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Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have formed a two-party mechanism in the Koshi Province for systematic and effective operation of provincial government.

Unveiling the decisions of the mechanism made on Tuesday, Sherdhan Rai, UML's Koshi Province Committee In-Charge, said that the mechanism was formed to ensure political stability and good-governance.

The mechanism will function as a watchdog to accelerate developmental works and to prevent irregularities of all kinds, said Rai, assuring that it will change citizens' despair into hope.

The mechanism will hold a broad discussion on November 29 with all the provincial ministers in a bid to make the public service delivery effective and enhance the systematic and effective operation of the provincial government, shared Rai, also member of the three-member mechanism.

Likewise, another member and also Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki expressed his confidence that the mechanism would serve as an additional catalyst to the provincial government to deliver well.

Similarly, another member of the mechanism, Uddhav Thapa of Nepali Congress believed that the mechanism would be helpful for the provincial government in its effective functioning.

The two-party mechanism formed in the Koshi Province includes Sherdhan Rai, Hikmat Karki and Ghanashyam Khatiwada from CPN-UML while Uddhav Thapa, Bhupendra Rai and Umesh Thapa are from NC.

It may be noted that the ruling parties UML and NC have recently formed a two-party mechanism with four members from each party in the federal level to ensure smooth functioning of the government.

The mechanism is being extended to provincial and district level as well including Koshi Province.

The Nepali Congress' federal lawmakers have pledged to provide 15 days' salary for relief operations for the victims of natural calamities.

The meeting of the NC Parliamentarian Party expressed sorrow over the unimaginable loss of lives and properties due to landslides, floods and inundation caused by torrential rains on September 27 and 28 in different districts.

The attendees of the meeting extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of those injured in the natural disasters.

The meeting decided to provide financial support through the government, it was shared.

It may be noted that the death toll from the recent rainfall and subsequent disasters have claimed 148 lives till date. While 55 have gone missing, and 100 others injured, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated.

NC President and Parliamentary Party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba presided over the meeting at his personal residence, Budhanilakantha.

Deuba, also the former Prime Minister, urged the incumbent government to accelerate the reconstruction process of important public infrastructures such as roads, bridges, school buildings, health posts and police posts among others which sustained damages from the recent rain-triggered flood, landslide and inundation.

Additionally, the parliamentarians highlighted the need for immediate rehabilitation of those rendered homeless by disasters, informed Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire. 

They also appealed to all members of the federal parliament to contribute to this cause from their respective roles.

This week, the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML coalition formed a task force to develop the government’s common minimum program (CMP), a positive step, though albeit delayed. Once the CMP is finalized, it will provide a clear direction for the coalition government, serving as a guiding document for ministers across party lines, many of whom are currently unclear about their priorities. The CMP could also help reduce growing tensions between the NC and UML.

The two parties also agreed to begin discussions with stakeholders on constitutional amendments. Amending the 2015 Constitution, which was promulgated amid violence in the Madhes region, remains a sensitive political issue, drawing both internal and external attention. The Madhes-based parties are also preparing to clarify their stance on the amendments. According to NC General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, one of the CMP’s key elements will be the constitutional amendment, which aims to strengthen federalism, inclusive democracy, and proportional representation.

How the constitution amendment process will unfold in the run up to the 2027 national elections remains uncertain. NC and UML appear to be seeking changes to certain provisions, including the electoral system, which is likely to lead to strong opposition from progressive forces. Managing these issues will be challenging. 

As major parties gear up for constitutional amendments, the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is preparing street protests, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Nepal as a Hindu state. RPP Chairperson Rajendra Lingden also met with former King Gyanendra Shah this week. 

In another story this week, the newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff,  Ashok Raj Sigdel, outlined his priorities, focusing on national security, military diplomacy, internal reforms within the Nepali Army, and addressing delays in major infrastructure projects like the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast-Track.

Also this week, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, who is under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a fund embezzlement of a financial cooperative, admitted for the first time that media outlets, including his own Gorkha Media, misused the funds. Lamichhane also faced protests from embezzlement victims in Pokhara. Earlier, the RSP leader and former Home Minister was questioned for several hours by a parliamentary committee investigating his involvement in the cooperative scam. 

