UML statute convention: Group leaders to present their feedback on reports
The second statute general convention of CPN-UML continues today as well.
On the third day of the general convention being held at the Sunrise Conference Center in Godavari, Lalitpur, the group suggestions on the report presented in the general convention will be tabled in today's closed session, shared UML Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam.
The closed session of the general convention began at 8 am today. After the group discussion on the seven reports presented in the general convention, the group leaders, based on seven provinces, will present their feedback on the reports.
Similarly, representatives of the Valley Special Province, various public organizations, Liaison Coordination Committee and diaspora and central bodies, and representatives of the central office and departmental structures and central bodies will also give their suggestions on the report.
Following the group feedback session, Prime Minister and party chair KP Sharma Oli will respond to them. If no agreement is reached on any issue after Chair Oli's response, the party statute will be passed through a vote, added Gautam.
A total of 2,341 participants including 2,260 delegates from across the country are taking part in the second statute general convention of the ruling party, CPN-UML that began on Friday.
The general convention is scheduled to end today.
CPN-UML’s Second Statute Convention kicks off
The Second Statute Convention of the CPN-UML commenced at the Godawari-based Sunrise Convention Center in Lalitpur.
The three-day event is themed "Our Resolution: Building a Decisive National Force, National Destination for a Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali".
The convention was inaugurated by Party Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Volunteers are assisting delegates and observers from the main Godawari road to the entrance of the convention center.
The venue is decorated with both the national flags and the party banner, alongside portraits of prominent figures including Pushpa Lal Shrestha, Manmohan Adhikari, and Madan Bhandari, as well as Karl Marx, Friederich Engels, and Vladimir Lenin.
The convention will feature the presentation of various political reports and documents, along with proposals for amendments to the party’s statute.
According to the UML Publicity and Publication Department, a total of 2,341 participants are attending the event, including 2,026 representatives and 315 in the capacity of organizers.
UML intensifies preparations for statute convention
The CPN UML has intensified preparations for its second statute convention.
The general convention to dwell on party statute is slated for September 5-7 at Godawari, Lalitpur.
Standing committee member and Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam said that some of the tasks like stage management and gathering of representatives are going on smoothly.
He shared that as many as 2,349 persons, including 2, 033 representatives will be attending the conclave. Those, who were representatives to the 10th general convention of the party, are the present representatives. However, some of them have died, while some quit the party, and some others faced disciplinary action and got removed from membership list.
As the party rule does not allow fulfilling the vacant posts, there would not be any new representatives, Gautam explained.
Similarly, Secretary at UML Central Office, Dr Bhishma Adhikari, informed that all representatives were invited to the convention via SMS on Sunday.
The party has fixed the slogan for the conclave as 'Decisive national power is our resolution: Prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali is our destination'.
Three major documents- political, organizational and statute reports- are being printed for the discussion in the event.
The reports of the Election Commission, Discipline Commission, Account Commission and Advisory Council are also in print.
However, the identity cards for the representatives have already been printed. The identity card can be accessed online as well.
Those entering the Sunrise Hall, venue for the convention at Godawari, need to get their cards scanned on QR code at entry point.
Welcome gate is being prepared by the members of sister organizations and local committees of the party at Satdobato, Lalitpur.
UML holding PP meeting at 1 pm today
CPN-UML is holding its Parliamentary Party meeting on Monday.
In the meeting to be held at 1 pm in Lhotse Hall of the Federal Parliament building, New Baneshwor, matters related to the budget presented in the Parliament on May 29 and contemporary situation would be discussed, Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula informed.
The meeting to be presided over by party Chair and Parliamentary Party leader KP Sharma Oli will make in-depth discussions and deliberations from various perspectives on the budget.
In this connection, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, and Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission Dr. Shivraj Adhikari will provide analytical information, it has been learnt.
UML Secretariat meeting today
The Secretariat meeting of the ruling CPN-UML is taking place today.
UML's Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam said that the Secretariat meeting is scheduled for 2 pm at the party central office in Chyasal.
According to Gautam, the policies and programs unveiled by the government for the upcoming fiscal year, new budget and contemporary political issues would be discussed at the meeting.
Former King Gyanendra Shah’s statement objectionable: UML
The ruling CPN-UML has accused former King Gyanendra Shah of still having a desire to reinstate monarchy.
