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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that federalism has opened the gate for development. He also stressed on collaboration among the three tiers of the government for development and prosperity.

The Prime Minister said so in his special address to the Lumbini Province Assembly today. He also expressed his immense pleasure to come to the holy land of Lumbini.

He said the birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha and other historical and religious places here have made the province special.

PM Oli said Lumbini Province was becoming rich in natural, cultural and economic terms and its capital had been chosen and been implemented successfully.

According to him, Lumbini Province has presented an example that development is possible through federalism.

The Prime Minister stressed that the recently completed international airport, wide roads and infrastructure development could be described as indicators of the Lumbini province's progress.

He also said that the projects including Siddhababa tunnel way would facilitate transportation and attention has also been paid to the construction of Rampur-Kapurkot Road.

Talking about the plan to develop Lumbini Province as an agriculture, tourism and industrial hub, PM Oli said priority should be given to human-centric development. "Development has no meaning if there is no human life," he said.

He stressed the need to promote the agriculture sector by making irrigation projects successful and to carry out development works along with environmental protection.

Prime Minister Oli made it clear that the central government was committed to the overall development of the province.

In his address, PM Oli expressed appreciation for the province government for starting the construction of the 1,200-bed Lumbini Provincial Hospital building.

"This hospital building is the first major infrastructure to be constructed by the province government at a cost of Rs 6.18 billion. But the central government has not been able to fully operate the 1,000-bed hospital and the collaboration among the federal, provincial and local governments is necessary for this," he added.

The Prime Minister believed that quality health services can be provided to the citizens only by operating the health institutions effectively.

Stressing on the right use of technology, PM Oli said: "Things you do on mobile phones are not confidential. The mobile is something made by others. The date might be leaked. Technology has evolved a lot. You should be able to use it properly.”

He stressed the need for coordination and cooperation among the three levels of government to overcome the challenges seen during the implementation of federalism.

"Only by working together can we realise the dream of prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali," he said and suggested that the provinces, while formulating the legal framework, moved ahead on the basis of existing laws established by the federal government.

"The provinces should develop the provincial laws based on the existing laws made by the federal government. Provinces may have to amend many laws when they make their own laws. Therefore, I urge you to move forward on the basis of existing laws,” the PM said in his special address.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Urban Development to expedite up-gradation of Kirtipur stadium.

While obtaining information about the activities of the ministry at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Minsters today, PM Oli directed the ministry to speed up the task of upgrading the Kirtipur Cricket Stadium to the international level.

It may be noted that the PM had pledged to upgrade the stadium within 300 days of his tenure while taking charge of the premiership of the country.

On the occasion, PM Oli was briefed that the contract signing for up-gradation of the stadium would be undertaken soon as the evaluation phase was almost coming to an end as per the tender solicited by the ministry for the construction of parfait and flood lights.

The discussion was held on the presence of Deputy Prime Minster and Minster for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh and concerned officials. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inquired about the progress of Kathmandu-Tarai expressway achieved so far.

He also sought information on the existing problems and measures for the solution.

The under-construction Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes fast track is a national pride project.

Discussion was held on it with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Poudel; Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Transport, Devendra Dahal; Defense Minister Manbir Rai; PM's Advisor on Economic Affairs, Dr Yubraj Khatiwada; Chief of Army Staffs, Ashok Raj Sigdel; and high-ranking officials at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

The Nepal​​​​​​​Army briefed the meeting about the problems regarding land acquisition at Khokana, the beginning point of the project located in the southern outskirt of the Kathmandu Valley and delay in removing tress in the project area.

On the occasion, the PM expressed the belief that there would be no compromise in construction of the project as responsibility for the construction of the project was given to the NA.

He urged the concerned ministries to bring proposals for the resolution of the problems in the Khokana area.

Construction of 70.97 km fast track had initiated in 2074 BS at a cost of Rs 211.93 billion.

A target has been set to complete the project in Chaitra 2083 BS.