It is said Lamichhane has sought protection from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli against potential legal actions. 

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader Dhanraj Gurung has also been implicated in the cooperative scandal. He has expressed his willingness to face a parliamentary inquiry.

This week, NC, UML, and the Maoist party showed a rare unity to challenge Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to extend the no-construction zone along riverbanks by an additional 20 meters. Prime Minister Oli has called for a review of the Supreme Court’s decision, reigniting his ongoing dispute with Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal continued to garner attention this week, as he is on a tour of the country, aiming to strengthen the party’s organizational base. Dahal is under pressure to solidify his party’s position after NC and UML opted not to form a pre-election alliance. He has also cautioned NC and UML against constitutional amendments that could undo “progressive agendas” enshrined in the 2015 Constitution.

Talks about the Nepal-India Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report resurfaced in national politics this week, with Prime Minister Oli once again urging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to receive it. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also raised the issue. 

Another significant political development this week concerned Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Indira Rana Magar, who could face impeachment for allegedly misusing her letterhead to request the US Embassy in Kathmandu to arrange visa interview dates for individuals not associated with her office. The ruling NC and UML are preparing to impeach Rana Magar. Rana Magar’s party, RSP, along with the Maoist Center and CPN (Unified Socialist), are expected to oppose the impeachment effort.

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly kicked off in New York this week, with the resolution of conflicts as one of its main priorities. Prime Minister Oli is preparing to attend the assembly, marking his first international trip since assuming office. Oli, who will be accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, is expected to lay out Nepal’s position on regional and international issues during his address to the UN. The prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders, including his Indian counterpart Modi, on the margins of the UN meeting.  

Bipul Pokhrel, the president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), resigned this week, just ahead of the federation’s planned elections. The FNJ has long been grappling with internal disputes over membership distribution. Pokhrel’s resignation has added to the conflict and uncertainty within the federation.

Also this week, Deputy Prime Ministers and other ministers signed a performance agreement with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli outlining key tasks and goals for the current fiscal year. The agreement was signed and exchanged during a program held on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. A similar agreement was also signed between the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal.

The performance agreement aims to support the national vision of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ by ensuring timely completion of infrastructure projects and improvements in service delivery. However, while such agreements are routinely signed by new prime ministers, their implementation often falters due to frequent changes in ministers and the transfer of secretaries.

A key point in the seven-point agreement signed by Nepal’s two largest political parties, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, in early July is amendments to the Constitution. However, almost two months after forming a powerful coalition, no specific details have emerged about the proposed amendments.

Both domestic and international observers are eager to know what changes NC and UML intend to make to the 2015 Constitution. It’s also unclear whether the two parties are fully aligned on the amendments. Neither NC nor UML has begun internal discussions on the specifics of the amendment. The issue of constitutional amendment carries different meanings for various political groups. The CPN (Maoist Center), which was ousted from power, has accused NC and UML of attempting to roll back the constitution's progressive provisions.

Maoist leaders, including Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, frequently claim that NC and UML want to weaken progressive elements of the Constitution. For royalist parties like Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), constitutional amendment means removing the constitutional monarchy and reestablishing Nepal as a Hindu state. On the other hand, for the Maoists, amendment is about granting more rights to marginalized communities. It is up to NC and UML to initiate discussions on potential changes, though recent remarks by senior leaders hint that one major focus could be the electoral system.

Senior leaders of both NC and UML argue that the current electoral system—combining first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR)—contributes to political instability, as it makes it difficult for any one party to secure a majority. However, this proposal faces opposition from Maoist, Madhesi, and smaller parties, who see any changes to the electoral system as undermining the country’s inclusive political framework. Major parties are pushing for raising the electoral threshold to limit the number of smaller parties in Parliament, while small parties argue this is a move toward a two-party system.

Currently, only the parties securing a minimum of three percent in the House of Representatives and 1.5 percent in the provincial assembly of the total valid votes under the PR category are allocated PR seats. Parties that have seats both in FPTP and PR seats are eligible to become the national party.

