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The 10th Central Committee meeting of the CPN-UML commenced today at the Rambagh Palace in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur.

This is the first Central Committee meeting following the Gen Z protests held on September 8–9, the subsequent formation of a new government, the announcement of parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, and the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

Addressing the meeting, party Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the need for party unity to foster democracy, peace, development, social justice, and prosperity. 

Oli is also scheduled to present his political report during the session.

Earlier, the party’s Central Secretariat meeting, held on October 12, had agreed to organize the party’s 11th National General Convention in the second week of December.

A committee has been formed to prepare a contemporary political report for the meeting. 

The committee includes Deputy General Secretaries Pradeep Gyawali, Standing Committee Member Rajendra Gautam, and the party’s Chief Whip in the dissolved parliament, Mahesh Bartaula.

During the meeting, Chair Oli administered the oath of office and secrecy to Dr Bijay Subba, who was elected Chair of the party’s Central Election Commission during the second Statute Convention held on September 7.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has claimed that the current situation in the country is unusual.

Addressing a program organized by the Bhaktapur District Committee today, Oli said that the current government was not formed in accordance with the Constitution.

“The current situation in the country is unusual because there is a government in the country. The current government is not formed according to the Constitution,” the former Prime Minister said.

"The Constitution of Nepal clearly states that a person, who has already served as the Chief Justice, cannot hold any government post for personal benefit," he added.

Despite increasing calls from both within and outside their ranks, Nepal’s major political parties — the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center) — are unlikely to witness any immediate changes in their top leadership.

The recent Zen-Z protests have triggered widespread debate about the need for generational leadership change in Nepal’s political landscape. Many argue that in order to remain relevant, party heads should promptly hand over leadership to younger figures. There have been growing demands for the resignation of key leaders: Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress), KP Sharma Oli (CPN-UML), and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ (CPN-Maoist Center), the first, second and third largest party in Parliament. 

While Oli and Dahal have recently emerged from Nepal Army protection to resume public statements, Deuba — who sustained serious injuries during the protests — remains under treatment in army barracks. Despite the pressure, a leadership transition seems unlikely, as second-rung leaders in all three parties strongly oppose the idea. According to its statute, the Nepali Congress is set to hold its general convention next year to elect new leadership. Deuba, who has already served two terms (2016–2021 and 2021–2026), is not eligible to contest again. However, due to the interim government’s announcement of elections on March 5 next year, the chances of holding an early convention appear slim.

It remains uncertain whether the Nepali Congress will participate in the upcoming elections. Deuba and his spouse were severely beaten and their house burned during the protests, which likely strengthens his resolve not to resign before the general convention, regardless of the cost. At its first Central Committee (CC) meeting following the protests, the party chose not to appoint an acting president and instead decided to wait for Deuba’s recovery. Despite internal calls to convene a special general convention, the CC rejected that option. The meeting concluded that the dissolution of Parliament was unconstitutional and emphasized building a consensus with other parties for its revival.

Within the CPN-UML, although there are minor voices opposing Oli’s continued leadership, there is no significant pressure for him to resign. The party’s statute convention, held just before the protests, removed both the 70-year age limit andterm limits, paving the way for Oli to lead the party for a third consecutive term. The UML’s next leadership election is scheduled for next year, but the ongoing constitutional and political crisis may delay the convention. Moreover, there is currently no consensus on a potential successor should Oli step down. Similarly, the CPN (Maoist Center) is preparing for its general convention, but Prachanda is also unlikely to relinquish leadership. At a recent party meeting, senior leader Janardhan Sharma challenged Dahal’s leadership, but he was quickly rebuked and isolated by many within the party.  

CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed to all to get united for the protection of the Constitution and national sovereignty.

Issuing a press statement today on the occasion of the Constitution Day, he described the Constitution as a road map to the future, crafted by Nepali citizens themselves. 

Accusing of the infiltration during the recent two-day Gen-Z nationwide protests, causing violence, he expressed his sorrow over the loss of valuable lives during the demonstrations. 

He said that no order was given to shoot at demonstrators who were youths deliberately. "Incidents involving the use of automated arms not in possession of the police should be investigated," he demanded.  

Reiterating his grief over the deaths of youths during the demonstrations, he wished for speedy recovery of the injured. 

He claimed that the new generation is capable of assessing the situations both in the past and the present, and also expressed his concern over the arson attacks on the Singha Durbar, the country's major administrative hub.

 Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday as anti-corruption demonstrators defied an indefinite curfew and clashed with police, a day after 19 people died in violent protests triggered by a social media ban, Reuters reported.

Oli's government lifted the ban after protests intensified on Monday, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament. Nineteen people were killed and more than 100 injured in the unrest.

But there was no letup in the protests on Tuesday, forcing Oli to quit and plunging Nepal into fresh political uncertainty.

The unrest is the worst in decades in the poor Himalayan country that is wedged between India and China and has struggled with political instability and economic uncertainty since protests led to the abolition of its monarchy in 2008, according to Reuters.

"In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution," Oli said in his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel.

Prime Minister KP Sharma resigned from his post on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Oli submitted his resignation after the situation worsened on Tuesday after 19 people died in protests in Gen Z.

Earlier, Prime Minister Oli had called an all-party meeting at 6 pm.

However, protesters are setting fire to the houses of leaders.

Protesters have set fire to Prime Minister Oli's residence in Balkot, residence of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha and the houses of leaders and ministers.

Similarly, protesters have also set police posts on fire and also entered Singhadurbar.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s house has been set on fire on Tuesday.

Protesters set fire to the house of Prime Minister Oli in Balkot, Bhaktapur this afternoon.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an all-party meeting on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister's Secretariat said that an all-party meeting has been called for 6 pm today.

Prime Minister Oli has appealed to find a solution through dialogue, saying that any form of violence is not in the interest of the country.

Gen Z has launched protests against social media ban and corruption since Monday.

Nineteen people lost their lives during the protests across the country on Monday while hundreds of injured people are being treated.

Opposition parties representing in the Parliament have demanded resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The meeting of the opposition parties, held at the call of CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the Maoist Center’s Parliamentary Party Office in Singhadurbar on Tuesday, demanded resignation of Prime Minister Oli, stating that the government suppressed the protests of Gen Z.

After the meeting, Maoist Center Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun said that the government suppression on Gen Z protests was an the assault on republic and demanded resigation of Prime Minister Oli.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has reached Baluwatar to meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Deuba has reached the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar to discuss the incidents and protests of Gen Z.

It is learnt that they will also discuss the issue about the deactivation of social media platforms.

At least 19 youths were killed and more than 300 seriously injured after police launched a brutal crackdown on protests organized by GenZ in Kathmandu and across the country. In the capital, thousands of young demonstrators marching toward the federal parliament building in New Baneshwar were met with an uncompromising display of state force as they demanded an end to corruption and the lifting of the social media ban to secure the civic space of youths. Security forces fired live ammunition, released teargas, and beat demonstrators in Kathmandu and several other regions, leaving a trail of casualties and widespread outrage.

Police fired water cannons, teargas shells and rubber bullets at the crowd, and eventually opened fire when protesters breached the security barricades near the parliament building. Youth-led rallies in major cities spread beyond Kathmandu. Similar GenZ protests were reported in Jhapa, Itahari, Biratnagar, Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan, Nepalgunj and other towns across the country. The Nepali Army was deployed in Kathmandu to support police around the parliament building. Army sources confirmed that two to three platoons were sent to Kathmandu at the request of civilian authorities, primarily to secure the Parliament area. The District Administration Office imposed curfew in the major areas of the city.  In Butwal and Bhairahawa, the local administration imposed curfew from late afternoon. Curfew orders were also issued in Sunsari, Pokhara, Itahari, and Rupandehi.

Casualties and eyewitness accounts

Casualty reports began to emerge from Kathmandu’s hospitals Monday afternoon. Trauma Center reported six fatalities, Civil Hospital three, Everest Hospital three, and Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital confirmed a death each. Many wounded protesters were being treated or transferred to other facilities as hospitals became overwhelmed. 

Four journalists covering the protest also suffered rubber-bullet wounds while reporting the clashes.

Two people were killed in police firing in Itahari, Sunsari. According to hospital sources, the victims, estimated to be men aged 25 and 30, died from gunshot injuries. Police said they were taken to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, where doctors pronounced them dead shortly after arrival.

Thousands of students and youths took to the streets in Jhapa’s Damak. Police fired rubber bullets and one demonstrator was reportedly shot in the head. His condition is said to be critical. 

Eyewitnesses and protesters recounted chaotic scenes. One young demonstrator said that police “were firing on the people, which is against the essence of a peaceful protest,” alleging officers shot indiscriminately. Video and photos showed protesters running past barbed-wire fences and police firing teargas at them. Protesters said the social media ban was only the flashpoint. “We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal,” said one protester. 

