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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has pledged during a session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today to address several issues affecting Nepal's financial sector.

Responding to concerns raised by Nepali Congress lawmaker Dhanraj Gurung, the Prime Minister assured the nation of rigorous actions against usury, cooperative fraud, irregularities in microfinance, and the illicit Hundi business.

He underscored the implementation of a risk-based assessment system and rigorous supervision across various sectors including casinos, precious metals transactions, cooperatives, real estate, remittance, and banking. "These measures will help curb corruption and implement the government's policy of zero tolerance against financial misconduct."

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said comprehensive approaches: promotional, preventive, and remedial will be taken to combat corruption effectively. He emphasized the promotion of technology-based service delivery systems to enhance governance across all sectors of the state.

Moreover, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need for strengthening internal control mechanisms within all government agencies. He also announced plans to review and amend the Public Procurement Act and related laws to ensure their effective implementation in accordance with current needs.

He said the Gandaki Economic Triangular Project comprising Bharatpur-Butwal-Pokhara-Muglin-Bharapur route as announced in the budget speech aims to promote the approach of an integrated development.

The project is expected to contribute to the development of industrial, energy, agricultural and tourism sectors, he added.        

He said the bodies concerned have been directed to complete the construction of the Siddhababa Tunnel Way.

Similarly, the government aims to generate 180 megawatts of power from the dam proposed Aandhikhola Reservoir-based Project, and environmental impact assessment for this project has been endorsed, according to the Prime Minister.

Ahead of seeking a vote of confidence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed Parliament on Sunday, highlighting the government’s key domestic and foreign policy priorities. Breaking from his usual lengthy speeches, Oli focused on the pressing issues facing the nation and called for cooperation among all political parties to overcome the country’s challenges.

Prime Minister Oli began his address by paying respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country and expressing high regard for senior leaders like Pushpalal, BP Koirala, Ganeshman Singh, and Madan Bhandari. He extended condolences to the families affected by recent natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, and assured that the government is prioritizing rescue, treatment, and relief operations.

Oli highlighted five key domestic priorities and briefly touched on foreign policy, urging cooperation among all political parties to overcome the country's challenges.

The government’s first priority is to expedite long-delayed development projects. He cited a 123-kilometer road construction project in Kalikot district, which began 16 years ago and has only seen 15 percent progress, as an example of the country’s sluggish development. Noting that national pride projects have also seen minimal progress, advancing just one percent annually, Oli emphasized the need for institutional development, improved evaluation mechanisms, policy reforms, and timely disbursement of funds to contractors to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.

The second priority of the new government, according to Prime Minister Oli, is tackling the growing trade imbalance caused by declining exports. He pledged to develop a comprehensive policy within the next three months to boost exports and manage imports. 

The government’s third priority is to create a favorable investment climate and resolve issues in the agriculture sector. He emphasized the importance of the private sector as a growth engine and outlined plans to generate jobs. Oli said the government will focus on increasing production, industry, and services through extensive investment, regulating cooperatives, and prioritizing state investment in health, education, security, social protection, and large infrastructure projects.

The fourth priority is to ensure balanced and nutritious food for all citizens. Oli announced plans to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve food habits and address poverty. The prime minister promised to set specific targets to enhance nutrition, education, health, and overall well-being, particularly for children.

Tackling corruption is the fifth priority of the new government. To achieve this, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need for a proper intention rather than a “political stunt” to maintain good governance, stating that the government would initiate investigations into corruption and abuse of power. He highlighted the importance of distinguishing between performing and non-performing employees and holding those accountable who fail to complete their work on time and within budget.

Prime Minister Oli painted a bleak picture of the current state of the economy, noting declines in both imports and exports, reduced revenue collection, low-interest rates, increasing defaulters, stalled development projects, and six million people living below the poverty line.  

Probably for the first time since 1990, the entire country has plunged into pessimism, Oli told Parliament, calling for the need to instill hope among the people by encouraging rapid economic development. To do so, he said the government will focus on sectors such as information technology, tourism, energy, agriculture, forestry, industry, and physical infrastructure as main drivers of economic growth. He added Policies and regulations will be formulated to promote economic growth through these sectors, with support from fiscal and monetary policies.

On foreign policy, Prime Minister Oli emphasized independence, dignity, and development needs. He said that his government believes in a good neighborly relationship and shall act accordingly, while expecting the same from close neighbors. He also pledged to address the genuine concerns of neighboring nations.

Oli also justified the alliance between the two largest parties, citing historical instances of collaboration, such as ending the Rana regime in 1950, overthrowing the Panchayat era in 1990, ending violence in 2006, and promulgating the new constitution in 2014.