In the 2022 national elections, only a few parties, including NC, UML, the Maoists, and newer parties like Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janamat Party, managed to cross the three percent vote threshold required to secure PR seats. Many smaller parties, such as CPN (Unified Socialist) led by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, failed to meet the threshold and could not get the national party status.

There are also rumors that NC and UML want to remove secularism from the Constitution, but the parties have remained silent on the issue. Voices within NC are calling for the party to support the reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu state through constitutional amendment. However, amending the Constitution is a complex issue. Once initiated, all political forces will likely push for their own agendas, making consensus difficult.

NC Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire emphasized the need for a common consensus among political parties. Madhes-based parties, like the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) led by Mahantha Thakur, are closely monitoring the constitutional amendment process. LSP has formed a three-member committee under Laxman Lal Karna to consult with other parties on constitutional changes that address Madhesi issues. The committee has been tasked with the responsibility of preparing a comprehensive report on the Madhes issues they want to address by amending the Constitution.

The ruling coalition has agreed to hold all-party discussions on constitutional amendments. In a meeting on Monday, ruling party leaders, including those from NC and UML, stressed the need to amend the constitution in a way that gains broad consensus among all political parties. According to leaders, top leaders of the ruling parties are of the view that the Constitution should be amended to make it more refined and universally acceptable. Besides NC and UML, the ruling coalition also consists of Janata Samajbadi Party and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party. 

UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula said that at Monday’s meeting, the parties agreed that there should be comprehensive discussions to amend the constitution. Opposition parties, especially the Maoist Center, have been accusing the NC and UML of trying to revert to the 1990 constitution through constitutional amendments. NC Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire said that the parties in the ruling coalition will push for maximum consensus from parties and stakeholders for the constitutional amendment. 

A two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly is needed to amend the Constitution. This means the ruling coalition needs to secure the support of at least 184 lawmakers in the 275-members House of Representatives. NC and UML have a combined 167 lawmakers. UML lawmaker Top Bahadur Rayamajhi is suspended, while Speaker Devraj Ghimire, who is from UML, can only vote in case of a tie. This means NC and UML need the support of 18 more lawmakers.

They plan to seek support from parties like Rastriya Prajatantra Party (14),  Janamat Party (6), Janata Samajbadi Party (5), Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (4) and Nagarik Unmukti Party (4), among others. Although the coalition looks comfortable in the lower house, the equation is not so favorable in the National Assembly. The UML-NC coalition needs the support of at least 40 members in the 59-members upper house. CPN (Maoist Center) is the largest party in the National Assembly with 17 seats, while NC and UML have 16 and 10 seats, respectively.  NC and UML need the support of 14 other lawmakers for any amendment to the constitution to pass through the upper house. Likewise, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba also called for unity among ruling parties.

Two months after the formation of the new government under the coalition of CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, a cross-party committee has been set up to create a common program. The committee members are Bishnu Rimal and Pradeep Kumar Gyawali from the UML and Prakash Sharan Mahat and Gagan Kumar Thapa from the NC.

This decision to draft a common minimum program comes after extensive talks between Prime Minister and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba. The current coalition is also supported by four fringe parties, Janata Samajbadi Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi, Nagarik Unmukti Party and Janamat Party, the latter of which has not joined the Cabinet. Both UML and NC leaders acknowledge that a common policy should have been developed shortly after the power-sharing agreement was signed. Now, even after two months, it appears that there has been little meaningful dialogue about the coalition’s priorities.

The only official agreement between the UML and NC so far is a brief seven-point document signed by Oli and Deuba on July 1 midnight. According to NC leader Mahat, the core elements of the coalition’s program focus on good governance, economic development, and constitutional amendments, but little progress has been made. Despite earlier promises to advance constitutional amendments, there have been no discussions on this issue.

Without a unified policy document, differences between the parties are becoming more visible. For instance, Prime Minister Oli and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba differ on foreign policy. Rana has stated that Nepal will only implement China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) after thorough consultations, a stance she has communicated to Beijing. Oli and Deuba are also not on the same page on matters relating to India. If the coalition fails to establish common positions on major foreign policy issues, it could lead to tensions. Similar divisions have emerged within key ministries, such as Home Affairs led by the NC and Finance led by the UML.