However, the overall physical progress of the project is 37.6 per cent and financial progress 39.74 per cent so far.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister visited the Baluwatar-based Shivapuri Higher Secondary School and handed vaccination materials to health workers from the Kathmandu Metropolis-3. The nationwide campaign will run till February 18.

It targets girls from grade six to 10 and the Department of Health Service also ensures access to the vaccine for out-of-schools girls aged 10-14. 

Under the vaccination drive, 1,688,900 girls will be administered the vaccine that protects against cervical cancer, it has been said.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Nepal and on average, it causes four deaths each day. It is caused by persistent infection of human papillomavirus.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended hearty best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the people of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year 2025.

"May the Year of the Snake—symbolizing wisdom, resilience and renewal—deepen Nepal and China’s enduring friendship, inspiring greater cooperation for shared progress, prosperity and harmony," PM Oli posted on the social network site X today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that coordinated efforts were inevitable among the bodies concerned with anti-money laundering for minimizing the financial crime.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Prevention of Money Laundering First National Day, 2025, PM Oli underscored coordination among the informant organization, regulatory agency, law enforcement bodies related to the anti-money laundering system as well as the judicial bodies.

"The mechanism for the prevention of money laundering should carry out works effectively for maintaining financial integrity and transparency by preventing the entry of assets acquired through criminal activities," reads the PM's message.

He wished that may the Day provide further encouragement to increase the effectiveness in the prevention of money laundering and to maintain financial hygiene in the coming days since criminal use of wealth posed a challenge to the economy as well as transparency in governance.

He has urged all those involved in their profession and doing business with good intentions to work freely in their professional and business life without getting distracted.

Prime Minister Oli's message was read out at the program venue.

The Prevention of Money Laundering National Day is observed for the first time under the slogan 'Transparency in Financial Activities, Commitment to Prevention of Money Laundering', under the aegis of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI).

On the occasion of the promulgation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2064 BS, the Government of Nepal has decided to observe the 14th of Magh in Nepali calendar every year as the Prevention of Money Laundering National Day.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Health and Population to develop an action plan based on the submissions from the Task Force on Health Insurance Reform.

After a briefing on the report and recommendations by the Task Force at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister stressed that no one should be deprived of healthcare services due to lack of money during illness.

He also highlighted the importance of working towards building a disease-free society.

Stating the Task Force’s recommendations on the health insurance programme as objective, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry to present an action plan for reform within a week.

Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, Task Force coordinator Dr Shambhu Acharya, members Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Raghuram Kafle, and member secretary Dr Saroj Sharma briefed the Prime Minister on the need for policy, legal, and structural changes in the health insurance program.

Currently, the payment of around Rs 11 billion is awaited under the programme. Of the total population, 27 per cent is enrolled and 48 percent of them are receiving services.

The Task Force recommended that the government make participation in the programme mandatory for all citizens, ensuring free services for those living below the absolute poverty line.

More, the Task Force suggested integrating basic health services with other social security programmes.

The Task Force submitted its report to the Ministry on December 29, 2024.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged all to stay alert and safe in the wake of the earthquake.

Taking to social media early this morning, PM Oli said, "Nepal is witnessing earthquakes of varying scales in recent days, so everyone needs to be alert and adopt safety."

An earthquake measuring 7 Richter scale with its epicenter in Tibet shook various districts in Nepal, including the federal capital, Kathmandu. It occurred at 6:50 am today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent 47-page political document offers a detailed justification for his decision to form a ruling coalition with the largest party, Nepali Congress (NC). A close reading of this document reveals that the CPN-UML is unlikely to sever its alliance with NC before the 2027 elections, as Oli describes this coalition as a ‘new political course’. This marks the first Central Committee meeting Oli has chaired since becoming prime minister for the third time in July last year.

According to the document, the idea of a coalition with NC had been under consideration even before the 2022 elections. Oli notes that the UML had proposed to NC that it contest the elections independently, without forming an alliance with the CPN (Maoist Center). This proposal, however, was not accepted by NC, leading to the formation of alliances out of necessity rather than preference.

