest groups driven by different political ideologies.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai

Editor 

As Nepal's interim government moves ahead with preparations for national elections scheduled for March 21 next year, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli—dismissed following the violent protests on Sept 8–9—has asserted that the current government does not offer a solution to the ongoing national crisis.

Speaking at a public program organized by the youth wing of his party in Bhaktapur amid tight security, the former Prime Minister urged political parties to seek a resolution to the crisis through constitutional means. This suggests that his party, the CPN-UML, does not recognize the legitimacy of the interim government led by Sushila Karki.

Despite internal pressure within the party for Oli to step down, he appears determined to continue shaping the party’s future direction. Just prior to the protests, the CPN-UML endorsed a proposal allowing Oli to lead the party for a third consecutive term.

Although the statement issued by President Ram Chandra Poudel on Sept 12 noted that Sushila Karki was appointed prime minister with the consent of then-PM Oli, Oli now claims he had instead urged the President to find a constitutional solution. It is argued that appointing a non-parliamentarian as prime minister was a violation of the constitution.

Referring to the protests, Oli said, “Less than one percent of the population is trying to impose their will on the remaining 99 percent.” Since leaving the Nepal Army barracks after a 10-day stay, Oli—who also serves as the CPN-UML chairman, the second-largest party in the now-dissolved House of Representatives—has resumed political activity, holding meetings with party delegations and calling a secretariat meeting to discuss the political situation.

In a strong statement that is likely to irk both the current government and protestors, Oli claimed the interim government was not formed by the people’s mandate but rather “on the foundation of vandalism and arson.” He vowed to restore the country’s constitutional framework.

This indicates that the UML could support restoring the dissolved Parliament and forming a new government—an extremely difficult task, especially amid growing public distrust of political parties. On social media, Oli’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism. Government ministers have also expressed concern that such statements could inflame an already fragile situation and pose law and order risks. Oli has further criticized the government for failing to provide him with adequate security, saying he has received threats but that authorities are not taking them seriously. “I see people locating my house and planning to attack it. What is the government doing?” he said. About the Sept 9 violence, Oli said: “Had there been a five-minute delay, I would have been killed. There was a plan to injure Sher Bahadurjee and kill me—but they failed. I trusted the security, but the army said they couldn’t do anything.”

As protestors demand that Oli be held accountable for the killing of 19 youths during the protests in Kathmandu on Sept 8, he challenged the government to produce evidence that he had ordered the shootings. “If the government has any record of instructions I gave, I challenge them to bring it forward,” he said. 

He refused to take responsibility as the head of the government, while on the same day, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, accepting responsibility for the killings.

Hinting at the involvement of both domestic and international forces, Oli remarked, “I see how different powers are playing their games and trying to steer Nepal in their direction. The Nepali people must stay alert.” He has publicly claimed that foreign forces conspired to remove him due to his nationalist stance.

Amid reports that the government is seeking to block the passports of senior leaders, including Oli, the former PM stated, “Are we going to flee abroad and hand over the country to this government? No—we will build this country.” However, Oli has yet to acknowledge mistakes made during his time in office, including the controversial social media ban. He is now preparing for dialogue with major parties, including the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Center).

In efforts to create a favorable atmosphere for the upcoming election, President Ram Chandra Poudel is holding consultations with senior leaders of the main parties. On Sept 26, he held an extended meeting with CPN-UML leaders Ishwar Pokhrel, Bishnu Poudel, and Shanker Pokhrel. UML leaders reportedly complained that the government is failing to ensure a conducive environment for elections.

Despite efforts, the three main parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center)—have yet to hold a joint meeting, leaving the future political course uncertain. Party leaders are increasingly suspicious that the current government may be planning to imprison them under the pretext of corruption.

In a significant political development following the recent GenZ protests, the CPN (Maoist Center) has dissolved its Central Committee and formed a special General Convention Organizing Committee aimed at electing a new leadership. This marks a bold move by the party to adapt to the shifting political landscape shaped by the youth-led protests on Sept 8–9.

A meeting of the party’s first Central Committee following the protests appointed party Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the coordinator of the newly formed convention organizing committee. “From today, I am no more the Chairman of the party but a coordinator of the organizing committee,” Dahal announced after the meeting.

The party plans to organize the general convention between December and January. However, despite the structural changes, Dahal is unlikely to relinquish his leadership position entirely, as second-rung leaders continue to insist there is no viable alternative to his leadership. Notably, Dahal rejected a proposal from senior leaders Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Janardhan Sharma urging him to step down.

In response to the growing demands from GenZ activists, the Maoist Center has become the first major political party to pledge structural reforms, including a decision to ensure 25 percent representation of GenZ members in all party committees—from the central level down to the grassroots. The party has attempted to portray itself as being aligned with the youth, reminding the public that it advocated for a directly elected executive president during the constitution drafting process in 2015.

Some Maoist leaders have expressed that the protests should have concluded after the government agreed to discuss the possibility of a directly elected executive head—an issue long championed by the Maoist party. During the protests, Maoist cadres were visibly active, with some involved in vandalizing private residences of leaders from the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML.

As an opposition force, the Maoist Center—along with the Rastriya Swatantra Party—tacitly supported the GenZ movement, further distinguishing itself from the other two major parties, NC and UML, which have been slower to respond. The party is now strategically attempting to rebrand itself as a responsive and reformist force in contrast to the perceived stagnation of its rivals. In contrast, both NC and UML remain in a state of disarray. Neither has yet convened official meetings in the presence of their top leaders—Sher Bahadur Deuba for NC and KP Sharma Oli for UML. Both parties have expressed conditional support for elections, insisting the government must first create an appropriate environment.

Within the NC, calls for leadership change are growing louder. Party President Deuba, recently discharged from hospital and now staying in a rented apartment, has remained silent on his future plans. Meanwhile, younger leaders like General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have launched a signature campaign to convene a special general convention to elect new leadership. Thapa is also in discussions with senior leader Shekhar Koirala on charting a course toward party reform.

However, Deuba loyalists such as Purna Bahadur Khadka and Prakash Sharan Mahat have criticized Thapa’s campaign, arguing that it is inappropriate to demand leadership change while the party president is recovering from illness. The NC leadership remains cautious, even skeptical, of the GenZ protests, with some senior leaders viewing the movement as a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing both the party and democracy. This cautious stance may delay any clear decision on elections, leadership transition, or internal restructuring.

Meanwhile, in the CPN-UML, the push for leadership change remains muted. Though there are murmurs among some younger leaders, most senior leaders remain loyal to KP Sharma Oli. After relocating to a rented apartment in Bhaktapur, Oli has been meeting with senior party members and sister organizations. In a recent interaction with party-affiliated journalists, he hinted at an alleged conspiracy against him, citing his "nationalist position" as a possible motive.

Though some youth voices are calling for internal reform, no substantial pressure has been applied on Oli to step aside. A youth-led initiative dubbed the "party reform revolution" has emerged within UML, but it remains to be seen whether it can generate enough momentum to bring about real change. For now, only the Maoist Center appears to be actively adapting to the new political dynamics triggered by the GenZ movement. The other two major parties—NC and UML—remain trapped in internal power struggles and hesitant to embrace reform or acknowledge the political message sent by the youth protests.