Over the past two months, no significant disputes have arisen between the NC and UML, but the absence of a common minimum program has left ministers unable to effectively carry out their duties. Last week, NC President Deuba publicly stated that there are no fundamental differences between the two parties on key national issues. He acknowledged that while they remain political competitors, any disputes will be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.

In another recent development, both parties have agreed not to form an electoral alliance with the CPN (Maoist Center) in the upcoming elections, which has fostered a sense of trust within the coalition. However, Oli and his supporters claim that both internal and external forces are already conspiring to remove him from power. Leaders from both parties recognize that managing potential conflicts between them will be a major challenge. A few days back, speaking at a party meeting, Oli expressed frustration that the NC is not fully defending the government, and some fear that anti-Deuba factions within the NC may not support the coalition.

Notably, NC General Secretaries Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, and senior leader Shekhar Koirala have openly criticized the government for its failure to improve public services and address corruption scandals. They have also launched efforts within the NC to prevent Deuba from becoming Prime Minister again. There are fears that internal dynamics of NC could pose a threat to the sustainability of the current government.

During a recent NC Central Working Committee meeting, Sharma urged Deuba to refrain from seeking the prime ministership, but Deuba dismissed the suggestion. The UML is closely monitoring these developments within the NC. In recent months, the government has struggled to operate effectively, and this slow pace has caused frustration within both the NC and UML. Despite ambitious agendas, many ministers are finding it difficult to deliver results, while the main opposition, the Maoist Center, is threatening to hit the streets against the government.

CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said that the alliance between the two largest parties in the Parliament was formed to end the national crisis existing in the country.

Talking to media persons at Surkhet airport today, General-Secretary Pokharel mentioned that the political equation between the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress was made with an objective of safeguarding the nation from crisis. 

"The main objective of the power equation is to take the country's democracy towards the right path, reviewing constitutional legal practices and establishing stability in the country by making necessary amendments to the Constitution", he opined.

Stating that the country's economy has started being dynamic after the formation of the incumbent government, the UML leader shared that an arrangement has been made to provide loan without collateral for start-up projects in order to create employment in the country.

The UML GeneralSecretary clarified that the CPN-UML would contest in the coming elections alone.

He urged the CPN (Maoist Center) to play a role of responsible opposition in the parliament.

Saying that they are trying to make necessary amendment to the Constitution in order to give stability to the nation, he underlined that they would move ahead taking all political parties together for the same.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has shared that the government has set a target of developing Dodhara Chandani of Kanchanpur as the largest checkpoint.

"Discussions are underway for developing Kanchanpur as the tri-national border", mentioned Home Minister Lekhak.

He explained that a decision was already taken to establish immigration office at Tinkar of Darchula in the near future which would connect Kanchanpur with China.

At a press meet organized by Press Union Kanchanpur at Mahendranagar today, the Home Minister stressed that India was ready to construct Dohara Chandani dry port, adding, activities for its construction would begin soon.

Stating that a new political equation between the two largest parties in the Parliament—CPN-UML and Nepali Congress was made, he urged one and all not to doubt the understanding reached between the two parties.

"The government has been formed by signing a seven-point agreement between the two parties. This alliance will exist till the coming election", underlined the Home Minister.

On the occasion, he shared, "I have taken the Nirmala Panta murder case seriously. This case will be thoroughly investigated."

A 13-year-old Nirmala Panta of Bhimdutta Municipality-2 in Kanchanpur was murdered after the rape on July 26, 2018.

Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the NC and the CPN-UML, the two major political parties, aspire for a stable and strong government.

Backing a proposal put forth by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the House of Representatives (HoR) session, seeking a vote of confidence, Deuba said the formation of the present government aims to promote stability, achieve rapid economic development, create jobs, and accelerate physical infrastructure development. The proposal was presented in accordance with Article 76 (4) of the Constitution.

It may be noted that the NC and UML formed a new political equation recently, leading to the formation of the government led by UML Chair Oli last Sunday.

According to the NC President, the constitution's amendment is a usual procedure in democracy and the consensus of all parties will be sought provided that the constitution is amended ahead. 