During the party’s Secretariat meeting, the UML concluded that former King Gyanendra’s state was objectionable.
Making public his statement on Sunday, former King Gyanendra described the March 28 incident as the political awakening among the people.
UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said that the UML has taken his statement seriously.
The UML concluded that the criminal incident occurred in Tinkune on March 28.
“The criminal incident occurred on that day. A person was burnt alive. A house was set on fire. The incident caused damage to public and private property. Media outlets were also attacked. All these are criminal activities,” Gyawali said.
Ishwor Pokharel appointed Acting Chair of UML
CPN-UML Ishwor Pokharel senior Vice Chairman has been appointed the party's Acting Chair.
He took charge of the party's Acting Chair with party Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli leaving for Thailand today on a five-day official visit including to take part in the Sixth Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to be hosted by Thailand on April 4, according to UML Central Office secretary Dr Bhishma Adhikari.
Pokharel was given the responsibilities of the Acting Chair in accordance with the party's Statute 2049 BS (amendment 2078 BS), it is said.
Party Chair Oli will return home on April 5.
UML Secretariat meeting to be held today
The 46th Central Secretariat meeting of the CPN-UML is taking place today.
According to UML's Publicity Department chief Rajendra Gautam, the meeting will be held to discuss the evolving political development and internal life of the party.
The meeting will be held at the UML central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur at 1 pm.
Party chair KP Sharma Oli will preside over the meeting.
Trouble brews in coalition
Dissatisfaction is gradually brewing up inside the ruling Nepali Congress over the performance of the coalition government led by CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli.
On one hand, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal is provoking NC leaders to break the coalition with UML, while on the other, there is increasing dissatisfaction inside the NC rank and file. A couple of factors are widening the rift between the two parties.
First, NC leaders have openly criticized the government’s move to introduce four ordinances by delaying to call the Parliament session. Senior leader of the party Shekhar Koirala, who is currently in the United Kingdom, said that instead of calling the winter session of Parliament, the government is focusing on bringing ordinances.
I have a doubt whether the powerful government of two parties is turning into an authoritarian one, said Koirala, who has already declared his plan to run for the party president.
In the past, Koirala was one of the strong advocates of the NC-UML government, stating that it would bring stability but after six months, Koirala and leaders close to him have begun openly criticizing the government.
Even those leaders close to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba are criticizing some of the decisions and speeches made by Prime Minister Oli. A few days back, Prime Minister Oli said that the constitution amendment will take place in 2030 because the amendment cannot take place without majority seats in the government.
Former foreign minister and Central Working Committee member NP Saud has publicly said Oli's statement on constitution amendment, made without consulting NC, is a violation of the agreement reached between two parties while forming the new government. Similarly, NC senior leader Arjun Nara Singh KC said that relevance of the seven-point agreement between two countries has ended after Oli’s objectionable statement on constitution amendment. The statement came at a time when NC and UML were preparing to form a taskforce to work out the modality of constitution amendment. Even a leader close to Prime Minister Oli said that there is a very slim chance of constitution amendment as some forces and parties are preparing to raise the radical agenda.
Already, there is dissatisfaction inside the NC over the signing of a framework agreement on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Leaders say though the party has stood against accepting loans under the BRI, the crux of the framework agreement is accepting loans. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said time and again that Nepal has denied loans under the BRI, but NC leaders are not convinced. Senior leaders of the party such as Prakash Sharan Mahat, NP Saud and scores of leaders close to Shekhar Koirala are objecting to the signing of the BRI.
There is another point of friction, which NC leaders have not spoken publicly about but share in private conversations: the relationship with India and western countries. They say the government's mishandling of the issues related to foreign policy has sourced NC’s relationship with India and other western powers.
Especially, our relationship with India has soured after we joined UML to form a new government, plus, Foreign Minister Deuba has failed to improve ties with India, the NC leader said: after her visit to India in August, relationship between two countries and relationship between NC and India has further deteriorated, which is concerning. According to NC leaders, before his China visit, Prime Minister Oli used to heed the advice and respect the position taken by NC but after that he is gradually dominating the NC in the decision-making process. For instance, Oli heeded NC’s position of not removing Nepal Electricity Managing Director Kul Man Ghising but now he is bent on removing Ghising.