Government response and crackdown

The government reacted by imposing sweeping security measures. Kathmandu’s District Administration Office declared an emergency curfew from 12:30 pm until 10 pm Monday in the city’s high-security zones. Curfews were extended around the president’s and prime minister’s residences and the Singhadurbar. Outside Kathmandu, local administrators in Rupandehi and Sunsari districts banned gatherings and set curfews in Butwal, Bhairahawa and Itahari.

Security forces under orders clamped down hard. Kathmandu officials said police used water cannons, teargas, batons and rubber bullets, resorting to live ammunition only after protests turned violent. 

Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung (also government spokesperson) blamed “anarchists and reactionary forces” for hijacking the protests. He called the deaths “tragic” but said violence was stoked by anti-government agitators. Gurung defended the social media ban as a matter of “national sovereignty,” noting that major companies like Meta (Facebook/Instagram) had refused to register under Nepal’s rules.

International reaction and human rights concerns

International human rights and press freedom organizations swiftly condemned the crackdown. The Committee to Protect Journalists warned that Nepal’s ban on social media “sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom.” The United Nations and Western governments have so far urged calm, but rights monitors point to troubling trends in Nepal. A CIVICUS report noted in May 2025 that Nepal’s civic space was rated “obstructed,” with arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force against demonstrators documented earlier in the year

Amnesty International in April 2025 warned that authorities had been suppressing dissent, using unlawful force and detaining protesters. Journalists’ groups had already denounced the draft Social Media Act and related press bills as threats to free expression. Hundreds of Nepali journalists had staged a peaceful protest in Kathmandu just on Sunday, denouncing the ban on social media platforms.

Observers note that Nepal’s social-media shutdown, which deactivated Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and others last week for failing to register locally, is part of a broader push by the Oli administration to regulate online speech. Many commentators compare it to global moves against big tech, but critics fear it is being used to stifle criticism. The Guardian notes that while Nepal’s constitution nominally protects free expression, Oli’s government has been increasingly accused of authoritarian overreach.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the use of excessive force by security agencies after youth protests against the social media ban and corruption turned violent, resulting in vandalism and arson. In a statement issued on Monday, the commission said a democratic government must recognize and address citizens’ voices on time. While terming the excessive use of force “regrettable,” the NHRC did not make further remarks on the suppression of protests. Instead, it focused on urging the government to immediately provide relief and compensation to the families of those killed.

Amnesty International called for an independent investigation and accountability. “Amnesty International strongly condemns the unlawful use of lethal and less-lethal force by law enforcement in Nepal, resulting in deaths and serious injuries of several protesters. Authorities must exercise maximum restraint and ensure that force is used only when absolutely necessary and proportionate. Every possible precaution must be taken to minimize harm,” Nirajan Thapaliya, director of Amnesty International Nepal, said in a statement.

He added that the government must de-escalate the situation immediately and adopt a rights-respecting approach in policing protests. He emphasized the need for a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation into the deaths, with those responsible held fully accountable, including through criminal prosecution, and full and effective reparations to the victims.

“The protesters have a right to peacefully express their frustration against corruption and restrictions on freedom of expression, including the social media ban. It is the government’s duty to respect these rights and protect protesters from further harm,” Thapaliya said.

Public reaction

The lethal outcome of Monday’s protests has sent shockwaves through Nepali society. Opposition politicians and civil-society leaders have demanded independent inquiries into the use of force. Even within the capital, residents expressed dismay: one Kathmandu resident told reporters the city was in “shock” after seeing the heavy bloodshed.

The main opposition party, CPN (Maoist Center), has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Oli, accusing the government of committing a “massacre.”  Maoist Center’s Deputy General Secretary and former Home Minister Janardan Sharma also called for Oli’s resignation, writing on Facebook that the government should form a joint political mechanism with representation from the protesters. “The government should resign and create a joint political mechanism that includes the protesters’ representatives,” Sharma wrote. He condemned the suppression of the Gen Z movement, urging the government to seriously address their demands instead of resorting to force.

Warning that further delays would be “suicidal,” Sharma said history has proven time and again that movements cannot be silenced through repression. He urged all political forces to admit their failures and apologize to the people. He also appealed to protesters to remain calm and peaceful in their demonstrations. 

For many youths, the events have only galvanized their resolve. One protest leader, despite witnessing the violence, defiantly said: “We have already won today”, reflecting a sentiment among some that the crackdown revealed the movement’s strength. 