"It has been eight years since the promulgation of the Constitution. It is a usual process to amend the country's main law in democracy if it is warranted to strengthen the constitution. We are clear that it will be appropriate to proceed with the amendment through the wider dialogues and consensus at the political parties."   

He hoped that the new government would be able to accelerate economic activities and establish a durable peace by dispelling economic slowdown. "It will give priority to creating job opportunities within the country, scaling up revenue collections, and meeting the people's aspirations for development."

 Underlining the need for steering the nation towards good governance by preventing corruption, the NC President pledged to promote the rule of the law, full enforcement of the constitution, build an investment atmosphere, increase domestic production, and create jobs.

Terming Prime Minister Oli as a hardworking, studious, and experienced leader, he said the members of his cabinet are also competent. "I hope under the guidance of the Oli-led government, the nation will find a path to prosperity. The government formed to take the country towards political stability will succeed in its mission. "   

He said the NC is fully committed and will remain so regarding the implementation of the July 1 seven-point agreement reached with the UML.  He said the party would give a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Oli, urging other political parties in the parliament to support the Prime Minister.

On March 4, Pushpa Kamal Dahal of CPN (Maoist Center) broke alliance with the Nepali Congress (NC) to form a new governing coalition with the CPN-UML. At the time, many political analysts saw this as a significant step towards left unity and eventual unification of communist parties. While UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli was not particularly enthusiastic, senior leaders from his party the Maoist Center were optimistic about the unification.

It was assumed that both Oli and Dahal had recognized that the split of the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party (NCP) was a mistake, and that the two parties—UML and Maoist Center—should unite again. However, a lack of trust between Oli and Dahal led to the breakup in their alliance this week. The partnership between the two communist parties lasted just four months. This distrust between Oli and Dahal dates back to 2021 when the then NCP dissolved, resulting in the revival of the Maoist party and a split in the UML, with Madhav Kumar Nepal forming a separate party, CPN (Unified Socialist), which continues to collaborate with Dahal. 

On Sunday, with support from the NC, UML leader Oli became the prime minister. This development has significantly reduced, if not entirely closed, the prospects of left unity in the near future. The NC and UML justify their alliance by citing the need to ensure political stability and address the country’s economic issues. This rationale mirrors the left unity in 2018, which had promised political stability and economic development, resonating well with the people and securing nearly two-thirds of the votes for the left parties. The new coalition faces numerous challenges. Firstly, it must maintain internal cohesion to effectively address the country's current problems. Secondly, it needs to revitalize the economy. Additionally, it must tackle issues of good governance and corruption. The coalition has also pledged to amend the constitution but has not provided details on how this complex task will be achieved.

A major challenge for the coalition will come from within their respective parties. Historically, a lack of communication and coordination between the government and the parties has led to government collapses. Therefore, the leadership of both NC and UML must not overlook party dynamics if they wish to maintain the coalition. Oli and Deuba must be particularly careful in managing internal government differences. There have been many past instances of disagreements between the prime minister and ministers from the coalition parties in the past. Policy and appointment disagreements have also strained relations between coalition partners. The new coalition will face similar challenges, and the key question is how Oli and Deuba will manage these differences.

Another challenge arises from internal party dissatisfaction. Leaders like Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Kumar Thapa within the NC are unhappy with the selection of ministers, a common issue since the 1950s. Oli and Deuba must address these internal concerns seriously, as suppressing dissatisfaction will hinder government effectiveness.  The coalition must also address the country’s economic issues. Immediate measures are needed to coordinate efforts between the Ministry of Finance and Nepal Rastra Bank. International financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank are willing to assist, and the government should seize this opportunity.

To prevent the youth exodus abroad, the government must create job opportunities. On the international front, there are challenges in creating a favorable environment for Nepal’s economic development. The recent Investment Summit showed international interest in investing in Nepal, and the new government should build on this momentum. This involves winning the trust of key development partners, including India, China, and the US. However, even before Oli's oath ceremony, some Indian media portrayed him as a 'pro-Chinese' leader, highlighting the complexities in foreign policy among coalition partners.

