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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.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed the concerned authorities to investigate the people who travelled to Spain with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

On Sunday, the Home Minister directed Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa to determine whether the people except those in the official delegation had travelled to Spain during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Spain.

“They have been instructed to investigate whether anyone travelled to Spain on a visit visa apart from the official delegation,” the Home Minister said.

“The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police will be deployed to carry out the investigation. If anyone is found guilty, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.

It may be noted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had travelled to Spain on June 28 in the course of attending the Fourth United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD-4) in Spain held from June 30 to July 3.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the Madandangi - Tarabari - Dipu Road Upgrading Project in Damak Municipality, Jhapa today. 

The road is one of 17 selected from across the country as a pride project of the municipality, supported by the World Bank. 

Built at the cost of Rs 442 million, the 4.86 kilometers long road is considered a model project completed on time.  

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli said that this road is also a model of development work in the country, mentioning that the government is engaged in the campaign to complete projects from Mechi to Mahakali.

He also announced the construction of a stadium in Beldangi, Damak. 

According to the Prime Minister's private secretariat, the PM mentioned that after conducting free 'online' classes on important subjects with the spirit of volunteerism as part of plans to bring about improvements in every sector, this year's SEE results improved by 13 percent. 

He commented that it was unnecessary to respond to some opponents who falsely propagated that he returned from Spain leaving people behind, overshadowing the success of his visit. 

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, former Chief Ministers Sherdhan Rai and Uddhav Thapa among others were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended his best wishes to all on the occasion of the 212th birth anniversary of the pioneer poet Bhanubhakta Acharya.

Prime Minister Oli today took to his social media account to extend his best wishes on the occasion of Bhanu Jayanti  while noting that the poet  connected the Nepalis with a bridge of language and emotions, after immersing the Ramayana into the minds of the people. 

"Tributes to Bhanubhakta who initiated the first ever writing in the Nepali language and heartiest wishes to all the literati on Bhanubhakta Jayanti,” the Prime Minister wrote.

The 212th birth anniversary of poet and litterateur Bhanubhakta Acharya is being celebrated across the country today with a variety of programs.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cautioned that human existence could be at risk if the population growth does not take place equally alongside development and prosperity.

He said so at a program organized by the Ministry of Health and Population today to mark the World Population Day-2025 and to introduce the National Population Policy-2082 BS.

Emphasizing the need for development to align with population growth/demographic dividend, Oli stated that everyone should view childbearing as a responsibility towards the Earth.

"Every country has a meaning because of humans. As humans, we give meaning to the earth as well. If there were no population, there would not be a country either," the PM asserted, calling for suitable policies and timely action to protect the prosperous existence of the human race. 

He argued that the human race is the most valuable source for creation and thus urged people to stop killing people for personal gain. 

Hitting out at irony, he said, "Holding seminars on population while continuing to kill people by making weapons of mass destruction will endanger the existence of humankind."

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government, youths and women entrepreneurs should work together for the country's prosperity.

Inaugurating the International Women Leadership Conference, 2082 organized by the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal today, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need of achieving success by working together for prosperity.  

He mentioned, "We should achieve prosperity through development of entrepreneurship. The government has given high importance to youths and women entrepreneurship. I am confident that the conclusion drawn from this conference will help to fulfill the government's priorities."

The PM added that the country has been implementing provisions mentioned in the Constitution for women empowerment in practice.

"We have guaranteed at least 33 percent representation of women in three levels. The number of girl students is higher than that of boys in schools. Girl students have been achieving good results. We have to achieve further progress," PM Oli argued.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appointed Prof Dr Deepak Aryal as the Vice Chancellor of the Tribhuvan University (TU).

A search committee led by Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant on July 7 recommended three names to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of TU KP Sharma Oli.

The committee recommended the names of current Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khadga KC, former Dean of the Faculty of Science of Tribhuvan University Prof Dr Vinil Aryal and former Head of the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Prof Dr Deepak Aryal.

The post of the TU VC was lying vacant since outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Keshar Jung Baral resigned from his post three months ago.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has left for Rasuwa to inspect the damages caused by devastating floods in the Lhende Stream and the Bhotekoshi River along the Nepal-China border.

He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, and the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal.

Among others leaving for Rasuwa are Chief Secretary Eak Narayan Aryal, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Inspector General of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, and Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutraj Thapa.

In the meantime, the reports from Rasuwa stated that 57 people were entrapped in the floods and landslides from the Lhende Stream last night. 

Among them, 30 were rescued by a Nepal Army helicopter. Eighteen people remain missing, including three police personnel: Lal Bahadur Shrestha, Munna Thakur, and Lokendra Bohora.

The District Administration Office, Rasuwa, confirmed that other missing individuals include Jipan Chaudhary, Santosh Dahit, Buddhiram Tharu, Laxmi Narayan Tharu, and Suresh Tharu from Bardiya, and Naresh BK from Baglung. Phurba Lama from Sindhupalchowk and two others: Govinda Moktan and Lokman Tamang whose addresses are yet to be confirmed. Among the missing are six Chinese nationals.