The growing dynamics inside the NC is equally responsible for the growing criticism of the government. Now, it seems that General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa is with party President Deuba and he is supporting and in many cases he is involved in some of the decisions of the government. The Shekhar Koirala faction believes that Thapa is seeking Deuba’s support for the party presidency. It seems Deuba, Shashank Koirala and Gagan Kumar Thapa are coming closer to weaken Shekhar Koirala. If that is the case, the Shekhar Koirala camp will work to topple this government, the NC leader said.
At the same time, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is reaching out to NC leaders, who are publicly expressing dissatisfaction over the performance of the Oli government. Dahal is urging NC leaders to make extra efforts to bring down the government. Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Sindhupalchowk, Dahal said due to the dissatisfaction inside the NC and unpopular decisions it has taken, this government will collapse.
I cannot predict the date but I think it does not have a long life, Dahal said, due to the internal dynamics of the NC government which cannot move ahead comfortably. Dahal added that though they did not want this government to continue, they were not making any effort to topple it. NC President Deuba, despite the differences, is in favor of the continuation of this government with a view that Oli would peacefully hand over power to him. Dahal has conveyed the message to Deuba that the Maoists would support the NC-led government till the next elections.
UML must learn to respect dissenting voices
The nation’s main communist party, the CPN-UML, is now dealing with internal problems. Following the expulsion of senior leader Bhim Rawal and the suspension of two female leaders, Binda Pandey and Ushakiran Timalsena, carried out under the watch of party chair KP Sharma Oli, an alarming trend of intolerance towards dissenting voices emerged, implying that the party lacks democratic culture. Rawal was removed after years of criticizing Oli, which prompted him to run for chairman of the party at the 10th convention in Chitwan. Pandey and Timalsena were suspended for voicing concerns about the party and its leadership receiving land contributions for party offices from a tainted businessman accused of tax evasion and the Lalitaniwas land scam.
A week after his dismissal, Rawal established his new patriotic but non-communist party, accusing Oli of turning the UML into a personal domain in which fealty to him is essential for life. This tendency of purging or marginalizing opponents inside the UML is not new, but it has become more prominent under Oli’s term. Notable senior officials have left the UML due to internal disagreements. Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal, both former prime ministers, quit the party to create the CPN (Unified Socialist) after years of disagreement with Oli’s leadership. Similarly, senior leader Bam Dev Gautam has removed himself from the party, claiming that it has no space for leaders like him since he, too, is a critic of Oli. These departures indicate a culture of intolerance.
Political experts claim that under Oli’s leadership, the UML has become a party controlled and dominated by the Oli supporters. Leaders such as Shankar Pokhrel, Ishwar Pokhrel, Bishnu Rimal, and Gokul Baskota are often seen attacking individuals who criticize Oli. Meanwhile, personalities like Pradip Gyawali, Yogesh Bhattarai, Yuv Raj Gyawali, and others who have demonstrated a hatred for following Oli’s lead, have been marginalized. Open discussion on party leadership choices has been restricted, increasing concerns among those who hold grudges against Oli and his staunch supporters. Following Rawal’s expulsion and the suspension of others, many UML leaders remained silent, highlighting the party’s underlying fear.
The infighting within the UML is not unique. The CPN (Maoist Center) faces a similarfaces a similar problem: almost no one can speak out against party head Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s policies or actions. Inside the Maoist party, Dahal has faced claims of marginalizing dissidents while consolidating his control as the party chair.
Former Maoist leaders Baburam Bhattarai, Mohan Baidhya Kiran, Biplav, Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, and Top Bahadur Rayamajhi are among the leaders who left the party after falling out with Dahal.
The examples described above show Nepal’s socialist parties’ hypocrisy. Despite their dictatorial character, these parties often claim to be the advocates of democracy. The UML, for example, has often declared its support for democratic ideals in manifestos and public statements. However, the behaviors of its leaders reveal a different tale.
Rawal’s removal, together with the suppression of other dissident voices, points to this inconsistency. As Rawal pointed out in his harsh critique, Oli’s leadership has reduced the UML to a “shadow of its former self,” violating the very principles on which it was founded. The same may be argued for other communist parties, particularly the Dahal-led Maoist Centre, that have disliked opposition in parties, though they have claimed that they followed democratic norms in the nation’s polity.
