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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Lumbini provincial government to focus on increasing production and employment along with infrastructure development.

In a discussion held today at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar with the Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, PM Oli suggested expanding the market through agriculture industrialization, planting advanced varieties of crops on suitable soil.

"There is no immediate increase in production by spending on the construction of physical structures such as buildings and offices. We have fertile lands, water and a suitable climate. There are many bases where production and employment can be increased by hard work," Prime Minister Oli said, adding, "Organizations and workers of our political parties should also be involved in such work. Everyone should focus on solving the problems of the citizens together."

He drew attention not to export and import impure and poisoned foods/vegetables, and suggested to those concerned to make arrangements to ban the import/export of impure and contaminated foods, saying that food should be healthy to keep the people healthy.

Mentioning that the current equation and the government was warranted due to the special situation of the country, Prime Minister Oli said that this government is working with a plan to identify the common problems in the country and come up with a solution.

He said that the government is currently running on a deficit budget and asked everyone to work to end this situation. Prime Minister Oli asked to take into consideration the main issues of consensus, cooperation and results for the people without arguing about who will participate and how much while running the government.

Chief Minister Acharya had expected the support of the federal government in managing the budget and overall infrastructure development to shift the provincial capital from Rupandehi to Dang. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel and others participated in the discussion.

Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and a group of party lawmakers discussed domestic air safety issues with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The meeting was focused on progressing the civil aviation bills aiming to split the existing Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal into two entities: as a service provider and a regulatory body.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain said that during the meeting they discussed the need to proceed ahead with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Bill and the Air Service Authority of Nepal Bill along with other contemporary issues.

They also touched on the issues relating to the need to enhance the safety of Nepal's aviation sector, making it reliable and connecting it to the development and promotion of the tourism industry.

According to Bajgain, their (NC lawmakers) conclusion is that the same body (CAAN) functioning as the service provider and the regulatory simultaneously is capable of promoting the conflict of interests. This is in contravention of the international practices as well. That's why it is warranted to split the aviation body into two entities and advance towards air safety.

It is noted that the European Union has concerns over air safety in Nepal and advised Nepal to have separate bodies for the service providing and the regulation.

Deuba was accompanied by Jeevan Pariyar, Ramesh Lekhak, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Ishwori Neupane, Sanjay Gautam, Uday Shumsher Rana, Rajan KC, Pratima Gautam, Sarita Prasai, Ramkrishna Yadav, Pushpa Bahadur Shahi, Shanti Pariyar, and Sita Mijar including Bajgai.

The twin bills that had been endorsed by the National Assembly turned deactivate upon reaching the House of Representatives, according to Bajgain.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that an amendment to the Constitution has been realized to promote progression and prosperity in the country.

He said the existing political equation involving two major political parties: the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML is expected to proceed with the constitution's amendment in the pursuit of progression and prosperity.

In his address to a party program at Chyasal today, he argued that it is a false accusation to say that major parties are seeking to amend the Constitution for regression. "The Constitution is an amendable document as per the needs of the country and the people."   At the program held at the party's central office, the party vice chair and central members nominated by the party were sworn in.

He added that the need to amend the country's main law has been realized to strengthen democracy, increase its gravity and acceptability, explore additional bases for development and prosperity, and get connected to the citizens. "The Constitution is not unamendable."

The leader further stressed that politics be practiced for clean competition and the service of citizens.  

This week Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made three major decisions: appointing ambassadors to 18 countries, issuing a long list of directives to government secretaries to improve governance and service delivery, and transferring government secretaries.

His quick decision to appoint ambassadors has been well-received by the public, though it has faced criticism for favoring party members over experts in foreign policy and diplomacy. Additionally, the appointments are not very inclusive, despite the government's inclusive policy. This is not a new issue, as ambassadorial appointments have followed this pattern for a long time, with leaders rarely heeding public suggestions.

The ambassadorial appointments by the Oli administration also led to the resignation of Shanker Das Bairagi as the national security advisor. A former government secretary, Bairagi was appointed the national security advisor by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. He quit the post in hopes of becoming the ambassador to India, but his bid was unsuccessful with the government’s decision to give continuity to the incumbent, Shankar Sharma.

Also this week, Prime Minister  Oli, like his predecessors, issued a 26-point directive to government ministers and secretaries, assuring them that this coalition will fulfill its full three-year term. He also mentioned he would resign a week before the end of his two-year term, in accordance with a gentleman's agreement between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. It remains to be seen if Oli’s directives will be implemented, as there is a poor track record in this regard. For example, former PM Dahal issued a similar directive, only to express frustration after three months due to non-implementation. The bureaucracy typically shows little enthusiasm for aligning with politicians’ priorities.