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has demanded early elections. The party insists that the current government should be dissolved and a fresh mandate sought from the people. RSP’s secretariat meeting concluded that the current government has completely lost its legitimacy. The party has called for Prime Minister Oli’s resignation and the formation of a high-level judicial commission to investigate the incidents. RSP further stated that the current Congress- and UML-led government has failed to address national issues and has lost its credibility, making it necessary to hold fresh elections.

Several opposition parties have suspended normal campaigning and demanded that security forces be held accountable.

The demonstrations have elicited a mixed response from officials and public figures. Some politicians offered guarded support: former UML minister Gokul Baskota tweeted that “once the Gen Z generation takes charge, no one can stop them,” and urged patience with the “inevitable” change they represent. 

Protests sweep major cities

By Monday morning, the unrest had migrated from social feeds to streets. The protesters carry placards with slogans such as “Social media banned, corruption open” and “Let us speak, government”. Students in uniforms and young workers chanting patriotic songs carried the national flag and banners reading “Free voice is our right” and “Stop corruption”. 

Demonstrators insisted they would keep the marches peaceful, even planning to avoid speeches and instead end with singing and dancing, and they explicitly barred political parties and office-seekers from hijacking the event. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra “Balen” Shah publicly supported the protest, writing on Facebook that he “fully support(s)” the demonstrators and urging leaders not to use the rally for their own interests. 

Outside Kathmandu, similar scenes played out. Gen Z activists used TikTok and Viber to coordinate parallel rallies in Pokhara, Biratnagar, Inaruwa, Dharan, Dang and other cities. Media and onlookers noted that the demonstrations drew far larger crowds than any recent youth-led protests in Nepal. One observer called it “one of the most conspicuous political demonstrations in Nepal in recent memory”. 

Protesters held creative online hashtags, notably #NepoKid and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal, which trended immediately after the platform’s ban. They chanted and posted memes mocking political elites: for example, a viral TikTok trend juxtaposed images of leaders’ children in luxury against youths’ hardships. Slogans and placards explicitly named corruption, with messages like “Where did the taxes go?”

Tough action and reaction

On Sept 4, the government ordered regulators to shut off “unregistered” social networks, citing a law that platforms must open local liaison offices and register in Nepal. Communications Minister Gurung told reporters that roughly two dozen widely used apps were repeatedly warned to comply with this rule, and those that did not would be blocked immediately.

As a result, popular services went dark overnight on Sept 4-5. Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, X (formally Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Snapchat, Pinterest, Signal, among others, were forced offline. A handful of platforms,  notably TikTok, Viber and a few Nepali apps, had already registered and remained accessible. The government defended the shutdown as an effort to make foreign platforms “responsible and accountable,” part of an as-yet-unpassed social media law and court rulings that require registration and tax payment.

The grafted “#NepoBaby”

While the social media shutdown lit the spark, protesters channeled their anger toward broader grievances of graft and inequality. Over recent weeks Nepali social media has been buzzing with the “Nepo Baby” campaign, an expose of the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, reflecting deep resentment of nepotism. Countless TikTok and Instagram posts contrasted ordinary youths’ struggles with images of leaders’ kids returning from foreign study trips or sporting luxury brands. A popular online slogan encapsulated the mood: “Leaders’ children come home from abroad with Gucci bags, while the people’s children lie in coffins.”

That videos under hashtags like #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal directly questioned “whether privilege or personal effort drives politicians’ children’s success”. Protest organizers and attendees cited such inequality as a root cause of their discontent. One university student at the rally said that corruption has “increased,” pointing out that infrastructure projects often take years with no accountability. Another asked why taxes are “not spent for the people’s welfare” but instead used by leaders to travel abroad or enrich themselves.

These complaints tie into broader corruption scandals in Nepali politics. The Gen Z movement has spotlighted, for instance, the family of Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, including his son Jaiveer Deuba, as emblematic “Nepo Babies” with outsized wealth. Activists also derided other elite figures, from former prime ministers’ kin to wealthy party cadres, for benefiting from public office. Demands at the protests explicitly linked the social media ban to this climate of impunity: writings on placards demanded answers on how leaders “filled their pockets” while ordinary people lack jobs, healthcare and medication. 

In short, the movement transformed the Facebook shutdown into a lightning rod for Nepalis’ long-simmering resentment over nepotism, misuse of public funds and widening inequality.