Unlike the communist parties, the Nepali Congress (NC) has taken a more democratic approach to controlling internal dissent. While the NC is not as ideal as many of its staunch supporters believe, it has tolerated major disagreement inside the party without resorting to expulsions or suspensions. NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, and senior leader Shekhar Koirala often disagree on key matters pertaining to the party, politics, and the nation, yet the party has managed to retain a sense of tolerance of dissenting voices.
The contrast between the NC and the leftist parties underscores the need for introspection within Nepal's communist factions. To maintain credibility and cohesion, parties like the UML and Maoist Centre must cultivate a democratic culture that values dissent as an essential component of organizational health. Leaders must recognize that open debate is an opportunity to address flaws, not a threat to authority.
If the UML continues its authoritarian trajectory under Oli, it risks further fragmentation, as seen with previous high-profile defections. Similarly, the Maoist Centre must learn from these lessons and prioritize inclusivity and transparency. Only by fostering democratic values within their structures can Nepal’s political parties claim legitimacy as proponents of democracy on the national stage.
UML's awareness assembly is against conspiracies misleading the country: Pokharel
CPN-UML General Secretary Shanker Pokharel has said the party organized the awareness assembly against conspiracies misleading the country.
Addressing the program organized by the UML Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur district committees today, he made it clear that the awareness rally has been organized to knock out the unnecessary conspiracies.
The UML General Secretary urged one and all to be aware against what he called various conspiracies being hatched when the country's two large parties have joined forces to give a way out to the nation.
Stating that the UML was being attacked just because it is standing in favor of the nation and nationality, he said: "The UML is attacked from all sides. Several conspiracies are being hatched at present to finish off the UML. The time has come for the entire party rank and file to be united to remove all types of disinformation spread against the party."
General Secretary Pokharel maintained that Nepal has been included in the list of countries making economic progress when the UML Chair KP Sharma Oli is the Prime Minister. "The UML is the only party that builds the nation. The party that is capable of carrying out works to that end should be allowed to work. Only then the country will become developed," he added.
Stating that false information is being spread targeting the UML of late, he challenged those spreading such false information to carry out investigation into the topics linked to the UML.
General Secretary Pokharel said attempts are being made to defame PM KP Oli as he firmly stands against anarchy. "The UML remains in the hearts of the people and in the heart of the nation. In Nepal some people are engaged in the dirty game of hatching conspiracy over any topic. We should all be aware of such a tendency," he said, adding that false publicity has been made even when UML leaders have gone to Cambodia to participate in a program.
Stating that the UML was in favor of carrying out investigation into the cooperative fund misappropriation, centering on the case rather than an individual, he said the Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman who instead advocated for investigating an individual is himself under investigation. He expressed his objection, saying now the UML is being blamed for this.
The UML General Secretary reiterated that the UML will acknowledge all suggestions in the context of nation building.
SC issues interim order to stop construction of UML party office
The Supreme Court has issued a short-term interim order to the CPN-UML not to proceed with the construction of the party office building on land received on donation.
A single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel today issued a short-term interim order not to construct the party office building on the land donated by businessperson Min Bahadur Gurung.
The order states that the construction of the party office building on the 10 ropani 14 anna of land said to have been donated should be stopped until the interim order is discussed and resolved.
The order quotes the provisions of Sections 38 (3) and 38 (6) of the Political Party Act, 2073 BS as well as the provision of financial aid in Section 38(5) of the same Act, which talk about the conditions that need to be met for a political party to receive voluntary donation.
The order was issued today after a preliminary hearing on the writ petition filed by advocate Dr Gyan Bahadur Basnet demanding annulment of the decision to donate land to UML. The court summoned both sides for a discussion on November 11.
It may be noted the owner of Bhatbhateni Department Company Pvt. Ltd. Min Bahadur Gurung had donated the land located in Kirtipur Municipality-2 of Kathmandu.
CPN-UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Gurung had jointly laid the foundation stone for the UML headquarters building to be built on the land.
Bhandari wants UML to become decisive force
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the CPN-UML should become the decisive force in the 2027 election. Speaking at a program organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation on Saturday, she expressed her best wishes for the UML to secure all positions including President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chairperson of the National Assembly after the 2027 election.