While there are no fundamental differences between the NC and UML in dealing with major powers, there are visible differences in their priorities and approaches. For example, the NC is hesitant about moving forward with China’s BRI, while UML leaders advocate progress. Although Dahal, Oli, and Deuba all oppose high-interest loans from China, UML leaders have criticized the lack of progress. Similar differences exist in dealing with other countries like the US, the UK, and development partners such as Korea and Australia. Effective foreign policy will require coalition partners to consult with each other.

Frequent changes in the coalition have led to public skepticism about the government’s stability. The coalition must convey a message of stability; otherwise, it will be ineffective. Investors are wary due to frequent coalition changes over the past year and a half. If the UML-NC coalition fails to deliver, there will be no remaining alternatives, as all government formation options have already been tried.

Oli: A sharp-witted and shrewd politician 

KP Sharma Oli, elected as Nepal’s prime minister for the third time, was born on 23 Feb 1952, in Terhathum district of eastern Nepal, as the eldest son of Mohan Prasad and Madhumaya Oli. In 1963, his family moved to Jhapa district, where Oli began his political career. He became a full-time political activist and joined the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) in 1970. That same year, he was arrested under the Public Offense Act for his involvement in the cause of democracy and the establishment of a republican state.

On 22 May 1970, Oli went into hiding to lead the movement as a full-time leader. In 1972, he was nominated as the chief of the Jhapa Movement Organizing Committee. In 1973, he was arrested on various false charges, including subversive acts, and was imprisoned for 14 years, including four years of solitary confinement. During his imprisonment, the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) or CPN (ML) was formed on 26 Dec 1976, and Oli was regarded as a founding leader.

Released from jail in 1987, Oli was assigned responsibilities as a Central Committee member of the CPN (ML) and served as the in-charge of the Lumbini Zone until 1990. In 1990, he became the founding chair of the Democratic National Youth Federation, Nepal (DNYF), a youth wing of the party. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) or CPN (UML) was founded on 6 Jan 1991, by merging two large communist groups, with Oli as a founding central leader.

In 1991, Oli was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Jhapa-6 and was re-elected from Jhapa-2 in 1994. He served as the Minister for Home Affairs from 1994 to 1995 in the first popularly elected communist government under Prime Minister Man Mohan Adhikari. He held various party positions, including chief of the Central Department of International Affairs and chief of the Central Department of Publicity. From 1999 to 2002, he was the deputy leader of the main opposition party in Parliament.

Oli was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the interim government led by Nepali Congress’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala from April 2006 to March 2007. Although he lost the election for the Constituent Assembly in 2008, he continued to hold key party positions, including chief of the Central Department of Party School and chief of the Central Department of International Affairs.

In Nov 2013, Oli was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly from Jhapa-7 and was elected leader of the parliamentary party in 2014. He became the chairman of the UML in July 2014. Oli first served as prime minister from 11 Oct 2015, to 24 July 2016, and again from 15 Feb 2018 to 13 July  2021.

Oli is known for his sharp wits and being a shrewd politician who is never the one to shy away from controversy. He is fond of reading the works of philosophy, political economy, literature, arts and culture. He has also been active in social works and loves to play various sports including table-tennis. 

The CPN-UML has issued a whip to all its members in the House of Representatives to mandatorily attend a Parliament meeting on Friday.

As Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to seek a  vote of confidence on Friday, the party has directed all its lawmakers to mandatorily attend the meeting and vote against him, Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak informed.

The CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government fell into minority after the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress reached an agreement to form a national consensus government.

The UML has already issued a whip to all its members of the House of Representatives to attend a Parliament meeting scheduled for Friday and vote against Prime Minister Dahal.

Preparations are underway to form a new government under the headship of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli by removing Dahal from the government.

In the 275-member House of Representatives, 138 seats are required for a majority.

The first and second largest parties of the Parliament Nepali Congress has 88 seats and UML has 79 seats.

The new alliance of the UML-NC has the support of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Nagarik Unmukti Party and Democratic Socialist Party.

The CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist) and Rastraiya Swatantra Party are in favor of the Dahal-led government.

