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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's special address at the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for today has been postponed. 

Chief Whip of UML Parliamentary Party, Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, informed that the scheduled address of the PM was removed from Parliament business today. 

However, the session of lawmakers' questions and answers with the PM will run as it is, he added.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is making a special address in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.

Prime Minister Oli will make the special address at 1 pm today, CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula said. 

He will address the Parliament, focusing on the government's major achievements in the past year, upcoming priorities, and contemporary issues raised by opposition parties including the main opposition party in the federal Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Parliament Secretariat has stated that the Prime Minister will also respond to questions asked by lawmakers today under the regular agenda of the p

Parliament.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be responding to questions raised by lawmakers in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.

Similarly, Speaker Devraj Ghimire is scheduled to present a proposal seeking consideration on the 'Ship (Operation and Management) Bill, 2081, which originated in the National Assembly.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari will table a proposal seeking general discussion on the WTO Agreement on Concessions in the Fisheries Industry.

Furthermore, three parliamentary committees—the Public Accounts Committee, the Legislative Management Committee, and the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee are holding meetings today.

The PAC will discuss 'complaints related to the construction of the Jagadulla Hydropower Project' while the Legislative Management Committee will hold clause-wise discussion on the ‘Water Resources Bill, 2081’.

The Federalism Strengthening Committee will discuss the progress status of projects of national pride under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.

The discord between CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has further escalated, with both remaining adamant in their respective positions.

Prime Minister Oli and a majority of leaders in the party’s Central Committee (CC) believe that a former head of state should not return to active party politics. However, Bhandari has shown no signs of heeding the suggestions from Oli, UML leaders, or even opposition parties. A day after Oli instructed the CC members not to act as a ‘spokesperson’ for the former president, Bhandari warned against attempts to ‘terrorize’ her supporters. Speaking to a group of journalists, she reiterated her return to UML politics and firmly stated that she would not back down.

Whether out of deference to Oli or genuine concern, most CC members have echoed the view that a former president re-entering active politics would have negative implications for the nascent republic. Only a few leaders spoke in her favor during the CC meeting, and even they refrained from explicitly endorsing her political comeback. Meanwhile, most CC leaders have rallied behind Oli’s bid to lead the party for a third consecutive term at the upcoming general convention. To facilitate this, the UML is preparing to amend its statute at the upcoming statute convention. Some party leaders have even suggested that the ongoing CC meeting should unanimously propose Oli as party chair for the next five years.

A one-on-one meeting between Oli and Bhandari on Sunday failed to narrow the rift; instead, it appears to have widened it further. Outside the UML as well, the political environment remains largely unfavorable for Bhandari’s return. The largest party, Nepali Congress, has reiterated its stance that former presidents should refrain from active politics. “We have a clear position that the former president should not engage in active politics,” said NC leader Gopal Man Shrestha.

The main opposition, CPN (Maoist Center), has not taken a clear position, partly due to its own moral quandary, as former Vice President Nanda Kishwor Pun has already joined the party, ignoring similar objections about returning to active politics. Speaking from her private residence, Bhandari made it clear that there is no turning back. Oli and Bhandari have long shared a cordial relationship. Oli played a key role in securing her presidency in 2015.

At that time, there had been intense debate within the UML over the party's presidential nominee. Senior leaders like Madhav Kumar Nepal supported Jhala Nath Khanal or Astha Laxmi Shakya, but Oli stood firmly behind Bhandari. During her tenure, Bhandari and Oli maintained a close working relationship, with Bhandari often criticized for approving Oli’s decisions, including the controversial dissolution of Parliament, without any scrutiny. 

Tensions began to surface when Bhandari publicly expressed her intent to return to active politics. Initially, Oli did not oppose her. However, in her Nepali New Year message, Bhandari hinted at the need to review the party's current leadership, an indirect challenge to Oli’s position. This statement was widely interpreted as a signal that she aimed to displace Oli.

Despite the tension, the two leaders continued to meet regularly, either at Baluwatar or at Bhandari’s residence. In June, Bhandari visited China for a week, and the two met both before and after the trip. Her supporters claimed that China sees Bhandari as a future leader of the UML, potentially uniting the broader left. According to Bhandari, she had informed Oli of her intention to return to politics even while serving as president.

Relations soured further after Bhandari declared in an interview last week that she wishes to lead the party. In response, Oli reminded her that her party membership renewal is still pending. Bhandari had relinquished her UML membership after becoming president in 2015, upholding the principle that the head of state should remain impartial.