Amid concerns over the constitution promulgation, Prime Minister Oli assured that the constitution drafting process would be forward-looking and not undermine previous achievements. He stated that the constitution is a means to development, not an end, and any points hindering development would be amended. He called for national consensus and unity to address political instability, the main obstacle to development.

The CPN (Unified Soclialist) has directed its lawmakers to vote against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a floor test scheduled for today.

CPN-US Leader Metmani Chaudhary said that the party has instructed its lawmakers to mandatorily present in the Parliament meeting today and vote against PM Oli.  

The party will support the government on merits and demerits by remaining in the opposition, he added.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that the new government was formed to resolve problems surfaced in the country and to make some changes.

During the discussion with office-bearers of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) today, Prime Minister Oli clarified that he did not take the responsibility of the Prime Minister this time just for the sake of it as he had already become the Prime Minister.

He mentioned, "The main objective of the incumbent government is to resolve the existing problems and to strengthen the country's economy. I became the Prime Minister this time with the determination to resolve the problems and to make some changes in the country, and not only for the post. So, the private sector should work together with the government believing it."

Expressing the view that tax rate should not be changed at the behest of someone and the private sector should protest against wrong policies, the Prime Minister stressed that the monetary policy should be flexible to make the economy dynamic.

On the occasion, CNI president Rajesh Kumar Agrawal urged the government to work with high priority to lift up the economy which has slowed down since the last three years. Stating that although the external sector is encouraging, the domestic economy was still in problem as the productive and construction sectors have been affected the most, he stressed on the need of boosting the morale of the private sector.

The CNI President underscored on making the sluggish economy vibrant through monetary policy.

CNI former presidents Bishnu Kumar Agrawal, Satish Kumar Mor and Haribhakta Sharma, vice-presidents Nirvan Chaudhary, Birendra Raj Pandey, Raj Bahadur Shah, Amit Mor and Bhim Ghimire, and the governing council members Shiva Ratan Sharada, Yogeshwar Lal Shrestha and Bal Krishna Shrestha, among other officials, shared on the present condition of the economy and gave suggestions to the PM on ways of improving it.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli faces a complex situation of challenges and opportunities as he begins his fourth stint as the Prime Minister. His ability to become Prime Minister with the support of one of those forces is his political victory. Oli’s most significant advantage in his fourth term lies in parliamentary politics as he enjoys a near two-thirds majority in the lower house. This offers him an opportunity to break the political deadlock that has hampered Nepal's progress and to address pressing national issues.

He also has formidable challenges to tackle. Foremost among these is the need to revitalize an economy battered by global headwinds and domestic instability. Oli must come up with programs and policies that stimulate growth, boost investor confidence, attract investment and create jobs, while also managing inflation and fiscal pressures. Another critical task is completing the transitional justice process. For this, he will need to work closely with the main opposition CPN (Maoist Center)—one of the parties to the decade-long insurgency. Oli needs to demonstrate statesmanship by ensuring a fair and comprehensive approach that addresses the concerns of conflict victims while also bringing perpetrators to book.

Oli also faces a daunting task of balancing relations with Nepal’s giant neighbors, India and China. His relationship with India soured in the latter stage of his second term. He needs to make every possible effort to improve ties with the southern neighbor, which also happens to be the country’s largest trading partner. Oli must take a consistent and balanced approach that safeguards Nepal’s interests while maintaining cordial ties with both powers. This extends to managing relations with other international partners, including the United States.

Oli must work to foster cordial relations with other political parties. While his collaboration with NC gives him numerical strength, he needs to foster cooperation and mend ties with other parties who are wary of him, given his past attempts at dissolving parliament. He also needs to build trust with state institutions. The septuagenarian can steer the country toward stability and progress by learning from past mistakes, embracing a collaborative approach and focusing on national priorities.

Dear readers,

This week, KP Sharma Oli, chairperson of CPN-UML, was sworn in as prime minister for the fourth time in his decades-long political career. He first became prime minister in 2015 during India’s economic blockade, led a communist government in 2018 with support from more than two-thirds of the parliament, and briefly served again in 2021.

Oli had not expected to return to power so soon. If the alliance between CPN (Maoist Center) and UML had continued, Pushpa Kamal Dahal might have handed power to Oli after two years. However, by allying with the largest party in the Parliament, the Nepali Congress, Oli returned to power this week. According to their agreement, he will hand over power to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba after two years. Initially, the NC and UML had mooted a national unity government with the Maoist Center. The plan was to let Dahal lead for an additional year, then hand over to Oli, who would eventually pass the leadership back to Deuba. This proposal fell through as the NC and UML doubted Dahal. Including all major parties in a national unity government would have been ideal. 