Bhandari was serving as the Vice-chairperson of CPN-UML when she was elected as the President following the 2017 polls. “I sincerely hope that UML becomes the national decisive force in the country from the upcoming election. Please make it happen,” she said. “Strengthen the country’s economy by securing all important positions. This is also my best wish on the occasion of the silver jubilee of the Madan Bhandari Foundation.”
Bhandari also said UML should now produce another President. “Until UML produces another President, I have to continue being the chief guest at social forums. Besides me, other leaders have also reached important positions from UML,” she said. “But people seek me out for social forums.”
Bhandari requested UML to produce another President. “After that, I’ll be free from this duty,” she added.
UML roadmap for 2027 elections
The ruling CPN-UML, which has decided to contest the next election independently, has unveiled a roadmap aimed at solidifying its position as a dominant political force. Following the 2022 national elections, where the party emerged as the second-largest political force, it launched the “Mission 2084” campaign, focused on strengthening the party for the next national elections that will take place in 2027. Even after returning to power in July, the party has maintained its focus on internal organization and strategic planning.
Senior UML leaders identify two primary challenges ahead: the potential alliance between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN (Maoist Center) and the rise of new political parties and independent leaders. Additionally, they note that youth, once a core constituency, are increasingly shifting their support to emerging political forces. In response, the UML leadership has directed all party committees to develop policies and programs aligned with Mission 2084, with a particular emphasis on reactivating all party structures to attract younger voters. As part of this initiative, the party has decided to organize a youth summit to introduce its policies and programs to the next generation.
The UML is also pursuing a strategy to attract cadres and leaders from the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Maoist Center, while deprioritizing unification with smaller communist parties. The party’s emphasis is on strengthening its ranks by drawing in members from rival groups rather than forming alliances. To mobilize youth effectively, UML will utilize its party structures and organize more initiatives like the youth summit to re-engage the younger demographic. Like other parties, the UML faces internal disputes in several districts, and to address this, it has formed a special panel to resolve conflicts and minimize divisions within the party. During the 2022 elections, internal disputes contributed to losses in several constituencies—a situation the party is determined to avoid in the upcoming elections.
Since becoming party chairperson in 2014, KP Sharma Oli has largely succeeded in preventing the rise of powerful factions within the UML. His key rival, Madhav Kumar Nepal, left the party in 2021 to form a separate group, and Bhim Rawal, who was once a vocal critic of the party’s leadership and contested for the post of party chairperson, has now been stripped of major responsibilities within the UML. Despite these internal challenges, the UML remains committed to improving government and parliamentary performance. Two months into the Oli-led government, however, criticism has already surfaced regarding its effectiveness. To counter this, the party has decided to leverage social media more actively, recognizing that younger parties are capitalizing on its growing influence, while the UML still relies heavily on traditional publicity methods.
Under an agreement with the Nepali Congress (NC), Prime Minister Oli is set to hand over leadership to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba. Once the transition occurs, UML leaders plan to fully concentrate on the 2027 elections. According to them, the NC and UML have agreed not to form an electoral alliance with the Maoist Center, although concerns remain that the NC could align with the Maoists ahead of the polls. UML leaders are confident, however, that if the three major parties—NC, UML, and the Maoist Center—compete separately, UML is poised to emerge as the largest party, owing to its robust organizational structure.
Speaking at a recent public event, Oli expressed optimism that the UML could secure a majority in the 2027 elections, noting that the Maoist Center has been steadily losing voter support and may struggle to maintain its status as a national party. The key competition, he said, is between the NC and UML, with all three communist factions—UML, CPN (Unified Socialist), and the Maoist Center—sharing a similar voter base.
Moreover, the rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the 2022 elections has posed a significant threat to both the UML and NC. Many voters from both parties supported RSP candidates as a protest against their respective leaderships. This trend is a growing concern for the established parties, as they seek to curb the rise of new political forces like the RSP and independent figures such as Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, who have captured the youth vote. The emergence of new political parties signals a gradual decline in support for traditional parties, even though they remain the largest in terms of overall representation. Now, all political parties are working to revamp their organizations, with the 2027 elections in sight.