Historical context of collaboration

Oli’s document traces the historical precedents of collaboration between the UML and NC, emphasizing their shared roles in pivotal moments of Nepal’s political history. He highlights their partnership during the 1990 democratic movement, their joint efforts in the 2006 second people’s movement, and their collaboration in promulgating the 2015 constitution. After the second Constituent Assembly elections, NC and UML formed a government that played a crucial role in drafting the constitution. Oli argues that this historical context underscores the natural alignment of the two largest parties in times of national need.

Following the 2022 elections, the UML had initially proposed to NC that they form a government together to ensure political stability. However, NC declined the proposal, leading UML to form a coalition with other parties, including the Maoist Center. This alliance proved fragile and eventually collapsed when the Maoist Center supported NC’s candidate, Ram Chandra Poudel, in the presidential elections. Subsequently, UML returned to its long-standing proposition of a coalition with NC, which Oli asserts was driven by a commitment to political stability rather than opportunism.

Justifying the coalition

Oli’s document provides a critical analysis of the 2022 election results, arguing that the fragmented mandate failed to deliver the political stability the country desperately needed. He describes the results as fostering instability and weakening the ability of any single political force to lead decisively. Oli criticizes Maoist Center leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal for engaging in opportunistic behavior and secret consultations with other parties, actions that he claims undermined trust and governance.

The coalition with NC, according to Oli, was therefore a calculated response to the prevailing political instability. He portrays the alliance as a means to foster hope and trust among the populace, mitigate societal pessimism, and bolster the democratic process. Oli also contends that the partnership is vital for addressing growing geopolitical challenges and ensuring Nepal’s national interests are safeguarded in an increasingly polarized global environment.

Mechanisms for collaboration

To ensure effective governance, UML and NC have established several bilateral mechanisms aimed at addressing key national issues. These include working groups focused on constitutional amendments, federalism implementation, pending legislation, governance reform, economic restructuring, and public expenditure management. These mechanisms are intended to bridge differences between the parties and provide actionable inputs to the coalition government.

Oli claims that these collaborative efforts have already yielded significant results, citing the passage of the transitional justice bill with all-party consensus as a major achievement. However, he acknowledges delays in appointing members to the transitional justice mechanism, a gap that needs urgent attention.

Economic and foreign policy perspectives

On the economic front, Oli’s document expresses cautious optimism, stating that the country’s economic situation is gradually improving despite unfavorable indicators. He argues that the strong coalition government has boosted private sector confidence, which is crucial for sustained economic recovery. Oli’s administration has also prioritized governance reforms and efforts to streamline public expenditure, which he believes will yield long-term benefits.

In terms of foreign policy, Oli highlights achievements such as his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 79th General Assembly. He emphasizes the importance of the Framework Agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), viewing it as a critical step toward improving Nepal’s connectivity infrastructure, diversifying transit facilities, and enhancing trade opportunities. Oli acknowledges the need for vigilance regarding the escalating China-US rivalry and its potential implications for Nepal, advocating for a balanced and pragmatic approach to international relations.

Future prospects of the coalition

Oli’s document suggests that the UML-NC coalition is not merely a temporary arrangement but a long-term strategic partnership. He underscores that the UML remains committed to the alliance as long as NC upholds its end of the agreement. Oli’s vision for the coalition extends beyond the immediate term, framing it as a cornerstone for ensuring political stability, fostering democratic values, and addressing Nepal’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

Six months into the coalition government, Oli asserts that it has already delivered a message of stability and progress, countering widespread skepticism about its longevity. He envisions the alliance as a platform for addressing deep-rooted issues such as governance inefficiencies, economic stagnation, and geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Oli’s political document serves as a comprehensive defense of the UML’s decision to partner with NC, highlighting its historical, political, and strategic rationale. By framing the alliance as a necessity born out of a commitment to national stability and progress, Oli seeks to position the coalition as a transformative force in Nepal’s political landscape. While challenges remain, including differences within the coalition and delays in key appointments, the document reflects a strong resolve to navigate these hurdles in pursuit of a more stable and prosperous future for Nepal.

Kathmandu, Jan 5: Prime Minister and CPN UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli claimed that there was a gradual improvement in national economy since the formation of the incumbent government.