The Nepali Congress has expressed grief over the loss of lives and property in the natural disasters including landslides and flooding throughout the country.

Stating that the life of the people has become difficult due to the adverse situation in the aftermath of the disaster incidents, the NC through a press release expressed sympathies to all the disaster-affected people.

The Nepali Congress has urged the three tiers of the government to immediately dispatch rescue teams to the affected areas for saving the lives of the disaster-hit people and for carrying out rescue and relief works. It has also called for making the rescue, relief and rehabilitation works more effective and for preventing further losses.

"The Congress urges the government to expedite the search for those gone missing, to provide relief to the affected families, to make arrangements for shelter for them and to carry out necessary works to ease the life of the people in the present difficult situation resulting from the natural disasters," reads the NC press release.

Congress has appealed to all the people affiliated to the party, the sister organizations and well-wisher organizations in the affected districts to extend support in the rescue and relief works through mutual coordination and by mobilizing the human resources in the entire organizational structure.

The NC stated that a large number of people have been injured and several others are still missing in the disaster incidents caused by the incessant rains since some days. It said many citizens have been displaced and their cultivable land damaged by the disasters. Passengers are also stranded due to the disruption of roads throughout the country.

The Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have signed an agreement to amend the constitution adopted in 2015, aiming to address the nation's current crises. Achieving these ambitious goals requires substantial unity, maturity, and understanding between the parties. Leaders from both NC and UML assert that the parties have committed to cooperation at least until the next elections in 2027.

However, the critical question remains: Can these two parties maintain harmony in government? This concern arises from their historical track record. For example, in 2018, the UML and Maoist Center merged to form a new party and government, promising political stability and development. Yet, internal conflicts among top leaders—KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal—led to the collapse of both the government and the party, plunging the country into renewed instability.  Similarly, NC and UML failed to collaborate effectively after the 2015 constitution amendment.

The current agreement is the result of at least three months of back-channel negotiations between UML Chairperson Oli and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with key facilitators. The agreement was kept secret until Monday. Oli and Deuba initially favored an additional month for thorough preparations, but a leak of the agreement necessitated prompt decisions, hence their cautious approach to forming the government.

The primary task of the new coalition government will be the critical and complex constitution amendment. This requires consensus among the major parties that supported the 2015 constitution drafting process. Consequently, NC and UML are focusing on forming a national unity government. A leader involved in the negotiations stated: “The two parties plan to amend several provisions in phases, starting with changes to the electoral system, followed by other issues.”

The NC-UML alliance also aims to counter challenges from emerging parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party and independent candidates such as Kathmandu's Mayor Balendra Shah. Although NC and UML are principal competitors, they view these new parties as a common threat to their voter bases. 

To address these challenges, the new NC-UML coalition must tackle corruption, ensure good governance, create jobs, and initiate plans for economic recovery. Failure to address these issues will likely provoke a backlash against the coalition government. Following the agreement, both parties have expedited the process of forming a new government, with formal endorsements from their respective parties, and are now waiting for Prime Minister Dahal’s resignation. 

In the absence of a single-party majority, the government formation process will proceed under Article 76(2) of the constitution, which allows for a coalition government. NC and UML have urged Dahal to resign to facilitate the formation of a national unity government. Although they have signed a document focusing on government formation and constitutional amendments, it has not yet been made public. On Wednesday, NC endorsed the agreements, although party leaders have not yet reviewed the document.

NC has also urged Prime Minister Dahal to resign promptly. The party argues that since more than two-thirds of Parliament members oppose him, Dahal should step down on moral and political grounds. However, Dahal cites the constitutional provision granting him 30 days to seek a vote of confidence after a coalition member withdraws support. According to the agreement between NC and UML, Oli will be appointed as prime minister under Article 76(2) of the constitution. Given the agreement to form a national unity government, NC insists it is imperative for Dahal to step aside.

To achieve their objectives, NC and UML must garner broader support from other parties. By Wednesday, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and the Mahantha Thakur-led Loktantrik Samajbadi Party had pledged their support for the NC-UML coalition. The coalition's base is expected to expand with additional parties joining the alliance.