The week that was
This week, the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML coalition formed a task force to develop the government’s common minimum program (CMP), a positive step, though albeit delayed. Once the CMP is finalized, it will provide a clear direction for the coalition government, serving as a guiding document for ministers across party lines, many of whom are currently unclear about their priorities. The CMP could also help reduce growing tensions between the NC and UML.
The two parties also agreed to begin discussions with stakeholders on constitutional amendments. Amending the 2015 Constitution, which was promulgated amid violence in the Madhes region, remains a sensitive political issue, drawing both internal and external attention. The Madhes-based parties are also preparing to clarify their stance on the amendments. According to NC General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, one of the CMP’s key elements will be the constitutional amendment, which aims to strengthen federalism, inclusive democracy, and proportional representation.
How the constitution amendment process will unfold in the run up to the 2027 national elections remains uncertain. NC and UML appear to be seeking changes to certain provisions, including the electoral system, which is likely to lead to strong opposition from progressive forces. Managing these issues will be challenging.
As major parties gear up for constitutional amendments, the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is preparing street protests, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Nepal as a Hindu state. RPP Chairperson Rajendra Lingden also met with former King Gyanendra Shah this week.
In another story this week, the newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff, Ashok Raj Sigdel, outlined his priorities, focusing on national security, military diplomacy, internal reforms within the Nepali Army, and addressing delays in major infrastructure projects like the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast-Track.
Also this week, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, who is under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a fund embezzlement of a financial cooperative, admitted for the first time that media outlets, including his own Gorkha Media, misused the funds. Lamichhane also faced protests from embezzlement victims in Pokhara. Earlier, the RSP leader and former Home Minister was questioned for several hours by a parliamentary committee investigating his involvement in the cooperative scam.
It is said Lamichhane has sought protection from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli against potential legal actions.
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader Dhanraj Gurung has also been implicated in the cooperative scandal. He has expressed his willingness to face a parliamentary inquiry.
This week, NC, UML, and the Maoist party showed a rare unity to challenge Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to extend the no-construction zone along riverbanks by an additional 20 meters. Prime Minister Oli has called for a review of the Supreme Court’s decision, reigniting his ongoing dispute with Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah.
CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal continued to garner attention this week, as he is on a tour of the country, aiming to strengthen the party’s organizational base. Dahal is under pressure to solidify his party’s position after NC and UML opted not to form a pre-election alliance. He has also cautioned NC and UML against constitutional amendments that could undo “progressive agendas” enshrined in the 2015 Constitution.
Talks about the Nepal-India Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report resurfaced in national politics this week, with Prime Minister Oli once again urging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to receive it. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also raised the issue.
Another significant political development this week concerned Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Indira Rana Magar, who could face impeachment for allegedly misusing her letterhead to request the US Embassy in Kathmandu to arrange visa interview dates for individuals not associated with her office. The ruling NC and UML are preparing to impeach Rana Magar. Rana Magar’s party, RSP, along with the Maoist Center and CPN (Unified Socialist), are expected to oppose the impeachment effort.
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly kicked off in New York this week, with the resolution of conflicts as one of its main priorities. Prime Minister Oli is preparing to attend the assembly, marking his first international trip since assuming office. Oli, who will be accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, is expected to lay out Nepal’s position on regional and international issues during his address to the UN. The prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders, including his Indian counterpart Modi, on the margins of the UN meeting.
Bipul Pokhrel, the president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), resigned this week, just ahead of the federation’s planned elections. The FNJ has long been grappling with internal disputes over membership distribution. Pokhrel’s resignation has added to the conflict and uncertainty within the federation.
Also this week, Deputy Prime Ministers and other ministers signed a performance agreement with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli outlining key tasks and goals for the current fiscal year. The agreement was signed and exchanged during a program held on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. A similar agreement was also signed between the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal.
The performance agreement aims to support the national vision of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ by ensuring timely completion of infrastructure projects and improvements in service delivery. However, while such agreements are routinely signed by new prime ministers, their implementation often falters due to frequent changes in ministers and the transfer of secretaries.
Are NC and UML serious about amending the Constitution?
A key point in the seven-point agreement signed by Nepal’s two largest political parties, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, in early July is amendments to the Constitution. However, almost two months after forming a powerful coalition, no specific details have emerged about the proposed amendments.