After her term ended in 2022, Bhandari submitted an application to renew her party membership. She claims to have done so six months after leaving office, and at the time, no UML leaders raised objections. However, party leaders now argue that the issue is political rather than technical. It remains unclear how the UML will resolve the matter of Bhandari’s return to active politics.

A delegation led by chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Chen Xiaodong, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today.

During the meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar, discussions were held regarding the mutual relations between the two countries, bilateral agreement reached at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, and implementation of previously signed agreements on development cooperation during the high-level visits between the two countries, stated the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

On the occasion, PM Oli stated that there is a long and friendly relationship between Nepal and China, reiterating Nepal's commitment to the One China policy.

He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for prioritizing the construction of physical structures damaged at the border between the two countries in Rasuwagadhi due to the recent flash floods, and mentioned that the Nepali side has also expedited the necessary efforts to that end.

He emphasized the need to move forward without interruption in the operation of the Kimathangka and other border transit points with China, as well as in the projects under the 'Belt and Road Initiative Framework' to make Nepal land-linked from being land-locked.

Prime Minister's chief advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, economic development advisor Yuba Raj Khatiwada and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song were present in the meeting.

The delegation on Monday called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and discussed the projects operated with the support of the Chinese government and those that will be implemented in the coming days.

On that occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed regarding the project related to 'bone marrow transplantation' at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan, and to conduct a feasibility study for the expansion of the Civil Service Hospital.

Similarly, a memorandum of understanding on human resource development between the two countries and a 'minute' regarding the feasibility study for the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung cross-border electricity transmission line was also signed during the meeting with the DPM and Finance Minister Paudel on Tuesday.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is preparing to lead the CPN-UML for a third consecutive term, a move not uncommon in communist parties. To facilitate this, the party is set to amend its statute at the upcoming statute convention next month. The proposed amendment would remove the two-term limit and the 70-year age cap for the party leadership. The rationale is straightforward: Oli is already 74, and party insiders argue there is no other leader capable of steering the party through the current challenging situation.

“In the seventh general convention, I myself had proposed the 70-year age limit, but the context of the party and the country has changed entirely,” Oli told the UML Central Committee on Monday. His push for a third term is not without precedent. Madhav Kumar Nepal, now leading a separate party, served as the UML's executive general secretary for 15 years, from 1993 to 2008. Still, within UML, there is no clear or consistent policy regarding age or term limits for top leadership roles.

Oli’s supporters insist he must remain at the helm for at least five more years, arguing that the party faces a monumental challenge in becoming the largest political force in the 2027 elections. Within the UML, Oli continues to project himself as the undisputed leader, and is determined not to allow the rise of any rival faction. According to leaders close to him, Oli has repeatedly made it clear that he will not settle for being the party's second-in-command.

Oli has also consistently warned against the formation of factions. In the ongoing Central Committee meeting, Oli cautioned leaders against acting as “spokesperson” for former president Bidya Devi Bhandari, as speculation grows about her potential entry into party politics. Among UML’s senior leadership, figures such as Ishwar Pokhrel, Yubaraj Gyawali, Astha Laxmi Shakya, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Surendra Pandey, Shankar Pokhrel, and Pradeep Gyawali remain influential. Of these, only Pokhrel and Pandey are seen as sympathetic to Bhandari.

Oli first became UML chairperson in 2015 after defeating Madhav Kumar Nepal, and won again in 2021, decisively beating Bhim Rawal, despite his aim for a unanimous endorsement. Following disagreements with Oli, Nepal left UML to form the CPN (Unified Socialist), while Rawal also exited the party. Within Nepal’s communist parties, long-term leadership is not uncommon. CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has led his party since the 1980s without holding intra-party elections and has indicated that he intends to remain in power indefinitely.

Dahal’s key rivals, Baburam Bhattarai and Mohan Baidya, have already departed from the Maoist party. Although Janardhan Sharma has emerged as a potential challenger, he has yet to pose a serious threat to Dahal’s leadership. Meanwhile, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Nepal has refused to step down, despite ongoing corruption cases filed against him by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

UML, however, has traditionally operated differently from the Maoists and other fringe parties. Since 1990, it has held regular intra-party elections to choose its leadership, the last of which was in 2021 that re-elected Oli. To win a third term, Oli will once again need to secure internal support.