Historical context

Nepal has a rich history of youth-led political movements, but the current uprising is unusual in its online roots and social-media focus. In 1990 and again in 2006, large mass protests, many led by students and young activists, forced authoritarian and monarchical governments to concede to democracy. The new protests share that anti-corruption spirit but are distinct in being organized almost entirely through digital platforms and taking place in a post-2015 republic. Analysts dub the current wave a “GenZ Revolution,” noting it was “ignited” by the latest ban on social platforms

Underpinning the unrest is longstanding frustration with corruption and economic hardship in Nepal. According to analysts, many young Nepalis feel their generation has been let down by unaccountable leaders. As one commentator put it, Nepal’s youth were already “triggered by the social media ban,” but the ban merely became “the final spark” for latent anger at graft and inequality. Thus far, the GenZ protests have been peaceful by design, buses and supply trucks were sent to aid vulnerable protesters, and organizers emphasized non-violence, until Monday’s outbreak of clashes. The coming days will test whether the movement maintains that discipline or further escalates, and whether the government will relent or hold firm.

Home Minister Lekhak resigns, government forms probe committee 

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has resigned from his post, taking moral responsibility for Monday’s violent turn of the youth-led GenZ protests. Lekhak tendered his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during the Cabinet meeting held on Monday evening. Earlier in a party meeting, he had already indicated that he would not remain in office on moral grounds.

The government has decided to form a high-level probe committee to investigate the incident. A minister confirmed that the Cabinet has given the committee a 15-day deadline to submit its report to the government.

The terms of reference (ToR) for the investigation have been finalized, while the coordinator and members of the committee will be decided in Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Oli, during the cabinet meeting, concluded that the demonstrations had been infiltrated.The prime minister added that the GenZ movement had been misused to incite violence.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called an emergency Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Two people have been confirmed dead and hundreds were injured during the Gen Z protest today.

Prime Minister Oli called an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers at 6 pm in Baluwatar today to discuss this issue.

Gen Z youths have taken to the streets against corruption and ban on social media.

They have continued the protest across the country including Kathmandu.

CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that anything else could be tolerated, but disrespect towards the country is intolerable. 

Addressing the representatives on the last day of the party's statute convention taking place at Godavari, Lalitpur, from Friday, Chair Oli underlined, "We are a force that sacrificed for freedom of expression and national sovereignty. 

The CPN-UML is not against social networking sites. Earning money doing business in Nepal, but not living in accordance with the law is unacceptable." 

"The thinking of so-called intellectuals is not independent. It is seen that those, who call themselves great intellectuals, have tried to influence the society through negativity. Attempts have been made to inciting society in the name of Gen Z in recent periods. But the 'Gen Z’ generation loves the country," he stressed. 

Recalling that the government had been urging the social networking sites to register for one year, Chair Oli argued, "Country's sovereignty matters a lot rather than losing employment by a few people. Sovereignty is achieved through self-respect, and freedom also through self-respect."

CPN-UML and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that people's trust towards the CPN-UML has grown as the party has stood in favour of good governance, development, stability, national integrity and sovereignty.

Addressing the inaugural session of the second statue convention of the party which began at Sunrise Conference Centre, Godavari, of Lalitpur, from today, Chair Oli argued that the CPN-UML has always stood in favour of the country and the people without making any compromise.

"Nepali people have supported us even in difficult situations. We are always committed towards the prosperity of the nation and the people. We are in Mission 84 for a bright future", he underlined.  

The Prime Minister opined, " No one can stop the CPN-UML to get a majority in coming elections if we become successful to win people's trust after reaching out to the people. Let's carry out activities that are active among the people."

"We are campaigners for social justice and equality. Society has changed and our goal is socialism. We are moving forward to bring change in the country," he underscored. 

Stating that the party has got power to lead the movement due to trust shown by the general people and cadres towards the party, UML Chair Oli viewed that he is confident towards the wisdom of party leaders and cadres to retain the people's trust.

CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that an objection has been registered with China regarding the agreement between China and India to make the Nepali territory of Lipulek a trade route.

He said that he clearly expressed Nepal's disapproval on this matter during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the course of his visit to China from August 30 to September 3.

Inaugurating the party's Second Statute Convention that started today at the Sunrise Conference Hall in Lalitpur, Chairman Oli stated that he has been clearly communicating this matter with India as well.

PM Oli also clarified that there has been no support for China's Global Security Initiative (GSI).

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the Victory Day Parade has drawn significant attention in political and strategic circles.

Following Oli’s meeting with President Xi Jinping, China issued a news release claiming that Nepal supported the Global Security Initiative (GSI), a claim quickly dismissed by Nepali officials. Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai clarified to the media that no such agreement had been reached. 