Both domestic and international observers are eager to know what changes NC and UML intend to make to the 2015 Constitution. It’s also unclear whether the two parties are fully aligned on the amendments. Neither NC nor UML has begun internal discussions on the specifics of the amendment. The issue of constitutional amendment carries different meanings for various political groups. The CPN (Maoist Center), which was ousted from power, has accused NC and UML of attempting to roll back the constitution's progressive provisions.
Maoist leaders, including Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, frequently claim that NC and UML want to weaken progressive elements of the Constitution. For royalist parties like Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), constitutional amendment means removing the constitutional monarchy and reestablishing Nepal as a Hindu state. On the other hand, for the Maoists, amendment is about granting more rights to marginalized communities. It is up to NC and UML to initiate discussions on potential changes, though recent remarks by senior leaders hint that one major focus could be the electoral system.
Senior leaders of both NC and UML argue that the current electoral system—combining first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR)—contributes to political instability, as it makes it difficult for any one party to secure a majority. However, this proposal faces opposition from Maoist, Madhesi, and smaller parties, who see any changes to the electoral system as undermining the country’s inclusive political framework. Major parties are pushing for raising the electoral threshold to limit the number of smaller parties in Parliament, while small parties argue this is a move toward a two-party system.
Currently, only the parties securing a minimum of three percent in the House of Representatives and 1.5 percent in the provincial assembly of the total valid votes under the PR category are allocated PR seats. Parties that have seats both in FPTP and PR seats are eligible to become the national party.
In the 2022 national elections, only a few parties, including NC, UML, the Maoists, and newer parties like Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janamat Party, managed to cross the three percent vote threshold required to secure PR seats. Many smaller parties, such as CPN (Unified Socialist) led by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, failed to meet the threshold and could not get the national party status.
There are also rumors that NC and UML want to remove secularism from the Constitution, but the parties have remained silent on the issue. Voices within NC are calling for the party to support the reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu state through constitutional amendment. However, amending the Constitution is a complex issue. Once initiated, all political forces will likely push for their own agendas, making consensus difficult.
NC Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire emphasized the need for a common consensus among political parties. Madhes-based parties, like the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) led by Mahantha Thakur, are closely monitoring the constitutional amendment process. LSP has formed a three-member committee under Laxman Lal Karna to consult with other parties on constitutional changes that address Madhesi issues. The committee has been tasked with the responsibility of preparing a comprehensive report on the Madhes issues they want to address by amending the Constitution.
The ruling coalition has agreed to hold all-party discussions on constitutional amendments. In a meeting on Monday, ruling party leaders, including those from NC and UML, stressed the need to amend the constitution in a way that gains broad consensus among all political parties. According to leaders, top leaders of the ruling parties are of the view that the Constitution should be amended to make it more refined and universally acceptable. Besides NC and UML, the ruling coalition also consists of Janata Samajbadi Party and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party.
UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula said that at Monday’s meeting, the parties agreed that there should be comprehensive discussions to amend the constitution. Opposition parties, especially the Maoist Center, have been accusing the NC and UML of trying to revert to the 1990 constitution through constitutional amendments. NC Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire said that the parties in the ruling coalition will push for maximum consensus from parties and stakeholders for the constitutional amendment.
A two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly is needed to amend the Constitution. This means the ruling coalition needs to secure the support of at least 184 lawmakers in the 275-members House of Representatives. NC and UML have a combined 167 lawmakers. UML lawmaker Top Bahadur Rayamajhi is suspended, while Speaker Devraj Ghimire, who is from UML, can only vote in case of a tie. This means NC and UML need the support of 18 more lawmakers.
They plan to seek support from parties like Rastriya Prajatantra Party (14), Janamat Party (6), Janata Samajbadi Party (5), Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (4) and Nagarik Unmukti Party (4), among others. Although the coalition looks comfortable in the lower house, the equation is not so favorable in the National Assembly. The UML-NC coalition needs the support of at least 40 members in the 59-members upper house. CPN (Maoist Center) is the largest party in the National Assembly with 17 seats, while NC and UML have 16 and 10 seats, respectively. NC and UML need the support of 14 other lawmakers for any amendment to the constitution to pass through the upper house. Likewise, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba also called for unity among ruling parties.