The recent public statement by former President Bhandari announcing her return to active politics has sparked criticism of Oli’s third-term ambition. Oli maintains that he deserves another term, citing significant progress in party organization. He told the Central Committee that ordinary party membership had increased by 28 percent under his leadership. Moreover, he emphasized the absence of ideological or policy disputes within the party and called on all members to work collectively to position UML as the decisive political force in 2027.

Bhandari’s re-entry into party politics could pose a serious challenge to Oli’s dominance. However, Oli has publicly stated that a former head of state should not return to active politics, arguing that doing so would undermine the dignity of the presidential office. Referring to leaders close to Bhandari, he accused them of deliberately trying to create discord within the party. Oli is aware that Bhandari’s political engagement could lead to the emergence of a strong rival faction, potentially challenging his leadership at the upcoming general convention. In recent months, Bhandari has been quietly working to consolidate her influence within the party. Nevertheless, Oli continues to enjoy a firm grip over the party, with dissenting voices largely subdued.

CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged Central Committee members to strengthen the party's internal unity.

Speaking at the ninth Central Committee meeting of the party that began today, Chair Oli stressed that the entire party line should be united as there was no ideological and policy-level dispute in the party.  

The party membership has increased by 139,000 (28 percent) in the recent period, thereby making the party organization stronger, he informed. 

Chair Oli called on party's central members to transform the party as a decisive force of the country, shared UML Central Publicity Department Chief, Rajendra Gautam. 

"There is no confrontation among us but we should be aware of possible efforts of some elements intending to create dispute and division," Chair Oli reminded. The Central Committee members were asked to put forth their views in the meeting. 

According to him, the opponents could not compete with UML ideology and performance.  

Leader Gautam shared that the discussion would also be held about the meeting between Chair Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday.

Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudel would present a statute amendment proposal while General Secretary an organizational report in the two-day meeting. 

Similarly, the meeting would discuss the managerial preparation of the upcoming Statute Convention.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s announcement to rejoin active politics has raised widespread concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the presidency. Political leaders and experts argue that her decision undermines Nepal’s nascent republic, which is already facing challenges from royalist forces.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai criticized the move, stating that it contradicts the CPN-UML’s professed ideology of multiparty democracy, as championed by Madan Bhandari. “Bhandari’s return to active politics is not just an internal party matter. It has serious implications for national interests, the spirit of the federal republic, and governance,” he said.

Nepali Congress (NC) leaders warned that Bhandari’s political reentry could intensify attacks on the republic and erode public trust in the presidency. Over the past year, Bhandari has been conducting parallel party activities and has openly declared her ambition to lead the UML and eventually become prime minister.

In contrast, former President Ram Baran Yadav (2008–2015) has refrained from active politics, focusing instead on social work. While former Vice President Nanda Kishor Pun joined Maoist politics, observers note that the roles of president and vice president carry vastly different symbolic weights, making Bhandari’s case more contentious.

Political analysts warn that if Bhandari resumes active politics, the presidency may no longer be seen as an impartial institution, weakening the republican system. Past decisions by both Yadav and Bhandari have already faced public scrutiny. Yadav clashed with non-NC prime ministers, while Bhandari was accused of favoring the UML during her tenure. Her latest move reinforces the perception that presidents prioritize party interests over national ones. Unlike in democracies where former heads of state typically engage in philanthropy, Bhandari’s decision sets a concerning precedent.

Prime Minister and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has opposed Bhandari’s return, calling it detrimental to both the country and party unity. He noted that the UML supported her presidency assuming she would adhere to constitutional norms barring former presidents from active politics. “Her plan to rejoin politics is alarming, given her former role as head of state, supreme commander of the Nepali Army, and a symbol of the republic,” Oli said.

Bhandari is pressuring the party to clarify her position, reportedly seeking senior leadership status before next month’s statute convention. However, the UML has delayed renewing her ordinary membership, citing ongoing review. Senior leader Surendra Pandey claims her membership was renewed two years ago, but the party has not officially confirmed this.

Meanwhile, Bhandari has been expanding her influence through the Madan Bhandari Foundation, a think tank named after her late husband, and touring provinces to bolster her support base.

As Bhandari maneuvers for a comeback, the UML is preparing amendments to allow Oli a third consecutive term as chairman and abolish the 70-year age limit, a move opposed by Vice-chairperson Ishwar Pokhrel but met with silence from other senior leaders. Leaders like Pokhrel, Ananda Pokhrel, Karna Bahadur Thapa and Gokul Banskota have openly backed Bhandari, while top figures remain noncommittal.

Amid rising tensions, Oli and Bhandari held a one-on-one meeting at the UML headquarters on Sunday, signaling unresolved negotiations over her political future.

CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari held a meeting at UML Headquarters, Chyasal, today.

After former President Bhandari announced her return to party politics, the recently held Secretariat and Politburo meetings of the party had discussed this issue.

Chair Oli has been saying that former President Bhandari did not hold any discussion with the party before announcing her return to party politics. 

In the Politburo meeting, concluded on Saturday, the members had put forth the views that the former President, who already served in the prestigious post, should not return to active politics. 

The Central Committee meeting of the UML is scheduled on Monday.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is to leave for India.

According to a source at the Foreign Ministry, PM Oli is leaving for New Delhi, India on September 16.

According to a source, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to his Nepali counterpart Oli for a two-day visit.

A source at the Foreign Ministry, however, said that the date could be changed.

The Foreign Ministry said that preparations have started for PM Oli's India visit.

It has been said that a secretary-level will be held prior to that.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the general public to refrain from non-essential travel and stay in safe areas.

His appeal comes amidst the Weather Forecasting Division’s prediction of heavy and widespread rainfall across the country while directing the security personnel to remain on alert.

He also urged the concerned authorities of the federal, provincial and local governments to remain active in minimizing the damage caused by potential disasters including floods, landslides and inundation.

Taking to social media, Prime Minister Oli said, “The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted heavy rain in various parts of the country this afternoon. He urged the people to stay informed through updates from the security agencies to take necessary precautions to avoid monsoon-induced disasters. I would like to request all to avoid unnecessary travel and direct the security agencies to remain on alert.”

Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority had urged the people to be cautious, saying that there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in various parts of the country from July 19-21.  

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the construction of the cricket stadium in Kirtipur has reached its final stage.

Taking to his social site today, he mentioned that the contractor company is currently proceeding ahead with the work by paying compensation because they did not complete the construction of the stadium on time.

"Even while working in three shifts, there could have been delays due to the monsoon and other technical reasons. However, the government has now made provision for penalties and rewards to ensure results and maintain discipline in work, which is a positive step," Prime Minister Oli wrote on his social media wall.

He also mentioned that this system of reward and punishment is being implemented in other related public construction works as well.

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has formally returned to active politics, rejoining her old party, CPN-UML. After 10 years of party politics and seven years as Nepal’s ceremonial head of state, her comeback naturally raises questions: What role will she now play? Will her political approach evolve, or will she repeat her old style? While debates continue, her return deserves a simple acknowledgment: Welcome back to CPN-UML politics, Mrs Bhandari.

Legally and constitutionally, her return poses no barrier. Though some argue that a former ceremonial head of state should avoid re-entering active party politics, this is a moral debate, not a legal one. In today’s realist political environment, morality and principle seldom define political choices. Ultimately, the decision is hers, based on her confidence that she can still serve the nation.

This article, however, centers on the leadership of CPN-UML itself, especially KP Sharma Oli’s continued role. Is this the right moment to challenge Oli’s leadership? The answer is clear: No.

Still relevant and strong

As both Prime Minister and president of CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli continues to lead effectively, directing internal and external challenges. Leadership must always be judged relatively. In comparison to other leaders, Oli remains Nepal’s most competent prime minister in recent times. His past tenure lists achievements crucial to national development and foreign policy.

Oli’s leadership is defined by rationality and conviction. He does not bend to populist trends or social media pressures. His decisions are grounded in logic, reason and what he perceives as the national interest. While populism tempts many leaders, Oli has largely resisted that path.

Importantly, he has defended Nepal’s national interests consistently, whether dealing with territorial disputes or resisting external influence. His governance style prioritizes sovereignty and independence. Even as foreign powers and domestic rivals target him, Oli stands firm. Weakening his leadership now would not only fragment the party but also undermine Nepal’s assertiveness on the global stage.

At a time when divisive forces seek to destabilize both the government and the party, CPN-UML leaders and cadres must stand united. Criticizing Oli for the sake of internal power struggles will harm the party more than it benefits anyone individually.

Strengthen the party

The Statute Convention of CPN-UML, scheduled for September 5-7 in Godavari, comes at a critical time. According to party rules, the General Congress must convene within a year of this convention. Therefore, this is not the time for leadership contests. Instead, the party’s focus should remain on strengthening internal structures, refining policies and fostering discipline.