The Directorate of Public Relations of the Nepali Army stated that 294 army personnel from Dhading and additional troops from Rasuwa have been deployed in 17 locations to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, human body parts have been found in four separate locations along the Trishuli River that also experienced a severe flood last night.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, reported that the flooding has caused significant damage to the under-construction dry port at Timure in Rasuwagadhi. Around 75% of the project, funded by the Government of China, had already been completed. The minister said the government will request China's assistance to restore the damaged facility.

Electric vehicles kept at the dry port are believed to have been washed away by the flood.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the government is working on a war-footing level to rescue those affected by flooding in the Lehende Stream of Rasuwa and the Trishuli River last night. 

“All concerned authorities were ordered to make every possible effort to ensure effective rescue and relief operations,” the Prime Minister wrote on social media.

Expressing deep sorrow over the disaster-induced loss of lives and damages, Prime Minister Oli said that he has postponed all pre-scheduled programmes except the most essential ones and is in constant contact with security agencies to monitor ongoing rescue operations.

He claimed that the government agencies are actively engaged in rescue work and that swift coordination is underway among relevant bodies to provide emergency assistance in disaster-prone areas.

“There are heartbreaking reports of casualties, missing persons, and significant physical damage," he said, extending tributes to the deceased.

The Prime Minister also hoped for collective support in regard to the rescue and relief efforts.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has informed Parliament about Nepal's participation and achievements at the fourth international conference on 'Financing for Development' held in Seville, Spain. 

In today's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), Prime Minister Oli stated that the conference has contributed to increasing new partnerships globally for economic diplomacy and has further accelerated the achievement of sustainable development goals. 

In the conference, Prime Minister Oli addressed on behalf of the least developed countries, advocating for their justice and socio-economic development. 

He informed that through the implementation of the Sevilla commitment; these countries expect to receive global support and assistance for their upgrading. He mentioned that Nepal is set to graduate to a developing country by 2026.

Prime Minister Oli shared information to the House about his leadership and advocacy commitments through his address to the meeting of the group of least developed countries, various slide presentations, and roundtable discussions.

With forty-four least developed countries, Nepal has demonstrated the potential for effective leadership among those nations during the conference, he clarified. On the day before the conference, Prime Minister Oli addressed a gathering of civil society, calling for a proactive role of a strong civil society. 

Prime Minister Oli also shared that Nepal has adopted a democratic and liberal system for civil society.   

Prime Minister Oli said that the relations between Nepal and the United Nations have strengthened, and advocacy has taken place for the development of least developed countries. 

"Expectations regarding financing for development, formal and informal development cooperation, as well as climate financing have been called for," said Prime Minister Oli. 

"Efforts have been made to articulate the priorities of development partnerships. Nepal has proven to be a responsible and capable country in the international community. There are expectations for advancing economic diplomacy and increasing foreign investment."

Prime Minister Oli had departed for the conference on June 28 and returned home on July 4.

Visiting Foreign Minister of Switzerland Ignazio Daniele Giovanni Cassis paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening the friendly relations between Nepal and Switzerland and enhancing cooperation in the development sector.

Minister Cassis reiterated Switzerland’s continued support for Nepal’s development, including the enablement of federalism, successful conclusion of transitional justice, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster management efforts.

The Prime Minister said despite Nepal’s history of prolonged conflict and political instability, the current coalition government comprising two major political parties aims to promote development, good governance, and democracy through collaboration. 

He also acknowledged Switzerland’s long-standing support for Nepal’s development efforts.

Dr Danielle Meuwly, Swiss Ambassador to Nepal, and officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the Parliament at 1 pm on Monday.  

An agenda was set for the Prime Minister to address the House meeting after his return from the official visit to Spain where he had attended the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development of the United Nations. 

CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula informed that the agenda was set for Prime Minister Oli to inform the House about the developments that occurred during his recently-completed visit to Spain. 

Prime Minister Oli returned home on July 4 after wrapping up his international visit. 

There has been a parliamentary practice for the Prime Minister to inform the House before and after the foreign visits. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is returning home today following an official visit to Spain.

The Department of Information said that the PM is scheduled to land at Tribhuvan International Airport at 3:45 this afternoon. 

PM Oli had left for Spain on June 28 leading a Nepali delegation to the 'Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4)'.

In Spain, PM Oli held a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. 

Likewise, PM Oli held a bilateral meeting with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. 

Similarly, PM Oli met with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Kamal Madbouly and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. 

During his stay in Spain, PM Oli addressed the 'Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4)' calling for justice and fairness in the global economic and financial system.  

Furthermore, PM Oli chaired the high-level meeting of the LDCs and attended in different plenary sessions.