Presenting the political report in the central committee meeting of the party at Chyasal, Lalitpur on Sunday, Chairperson Oli however admitted that the economic recovery had not yet gained a remarkable momentum.

In his report, Oli cited the notable outcomes of the incumbent government such as ensuring political stability, increased confidence in the private sector, higher revenue collection, rise in capital expenditure and import and capital market as compared to previous fiscal year.

The report mentions formation of a high-level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission for taking measures to improve national economy.

According to the report, the government fulfilled payment obligation and introduced a dozen of laws, regulations, procedures, directives and legislations and enforced them o strengthen national economy. The political report, taking pride in Nepal's improved sovereign credit rating, boasts that Nepal stands as the second most investable country in South Asia after India.

Oli outlined government's efforts and initiatives such as devising legal framework to address the anomalies plaguing the cooperatives sector, taking action against fraudulent cooperatives, repaying depositors' money and forming of an Authority to regulate the cooperatives sector.

Although the report highlighted a notable improvement in energy, trade and infrastructures sectors, as well as efforts to resolve farmers' issues and gradual improvement in public service delivery, PM Oli asserted that those sectors were not still far from challenges.

While the government's actions were positive, the report emphasized the need for additional efforts to deliver on development and meet citizens' expectations.

The PM has stated that the government had embraced austerity measures to implement a disciplined working system and focus on projects of national pride instead of scattering the budget on small projects.

In his report, he argued that a foundation was laid to bring vitality to the country's economy through various initiatives taken by the government. "The external economic factors are relatively stable. Cash deposits for investment have increased in banks, remittance inflows have risen, interest rates have been lowered to single digit, and inflation is under control," Oli said during the central committee meeting.

In his report, Oli suggested four immediate measures to address the anomalies in the cooperative sector. "Taking firm action against fraud, repaying depositors, establishing a high-powered authority to regulate cooperatives, and creating a security fund to protect depositors' funds in the future should be top priorities," Oli stated.

He emphasized that the government is resolute in holding accountable those responsible for embezzling cooperative funds. Oli also mentioned that some political parties or individuals are trying to politicize ongoing investigations and prosecutions by portraying them as targeted attacks, but these allegations have been proven false through the investigation process.

He stressed that individuals who have not committed any wrongdoing should not fear the judicial process. PM Oli announced that Rs 1.55 billion was repaid to 6,000 depositors from three troubled cooperative organizations out of the 22 troubled cooperative organizations.

The Chairman has however admitted in the report that excessive liquidity and political instability were behind slow development works.

He also accused the erstwhile government of creating atmosphere discouraging foreign investment, fueling corruption and embezzlement of government funds. Such malaises created a parallel economy denting formal economy of the country, he added. "The construction entrepreneurs did not get payment on time, while development projects were foisted randomly for political interests.

Several projects were scattered and without resources. Such ill practices ruined development ecosystem, which needs immediate correction," PM Oli underlined. Moreover, he said although present government took positive initiatives for economic reform, these were not adequate. "People are awaiting speedy development and delivery with the formation of government comprising two big parties," he said, drawing attention that the reconstructions in Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim districts were not initiated despite passage of more than one year since the earthquake, while people suffering floods in the ultimate days of last September were also in need of rehabilitation.

According to the PM, some of the challenges at present were- farmers not ensured proper price of their products; problems of sugarcane farmers still unaddressed; development works not gaining pace; and delivery of public service slowed and investment atmosphere elusive. 

For sometime now, a burgeoning cum ballooning verbal battle between the Mayor of Kathmandu, Balendra Shah alias Balen and the CPN-UML party and its supremo, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has become ghastly aggressive and personally pinpointing as well. After being elected the mayor of Kathmandu, Balen himself humbly visited Oli at Balkot. Maybe that visit was a rightful reflection of respect and earnest veneration to Ba. Handing the tabla, a musical instrument, on behalf of the host to the guest on that day spoke volumes about heaping harmony. But that relation has been ruined almost irrevocably. Ba and Balen are determinedly mired to fire words at each other’s slaughter these days. 