Key contents of the agreement between NC and UML

• Promoting national interest
• Taming corruption to maintain good governance
• Maintaining political stability
• Amendment the constitution after a thorough review
• Strengthening economy
• Rotational leadership between Oli and Deuba 

UML withdraws support to government

CPN-UML has officially withdrawn its support to the government, effectively rendering the Dahal-led government into a minority. UML leader Mahesh Bartaula said: “We gave Prime Minister Dahal the opportunity to pave the way for the formation of a national government, but he didn’t do so. Hence we have decided to withdraw the support.” With the UML, the major coalition partner in the Dahal government, pulling out its support, Prime Minister Dahal now has two options: Resign on moral grounds or to take a vote of confidence. Dahal has maintained that he will go for a floor test in Parliament.

Nepali Congress has said that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal should pave the way by stepping down.

The Central Works Execution Committee meeting held at party President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha concluded that the Prime Minister should put in papers as the two largest parties in the Parliament have already reached an agreement to form a national government.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said that the Prime Minister should help in forming a new government by tendering his resignation.

“The Prime Minister should pave the way if the two largest parties are saying that they are forming a new government. We have urged him to resign,” he said.

But Prime Minister Dahal is in no mood to resign immediately.

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Leader Mahat informed that the meeting has endorsed the agreement reached between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to form a new government.

“The meeting has endorsed the agreement that UML chair KP Sharma Oli will lead the government initially to push for constitutional amendments and then hand over power to NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to conduct the 2027 elections,” he said.

Mahat further went on to say that the party will decide on the names of the ministers to be sent to the government later.

The Nepali Congress said that it has decided to cooperate with the CPN-UML to address the issues of common people.

After an office bearers meeting held at Budhanilkantha on Tuesday morning, spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat informed that the party has decided to form an alliance with the UML for political stability, good governance and economic reform.

He said that an agreement has been signed on Monday night that a national consensus government will be formed under the headship of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba will lead the government after one-and-a-half years.

Spokesperson Mahat further said that an agreement has also been reached to make necessary amendments to the Constitution.

He went on to say that discussions are also being held to rope in other parties in the government.

Leader Mahat made it clear that the UML-NC alliance was the demand of time to take the country towards the path of stability.

CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel said that a joint government of UML and Nepali Congress will be formed for political stability.

He said that other parties will also be incorporated in the KP Sharma Oli-led national government.

General Secretary Pokharel, who had played an important role to bring Nepali Congress and UML to one place, informed that an agreement has been reached with the Congress to amend the Constitution for political stability.

Taking to Facebook, leader Pokharel said: “An agreement has been reached between UML and Nepali Congress to form a national consensus government under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli to necessary amendments to the Constitution and to formulate laws for political stability.” “The parties, who agreed to this process, will be included in the national government.”

Also Read: Are NC and UML trying to form a national unity govt?

In the 275-member House of Representatives, Nepali Congress has 88 seats while UML has 79.

Fringe parties should be included to secure a two-thirds majority.

Attempts to form the ruling alliance of Congress and UML were being made for a long time.

UML General Secretary Pokharel has been taking the initiatives.

The main opposition Nepali Congress has agreed to form a parliamentary probe committee without mentioning the name of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.

The Parliamentary Party meeting held on Tuesday decided to form a parliamentary probe committee without mentioning the name of any particular person in the cooperative fraud scam.

After the meeting, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak said that the task force would give the final shape.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of former General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula after party President Sher Bahadur Deuba was not feeling well.

Lekhak said that the names of additional members will be sent to the parliamentary secretariat after the terms of reference (ToR) of the committee is finalized.

Currently, Deputy General Secretary Jeevan Pariyar and Gyanendra Bahadur Karki are in the task force from Nepali Congress.

Leader Lekhak claimed that a proposal will be tabled in the Parliament meeting at 4 pm today to endorse the agreement along with ToR.

The Congress has long been obstructing the House proceedings demanding formation of a parliamentary probe committee by mentioning the name of Home Minister Lamichhane in the cooperative fraud case.

Now, the House obstruction will be cleared from today after the Congress expressed its readiness to form a parliamentary committee without mentioning the name of any particular person.