Criticism also emerged over Oli’s participation in the Victory Day Parade, with some arguing it could upset Japan, Nepal’s long-standing development partner. However, Oli’s decision to raise the Lipulekh issue with Chinese President Xi has been well received at home. UML leaders are already seeking to capitalize on this move, framing it as a matter of “nationalism” ahead of upcoming elections.

At the SCO, Nepal expressed its willingness to become a full member, providing Oli with the opportunity to engage directly with leaders from China, Russia, India, and beyond. During the summit, Oli stated that Nepal supports the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a new proposal by Xi. On broader security strategies such as the GSI, Nepal has reiterated its consistent position: it will not join any military or strategic alliance.

Attention is now turning to Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit to India, likely at the end of this month, though the trip may be delayed. As in Beijing, Oli is expected to raise the Lipulekh issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The timing is significant as the India-China agreement on Lipulekh pass has created a favorable environment for Oli to raise the matter with both neighbors. His handling of this issue in New Delhi will be closely watched at home.

To prevent possible misunderstandings with coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC), Oli included senior NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka in his China delegation. As a result, NC leaders have remained largely silent on controversies surrounding the GSI and other issues. Over recent months, NC’s criticism of China has softened, reflecting a gradual rapprochement after a period of strained ties between 2015 and 2020.

Meanwhile, CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal reiterated that the border dispute with India should be resolved through diplomatic talks. 

Within Oli’s CPN-UML, preparations are underway for the party’s statute convention starting Friday. Speculation is growing over whether the party will reconsider former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s membership. While Oli and the leadership appear unwilling to reinstate her, senior leaders like Surendra Pandey and Yubaraj Gyawali have expressed support for her return. 

In Parliament, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have continued their boycott for over 100 days, demanding a high-level panel to probe into visit visa corruption. Although the Maoist Center initially joined their protest, it later compromised with ruling parties, leaving RSP and RPP with limited leverage due to their smaller numbers.

Within the CPN (Maoist Center), senior leader Janardhan Sharma is under pressure after questioning party chairperson Dahal’s leadership. He has also been targeted by a deepfake video alleging he is working at Oli’s behest, a claim he blames on Dahal’s inner circle. Deepfakes are increasingly troubling Nepali politics: RSP Vice-chair Swarnim Wagle has also filed a case at the cyber bureau, saying he too has been victimized.

Party disputes remain unresolved within the RPP, where tensions between president Rajendra Lingden and senior leader Dhawal Shumsher Rana have delayed the party’s central committee meeting. The conflict intensified after Lingden expelled several leaders aligned with Rana.

In legislative developments, the National Assembly has finally endorsed the long-debated Federal Civil Service Bill after years of disagreements between government and opposition. Separately, Nepal’s Immigration Department has announced a new digital tracking system for foreign tourists, beginning Sept 17. Visitors staying in star hotels will be required to register their personal details via a mobile app.

Tourism numbers continue to rebound. In August 2025, Nepal welcomed 88,680 tourists—a 22 percent increase compared to last year. India topped the list with 35,505 visitors, followed by China (7,533), the US (6,068), Sri Lanka (5,956), and Bangladesh (4,262). From January to August 2025, total arrivals reached 736,562.

Another significant government move this week came in the digital sphere. The Cabinet has decided to ban social media platforms that have not registered in Nepal. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, platforms like Facebook face restrictions for failing to comply with registration requirements. 

The decision follows a Supreme Court writ of mandamus directing the regulation of such platforms. Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung’s secretariat confirmed that the ministry will now enforce the ban. Experts warn the decision could disrupt content creators and businesses, while also undermining Nepal’s broader digital aspirations.

In the financial sector, Nepal’s 10 largest commercial banks have agreed to undergo international audits, with findings to be made public—a long-standing demand of the International Monetary Fund to address bad loan practices. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will ensure an in-depth inspection of these banks.

The NRB has also introduced stricter rules on the use of CSR funds, requiring banks and financial institutions to channel them exclusively toward poverty alleviation and priority sectors.

In law enforcement, police have busted a human trafficking ring that used to smuggle Nepalis to India to sell their kidneys. The ringleader, Shyam Krishna Bhandari, and his associate have been arrested. Victims were reportedly lured from districts including Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Sindhuli, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

Finally, Nepal has achieved a new milestone in energy exports. According to Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, the country is now exporting over 1,130 MW daily to India and Bangladesh. If this trend continues, annual earnings could exceed Rs 86.38bn.