UML MP Rekha Sharma’s case, indication of monetary embezzlement in purported Giribandhu Estate, acrimonious comments on the commencement of new political equation, reprimand in the case of garbage being thrown at the door of the road department, management of slum dwellers, basement parking at Dharahara and many other issues are building the battle on. A few weeks ago, the supporters of both sides campaigned in un-following each other on social media. Of late, Balen’s bold move to penalize UML party committee on the charge of spoiling city sanitation in the pretext of organizing a protest assembly has taken the feud to new heights. These situations have posed many questions for most observant onlookers. In the past, some other unusual and non-ordinary situations had also bewildered this contributor.

Perplexing bewilderment  

Once in the vicinity of Thamel, a taxi was crushed when it hit a person who was walking on the road. This was only a heard incident but not a verified one. But a question arose: was the man strong or the taxi weak? An RCC bridge built over the Dudhkoshi river was destroyed by a breeze, a few years ago (So read the news!). Then another question arose: was the wind strong or the bridge weak? Last year, at a party, a man with a glass of Coca-Cola was seen hypnotizing and commandingly controlling in talking to another man who was drinking whiskey. Another question followed, naturally: was Coca-Cola strong and whiskey weak? After Narendra Modi was elected as the Prime Minister of India for the first time with a comfortable majority, this author himself raised this question at an international conference: did Modi win or did Rahul Gandhi lose?

Now, a similar question has arisen: has Balen become stronger or UML is becoming weaker? Why should an established party, its president and the prime minister of a country wage a verbal war against an independent person or a mayor? Why should he be afraid? Growing immersed in civil service rather than engaging in imbroglios and verbal contretemps on social sites only earnestly indicates political maturity, although social media is an incontrovertibly important tool in current politicking.

After Barack Obama was elected president for the first inning, he thanked the man who invented smartphones through the phone itself because the phone or the social network operated through the very device contributed significantly to his victory. Today’s time is assumed to be the time of 'government in pocket'. Everyone has a tool in their pocket that can update about the government and has the power even to change the government. A book titled ‘Like War: Weaponization of Social Media’ concludes that social networks are the active and prominent political weapons and forts now. The role of social media has been seen to be increasingly important in the leadership formation and Balen’s remarkable rise is a proof of this. A few references may be helpful in juxtaposing the battle of speech between the UML and Balen.

Helpful references

In the last election, the number of seats the UML won in the House of Representatives (HoR) came down a bit compared to the previous election. The number of membership renewals at Mission Grassroots disappointingly and dismally served the campaign. In the election of 2022 compared to 2017, the popular vote also graphed down by more than five lakh. Not a single candidate bagged victory in the first by-election of the HoR. Performance graph charts mere modicum of success in recent local-level by-election. Balen defeated UML’s candidate in the metropolitan election in Kathmandu with a wide margin. Balen brought the UML’s hotspot into heavy havoc and almost an apparent dismissal. 

Balen has around 2.1m followers and Oli has around half a million followers on social media. Has the head of the government and the UML become so weak as to be shivered and quivered with a mayor? Why is the UML, which fought against the aristocratic system, despotic power and authoritarian feudalism in the past, confronting an individual, mere a mayor of a metropolis? Is it not that the UML is becoming pro-regressive in the name of confronting Balen? Isn't the war of words with Balen becoming woeful for Oli?

Leaders who boastfully promised to transform Nepal and make it like Singapore or Switzerland have evidently made it one of the poorest countries in South Asia. A political party should be worried about this and channelize its energies to improve the situation. 

But why does a local level and its chief seem of being as cardinal count and as an arch nemesis? Has Balen, an individual, become equally strong to UML or a national party, the government leading power of the country, equal to the head of the government? Or has the UML debilitated to the level of one person, one local level? Time demands a merciless review and engagingly anchored analysis.