The government also transferred several government secretaries. Politicians often talk about political and policy stability but frequently transfer secretaries. While one round of transfers following the formation of a new government can be justified, repeated transfers, as seen under Dahal’s leadership, disrupt the working environment. If Prime Minister Oli genuinely wants to improve governance, he must address these issues or risk losing bureaucratic support.

In another story, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak faced criticism this week for transferring senior police officers involved in investigating high-profile corruption cases. He also initiated an investigation against AIG Shyam Gyawali following a series of complaints. Lekhak has stated he will not allow the misuse of administration to protect individuals or suppress political opponents. His path ahead is challenging, as he must balance allowing independent police investigations with potential political pressures to sideline certain cases.

The CPN (Maoist Center), now in opposition for the first time in nearly 10 years, held a meeting to discuss its future path. Leaders acknowledged neglecting party-building while in power and decided to contest the 2027 elections alone, though this is unlikely to happen.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel sparked debate by suggesting changes to electoral laws to prevent the rise of fringe parties, which he argues is necessary for political stability. He proposed increasing the threshold percentage, a move likely to be opposed by smaller parties. Pokhrel has long advocated for a two-party system in Nepal.

Another significant development of this week was that a consensus was reached among political parties on transitional justice issues related to human rights violations during the insurgency period. However, this agreement must be endorsed by the Ministry of Law and Parliament. If the NC, UML, and the Maoist Center agree, it may proceed, but it remains uncertain if conflict victims and the international community will accept it.

This week also saw a change in the leadership of Nepal Army after Ashok Raj Sigdel was elevated to the post of acting chief of the army. He will be in full charge of the army within a month. This change is unlikely to impact national politics, as the NA has largely maintained its apolitical reputation, unlike Nepal Police and other institutions where political meddling is rife. 

Another notable story this week was the rejection of Krishna Man Pradhan’s nomination as a member of the Election Commission by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee. The committee reached its decision hours after Pradhan, who was unanimously nominated on June 16 by the Constitutional Council led by former Prime Minister Dahal, withdrew himself from the hearing process. Pradhan’s nomination was disputed after a woman filed a complaint claiming that he had sexually exploited her for years. This rare decision by the hearing committee is a positive step, underscoring the importance of parliamentary screening for constitutional body appointments.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has announced not to organize the party meetings at the prime minister's official residence.

Taking to Facebook, PM Oli said the party meetings will not be conducted at his official residence until his health permits. The PM stated that the decision was in line with the suggestions given by the general public through their social networking sites. The PM has also expected such suggestions in the future as well.

"Our party's secretariat meeting is taking place today. The meeting is being convened in another place as the meeting could not be held at the party office due to inundation following the flood in the Manohara river. Continue offering me feedback like this. Thank You!" he said. 

Meanwhile, the UML's secretariat meeting is starting at 11 am today. Party's Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam said central leaders' responsibility will be discussed along with the contemporary political issues.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Swiss government to help bring in more foreign direct investment for Nepal's economic development and prosperity.

During a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Daniel Meuli at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar today, Prime Minister Oli stressed that foreign aid would be a catalyst for the country's development.

He mentioned that the government of Nepal has been making efforts to make the state structures accountable to the people by strengthening democracy, sharing that the practice of Switzerland for the development of inclusive democratic structure has been established here.

Expressing commitment that the government would carry out necessary reforms to increase foreign direct investment, the Prime Minister explained that there was enthusiastic participation of 50 countries in the recently held Nepal Investment Summit. 

Prime Minister Oli expected an increment of support from development partners as the country has set a goal of graduating to the developing country from least developed country by 2026 and to become middle-income country by 2030.

He thanked the Swiss government for its continued support to Nepal's development endeavors, preventing COVID-19 and to the peace process.

On the occasion, the Swiss Ambassador congratulated and extended best wishes to Prime Minister Oli for his successful tenure and assured of continuing collaboration and cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed sorrow over the Saurya Airlines plane crash that occurred this morning at the Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 18 people on board.

The Prime Minister took to social media and said he is deeply saddened by the death of 18 people in the plane crash.

He urged all for patience at this hour of grief. 

The plane with the call sign 9N- AME skidded off the runway and fell into a ditch on the eastern side of the runway while taking off for Pokhara.