Party politics is not about personal ambitions; it is about collective organization. The stronger CPN-UML becomes, the more its members benefit politically. Internal conflicts only weaken the party. This is evident in the example of Madhav Kumar Nepal. His breakaway Unified Socialist Party now faces marginalization and existential challenges. His past defiance against Oli earned short-term attention, but long-term irrelevance.

The priority for CPN-UML members should be clear: focus on making the party a decisive force in national politics. Strengthening the party as an institution will naturally open leadership opportunities for capable individuals over time.

Leadership pipeline

While Oli remains the party’s central figure today, the question of succession is valid. Fortunately, CPN-UML has no shortage of future leaders. Figures like Shankar Pokhrel, Bishnu Poudel, Pradeep Gyawali, PS Gurung and Yogesh Bhattarai represent the next generation of leadership. Each brings unique strengths and perspectives, ready to lead when the time comes.

However, succession planning must be strategic, not opportunistic. Oli might serve one more term, using that time to mentor and prepare younger leaders. If Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return strengthens the party, it should be seen as a unifying development, not the beginning of a rivalry. Oli and Bhandari are unlikely to compete against each other for leadership positions; rather, they could jointly support second- and third-generation leaders when conditions demand.

Leadership transitions should emerge from consensus and institutional processes, not factional contests.

In the current context, targeting Oli weakens both the party and Nepal’s political stability. Undermining him serves only adversarial interests, both domestic and foreign. Constructive criticism within the party is essential, but it should be grounded in facts, strategy and long-term goals.

Ultimately, while Oli will not lead forever, it is neither the right time nor the right approach to force leadership change rashly. His rational, nationally focused leadership remains essential in steering both the party and the government.

In conclusion, the future will depend on how wisely the party cultivates its emerging leadership. The CPN-UML’s immediate task is clear: consolidate around its current leadership, strengthen party structures and prepare a new generation of leaders through unity and discipline—not internal fragmentation.

Criticizing Oli without strategic reason weakens the party and empowers adversaries. As long as Oli prioritizes national interests and rational governance, he deserves the party’s support—not unnecessary challenges.

For now, the question is not who will replace Oli, but how the party can become stronger under his leadership, ensuring a smooth and wise transition when the time is truly right.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that he has instructed officials to bring the Korala border with China in Mustang into full-fledged operation after setting up necessary infrastructure. During a meeting with people’s representatives from Mustang in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Oli said he had already issued directives to open the Korala border point as an alternative trade and transit route with China, particularly in the wake of recent natural disasters that have disrupted other customs points.

The Rasuwagadhi border point, Nepal’s primary land route for trade with China, has been shut since July 8 after a flash flood in the Lhendekhola River damaged customs and immigration facilities and roads. Similarly, the Tatopani customs point, another gateway to China, is facing operational issues due to frequent landslides and poor road conditions, making it an unreliable route for trade and passenger movement.

Given these setbacks, local representatives and other stakeholders of Mustang have been pressing the government to fast-track preparations for the Korala route. A few days ago, tourism entrepreneurs urged the government to initiate diplomatic talks with China to allow Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims, who were stranded due to the Rasuwagadhi flood, to travel to Tibet, China via the Korala border.

During the meeting, local representatives drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the lack of necessary infrastructure at the border. They said the government should immediately initiate the process to blacktop the 97-kilometer Kagbeni–Korala section of the Kaligandaki Corridor Road and establish customs, immigration, an integrated security post and a dry port at the Korala point to support cross-border operations.

The Korala border, believed to be a part of the ancient Silk Route, facilitated trade between Tibet and the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Realizing the trade prospects of this border point, Nepal has been building the Kaligandaki Corridor Road to link Tibet with India. The 254-kilometer highway links Gaidakot along the East-West Highway with Korala via the Kali Gandaki Corridor.

While China has built most of the facilities on its side, the Nepali side of the border remains deserted. About a dozen tents of Nepali traders selling products brought from China can be seen at the border, catering to domestic tourists who reach the border point. The Armed Police Force (APF) has built a border outpost (BOP) a few kilometers below the border. Although the government has set up an immigration office, it is largely non-operational.

“As soon as Rasuwagadhi was hit by floods, I instructed officials to begin preparations for operating the Korala point as an alternative,” Oli told people’s representatives from Mustang.

Locals also raised concerns about the high restricted area permit fee, $500 per person for 10 days, which, they say, has restricted tourism activities in remote villages of Mustang, particularly those in Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities.

The KP Sharma Oli-led government has completed one year in office, delivering a mixed record on its promises. Two major parties came together pledging to ensure political stability, especially after the CPN (Maoist Center), the third-largest party, had repeatedly shifted alliances—often playing the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML against each other.