If UML has not made any mistake, has no shortcomings and has nothing to do with some of the allegations coming from Balen, then it ought to focus on main issues of the country. If the entire party has to be shaken and upset because of Balen, when will the UML find time to deal with burning issue facing the country? The uncommon situation of the PM against a mayor and entire party against just an individual has created a solid mountain of immense doubt. Is it that the UML has its confidence crashed? Does it have a moral deficit, has it lost self-esteem or juggernaut fear has arisen in its folds as citizens have started to trust others?

This contributor is never in the favor of either Balen or Oli or any party, he does not want disagreement and disharmony between them to swell ahead. He is aware that mutual arrogance and pride can cause another conflict in the country. Both Balen and Ba should not be word warriors against each other; they ought to be dedicated and devoted in the service of the citizens within their jurisdictions.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended heartfelt wishes to all Nepali citizens at home and abroad on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar, the major cultural festival of the Gurung community.

In a message shared on social media, he expressed, "We are immensely rich in culture. Best wishes to all on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar."

The festival reminds of a scene in which Gurung women wear traditional ornaments in their heads, a Makhamali or velvet blouse, Ghalek (a traditional shawl), Patuki (a traditional belly-binding cloth), and a saree. Gurung men dress in cultural attire such as the Bhoto (a sleeveless vest), Bhangra (a white shirt-like garment), and Kachhad (a type of kilt), and perform vibrant cultural dances, the Prime Minister said.

The festival is celebrated on the 15th of the Nepali month Push (December-January) and the night today is the longest of the year and then, the duration of the night is believed to gradually shorten.

In observance of the festival, the government has announced a public holiday.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need for collective efforts from the entire institutional and individual level from home and abroad to face climate change challenges.

In his address to a program organized today by the Ministry of Forests and Environment to review the 29th COP, the Prime Minister called for keeping nature clean with its sustainable protection through collaborative efforts.

He vowed that the government will take a lead with the management of climate finance to cope with the climate crisis.

Expressing his concern over increasing land dryness and its negative consequences, he insisted on the need for community awareness and efforts to prevent pollution caused by human activities.

"We have not contributed to global warming, but we are bearing the brunt of its impacts," the Prime Minister said.

The climate change issues in mountains are not just the concerns of mountainous countries. The world temperature system is connected with the ecosystem of mountains, and degradation of the mountain's role in keeping the atmosphere cool is a climate change challenge, according to the Prime Minister. "Our efforts should be for protecting the mountains and seas," he stressed.

Reminding his voice that he put during the 79th United Nations General Assembly demanding climate compensation to Nepal, he said Nepal has protected 24 percent of its land for environment conservation. He also urged the stakeholders concerned to be prepared for COP 30 along with the evaluation of the 29th COP.  

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11-22.  The review focused on Nepal's participation in the event, assessing efforts it is supposed to take ahead in the area of climate change.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, Federal parliaments, UN resident representatives, policy makers and local level people's representatives were present on the occasion.  

Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H Hashmi paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday.

During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar, they discussed various issues of bilateral relations and interest as well as increasing cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, education and culture, the Prime Minister's Private Secretariat stated. 

On the occasion, PM Oli stressed that Nepal, from the position of SAARC Chair, has been making efforts to activate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and SAARC-member countries should play a constructive role in it. 

Stating that there should be no adverse impact on regional organizations like SAARC even if there is any problem between any two countries, Prime Minister Oli said Nepal has been expanding its relation and collaborating with other nations keeping the justified national interests in mind from the position of expanding and collaborating for the position of sovereign and independent country.

Similarly, the Pakistani Ambassador said they were ready to host the SAARC Summit in Pakistan. He shared that Pakistan was willing to expand further cooperation with Nepal on various issues in the days ahead.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nepal, Abdulla Al Shamsi, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at his official residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday.

On the occasion, Ambassador Shamsi handed over to PM Oli a letter of invitation sent by Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inviting PM Oli to attend the World Governments Summit to be organised in Dubai in the second week of February, 2025. 

Mutual relations between Nepal and the UAE as well as common matters of mutual interest and concern were discussed on the occasion.