The incident took place at 11:11 am. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the Constitution amendment is the need of the hour.

Responding to the queries of lawmakers in the Parliament on Monday, he said that the Constitution amendment is not a bid to please anyone.

Prime Minister Oli expressed his commitment that the Constitution will be amended by holding discussions with all the political parties.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is firm that Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh are part of Nepal.

Responding to lawmakers’ queries in the Parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Oli claimed that the Sugauli treaty signed between the then East India Company of British government and Nepal in 2016 also stated that the territory east of Kali river belongs to Nepal.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made public the seven-point agreement signed between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress.

He informed the Parliament about the seven-point agreement while presenting his motion to seek a vote of confidence at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday.

According to the agreement, UML Chair KP Sharma Oli said that he will lead the government for two years in the first phase and then hand over power to NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to conduct the 2027 elections, he said.

Prime Minister Oli said that an agreement has been made to give priority to the necessary amendments to the Constitution and for the formulation of laws for political stability.

Nepali Congress President Deuba and UML Chairman Oli had signed the seven-point agreement.

The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal has decided to give a vote of confidence to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

JSP Nepal's Spokesperson Manish Kumar Suman said that his party had already supported the present government, so it would vote for PM Oli in the trust vote.

"JSP Nepal will give a vote of confidence to PM Oli. The Parliamentary Party meeting will make an official decision in this regard tomorrow or the day after tomorrow," he informed.

CPN-UML Chairman Oli, who was appointed as the PM in accordance with Article 76 (2), is scheduled to seek a vote of confidence on Sunday.

Oli was appointed the PM with the backing of largest political party in the Parliament, Nepali Congress, after Maoist Center Chairman, the outgoing PM, Pushpa Kamal Dahal failed to secure a trust motion in the House of Representatives meeting last Friday.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on July 21, Sunday.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula said that July 21 has been determined as the date on which Prime Minister Oli will be seeking a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament.

UML Chair KP Sharma Oli was appointed the Prime Minister on July 14 in accordance with Article 76(2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

The UML Parliamentary Party leader Oli became the Prime Minister for the fourth time with the support of the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the House of Representatives.

He is seeking a vote of confidence in accordance with Article 76 (4) of the Constitution which requires that the Prime Minister appointed on the backing of two or more parties should take the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives within 30 days.

Newly appointed Prime Minister KP Oli has said that he is ready to cooperate with neighboring country India.

Thanking his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Oli said that he is committed to work together.

PM Oli took to social media and said: “I would like to thank you for the best wishes. I am ready to cooperate with you for mutual benefit and to strengthen Nepal-India relations. We can take the historic relationship to a new height.”

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Modi had congratulated Oli on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal.

The Indian Prime Minister had said that he was ready to work closely to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

He emphasized that the two countries should work together for the progress and prosperity of the people.

CPN UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has been appointed the Prime Minister.

President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed UML Chairman Oli as the Prime Minister in accordance with Article 76 (2) of Constitution, according to the President's Press Advisor, Kiran Pokhrel.

Oli was appointed the PM in the backing of the largest political party in The Parliament, Nepali Congress.

UML Chairman Oli and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba had submitted the signatures of a majority of lawmakers proposing Oli as the new prime minister in the wake of President Paudel's call on staking a claim for PM after the outgoing PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's failure to secure trust vote in the House of Representatives meeting on Friday.

The President had called to stake a claim for PM with the support of two or more political parties representing in the parliament, giving a deadline till today.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held at 11 am tomorrow.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli held a meeting on Monday.

According to a Baluwatar source, they discussed contemporary political issues in the meeting today.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that the two leaders also discussed making the works of the government more effective.

Earlier on Saturday and Sunday, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held talks with UML Chairman Oli.

Following the meetings, Prime Minister Dahal also intensified the dialogues.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has urged the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) to put an end to the ongoing Parliament impasse.

Talking to the media at Biratnagar Airport today, the former Prime Minister and the Chair of the government coalition partner urged the main opposition to cease the party's obstructions in the House bearing in mind the necessity to proceed with the schedules of endorsing the government policies and programs and announcing the budget for a new fiscal year. "The Nepali Congress should reconsider its stance."

Underlining the need for political consensus, cooperation, and unity to achieve political stability, the leader said the present time requires political parties to address the citizen's concerns.

The level of cooperation, unity, and consensus that political parties demonstrated during the promulgation of the Constitution is once again needed, according to him.