One notable outcome over the past year is a degree of government stability, if not full political stability. The current NC-UML coalition appears relatively stable and is unlikely to collapse in the near future, though questions about its longevity persist.

Despite the coalition’s stability, the government has failed to curb the frequent transfers of high-level bureaucrats, which has severely disrupted the functioning of government agencies. At the provincial level, however, there is now more stability, ending the earlier pattern of frequent changes in chief ministers and governors.

When the coalition was formed, both parties had agreed to amend the constitution. However, there has been no progress on that front, drawing criticism from opposition parties and the general public. The parties seem uncertain whether to first assess the constitution’s implementation or proceed directly with amendments. “The slow progress clearly shows that NC and UML raised the amendment issue without a well-thought-out plan,” says political analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta. “It’s a complex issue that requires delicate handling.”

While the NC and Madhes-based parties have discussed constitutional amendment internally, there has been no broader cross-party effort. Parties remain deeply divided on the matter, with each inclined to revive their core agendas from the constitution-drafting process.

The 2015 constitution was a compromise among parties with competing priorities. Reviving the amendment issue risks hardening those old positions, making any changes unlikely. Prime Minister Oli himself has repeatedly said that constitutional amendments are unlikely before 2027. Within the NC, the faction led by senior leader Shekhar Koirala has criticized the government for its inaction on this front.

On the economic front, there have been signs of modest recovery. To recommend reform measures, the government formed a high-level panel led by Rameshwor Khanal, which has already submitted its report. It remains to be seen how the government will act on its recommendations.

Though the economy underperformed over the past year, some recovery has been observed. According to the Asian Development Bank, Nepal’s economy is expected to grow by 4.4 percent in the current fiscal year, up from an estimated 3.9 percent in FY 2023/24. Consumer inflation has also declined to 2.72 percent, down from four percent last year.

However, with just days left in the 2024/25 fiscal year, more than half of the development budget remains unspent. According to the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), only 46.59 percent of the capital budget had been utilized as of July. Of the Rs 352.35bn allocated, just Rs 164.15bn has been spent.

On the external front, Prime Minister Oli paid an official visit to China, where he signed a long-pending framework agreement. While this caused some unease within the Nepali Congress, it has not led to significant rifts between the coalition partners. Projects selected under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework have yet to show any real progress. The Prime Minister has also made other bilateral visits, and preparations are underway for his upcoming visit to India, which is expected to take place soon.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that preparations are underway for the full operation of the Korala checkpoint in Mustang, along with the necessary infrastructure and facility development.

PM Oli said this during discussions with a delegation of federal parliamentarians representing Mustang and the local level people's representatives held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar on Monday.

On the occasion, PM Oli recalled that he had initiated the construction of the Benighat-Korala road, facilitated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Muktinath, started the process for the operation of the Muktinath cable car, prioritized the construction of the Super Zone for apples, and the mountain goat farming project, among other works in Mustang.

The delegation, led by Prime Minister Oli, requested a reconsideration of tourism royalties as there has been a decline in tourists after the government declared the upper region of Mustang, including Lomanthang and Lho-Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality, as a prohibited area and imposed a fee of USD 500 per person on foreign tourists.

It was demanded to blacktop the Kagbeni-Korala road section under the Kaligandaki Corridor and to construct necessary structures to fully operate the Korala checkpoint. The delegation drew the government's attention to the need for construction of physical infrastructure for customs, immigration, integrated security posts, and dry ports at the Korala border transit point.

The elected representatives shared on the occasion that the hotels and local businesses in Upper Mustang were forced to suffer losses due to the incomplete operation of roads and the border checkpoint, as well as the implementation of restricted areas.

Prime Minister Oli instructed his private secretariat to coordinate with the relevant bodies to address those demands.

A few days ago, a team led by the Prime Minister's personal secretary Binod Bahadur Kunwar carried out a field study visit of the Kaligandaki Corridor and prepared a report on the initiatives needed for the operation of roads and the border check post.

The delegation included federal Member of Parliament Yogendra Gauchan Thakali, chairman of Lomanthang rural municipality Tashinhurbu Gurung, and Lopsang Chhompel Bista among others.

The contract for the 97-kilometre blacktopping of the Kagbeni-Korala road section is still pending, and since the contracts for the construction of bridges over the Tatopani River, Danakhola, Pandakhola, and Tangbe River have been terminated, it seems necessary to restart the work, according to the delegation.