They also discussed the effective implementation of bilateral agreements reached before this and on promotion of trade, investment, agriculture, hydropower and tourism, the Prime Minister's Secretariat said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli continues to reassure his key coalition partner, the Nepali Congress (NC), that he will hand over the government leadership to its President, Sher Bahadur Deuba, after 18 months. Oli seems to be operating under a constant fear of betrayal by the NC. At the same time, a section of NC leaders doubts whether Oli will actually relinquish power, suspecting he might pivot to the CPN (Maoist Center) to revive the left alliance agenda for the upcoming elections.

Every other day, Prime Minister Oli, his ministers, and senior party leaders publicly declare that the coalition will endure until 2027 and that no external force can topple it. On Sunday, Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the CPN-UML, stated that the government is strong and will remain stable unless one of the coalition partners decides to break it. On Monday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak echoed similar sentiments, asserting there are no immediate threats to the coalition. For now, Deuba appears committed to maintaining the alliance, hopeful of assuming the premiership in 18 months. Upon his return from a five-day official visit to China on December 5, Prime Minister Oli reaffirmed that there are no significant differences between the NC and UML and that Deuba would become Prime Minister with UML’s backing after the agreed period.

There was initial dissatisfaction within the NC over the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deal with China. Some NC leaders argued the deal contradicted the party’s position that Nepal should only accept grants under the BRI framework. However, the contention subsided after Deuba strongly defended the agreement. The deal’s inclusion of “aid financing,” which encompasses both grants and loans, stirred concerns that it paves the way for Nepal to take loans. Prior to Oli’s China visit, BRI was a major point of contention between the two coalition partners. However, they managed to resolve their differences by forming a joint task force. As a compromise, both China and Nepal agreed to “aid financing” as the investment modality for infrastructure projects under the BRI.

Senior NC leaders are now defending the government to protect their positions, as any coalition reshuffle could jeopardize their roles. Deuba, too, seems reluctant to alter the coalition, as a new arrangement might not guarantee him the premiership. Meanwhile, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reportedly been communicating through multiple channels to assure Deuba of his party’s unconditional support for an NC-led coalition until the next elections. This is contingent on NC’s willingness to forge an electoral alliance. Key NC leaders, including Vice-chairman Purna Bahadur Khadka, are said to be in constant talks with Dahal, exploring the feasibility of such a coalition.

A few weeks ago, NC General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa leaked information about potential coalition talks, prompting Dahal to quickly dismiss the claims, stating he had not proposed a new coalition to the NC. Sources, however, suggest that a potential coalition could include the NC, CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), CPN (Unified Socialist), and Madhes-based parties. This coalition would likely function as an “election government.” Many political leaders believe abrupt changes in the coalition remain a possibility for two main reasons. First, Dahal publicly criticized the government’s “retaliatory action” against RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, signaling potential collaboration. Second, Dahal appears to be consolidating his political base, raising questions about the coalition’s stability.

A section of NC leaders believes that Oli’s signing of the BRI deal with China has strained his relationship with New Delhi. They argue that the current coalition was formed against India’s preferences. Although the BRI agreement does not include sensitive provisions, New Delhi has historically opposed the initiative. While India has not officially reacted to the Nepal-China BRI agreement, its discontent remains implicit. Recognizing this, Prime Minister Oli is actively working to mend ties with New Delhi, hoping to stabilize the coalition.

Meanwhile, dissatisfaction with the government’s performance is also growing. Although the coalition appears strong in numbers, its inability to deliver on promises has drawn criticism. Both Prime Minister Oli and Deuba publicly downplay these differences, with Deuba defending the government’s performance. However, within the NC, senior leaders like Shekhar Koirala have begun voicing concerns about the government’s functioning.

Political analysts suggest that the coalition’s fate largely hinges on internal dynamics within the NC. While Deuba maintains strong control over the party’s parliamentary and central committees, efforts are underway to undermine his authority. For this to succeed, leaders like Thapa and Koirala would need to join forces. Some NC insiders predict that Deuba may eventually face pressure to reconsider his alliance with Oli. However, it remains unclear why ministers and senior leaders continue to issue reassurances about the coalition’s longevity.