Soon after his appointment Prime Minister Oli formed a 22-member cabinet without the delays seen in the past, which is a positive start. But the cabinet has faced scrutiny for its poor representation of women, Dalits and other marginalized communities. The new government's main priorities are stability, economic recovery and constitutional amendments. However, the agreement between the NC and UML has not been publicized, and the coalition has yet to present its Common Minimum Program (CMP). Oli is expected to outline the government’s policies and priorities during his address to the parliament on July 21, while seeking a vote of confidence. 

Major powers, including India, the US and China, have congratulated Oli on his appointment. Foreign ambassadors in Kathmandu are also visiting Singhadurbar to congratulate the new ministers. These powers are keenly awaiting the NC-UML coalition’s foreign policy blueprint. Observers are interested in how the two parties, with differing views on some issues, align their positions to present a unified message on bilateral and global matters. In the past, the UML has criticized the NC for failing to balance relations between India and China. 

Now, with the two parties working together, close coordination among the top leadership is essential to avoid contradictory messages. The newly-appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, has pledged to maintain balanced and cordial relations with major powers. Incidentally, Nepal established formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kiribati this week. Nepal now has formal diplomatic ties with 183 countries, which is a good thing. We hope Nepal’s diplomacy will further expand and prosper under Deuba’s tenure.

On the economic front, Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index hit a 26-month high and breached the psychological 2,300-point mark this week. The stock market rally coincided with UML Vice-chairperson Bishnu Prasad Poudel’s return to the finance ministry. While this stock market bump bodes well for Paudel, he still has a challenge of addressing some crucial issues, such as increasing capital expenditure, stimulating loan demand, boosting private confidence, and making the market dynamic.

How will the latest coalition government under Prime Minister Oli fare? It is too early to tell but Prime Minister Oli’s one-week in office leaves a lot to be desired. The prime minister has spent his first week attending public functions, rather than channelizing his time and energies on prime ministerial duties, especially at a time when the country is facing several challenges. As the leader of the country, Oli should inspire optimism among the people, restore faith in the government. 

In the coming weeks, people will closely watch the new government’s activities and performance. There is high hope that the government will take initiatives to improve the economy, create jobs, and inspire confidence in the populace about their future.

Meanwhile, out of power, CPN (Maoist Center) leader Dahal has started forming a strong opposition by bringing together fringe communist parties. This week, he organized a meeting with parties including CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal. With the NC and UML forming a coalition, the opposition parties are in a weaker position in the parliament. Dahal aims to unite Maoist splinter groups to bolster his influence. When in power, Dahal often disregards these smaller parties, but out of power, he aligns with their agendas. 

In another story this week, a landslide swept away two buses and plunged them into a flood-swollen Trishuli River at Simaltal in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29, Chitwan district. Of the 65 passengers, three survived, while 62 others were swept away. As of Thursday, authorities have managed to recover 18 bodies. The government has formed a committee to investigate and sought assistance from India, Bangladesh and other countries for rescue operations. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and those still missing in the tragic accident. Let’s hope the search operation is successful, and that the new government comes up with a solution to make our highways safer for travel, particularly during the monsoon season.      

That’s all for this week. 

Newly appointed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli assumed office today.

After taking the oath of office and secrecy, he visited Lainchaur to pay homage to the martyrs and headed to the CPN-UML’s party headquarters in Chyasal of Lalitpur.

The CPN-UML Chair Oli became the 45th Prime Minister with the support of Nepali Congress, the largest party in the Parliament. 

In Chyasal, he laid a wreath at the portraits of founding leader of Nepal Communist Party, Pushpa Lal Shrestha, party's former Chair Man Mohan Adhikari and party's then General Secretary Madan Bhandari.

Then he reached Singha Durbar to assume office at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Officiating Chief Secretary Leeladevi Gadtaula, secretaries and the government senior officials welcomed the new Prime Minister. 

According to his Secretariat, the decisions made on the very first day of taking charge of his office by the new Prime Minister would be unveiled soon.

President Paudel had on July 14 appointed CPN-UML Chair Oli as the Prime Minister in accordance with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on his appointment as the prime minister of Nepal.

Indian Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Oli through social media.

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

He stressed that both countries should work for the progress and prosperity of the people.

Indian PM Modi expressed his confidence that the relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened.

UML Chairman Oli was appointed as the prime minister on Friday.

Newly appointed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is taking oath of office and secrecy today.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to take the oath of office and secrecy amidst a special ceremony at Sheetal Niwas at 11 am today.

Following the oath taking ceremony, Prime Minister Oli is likely to expand his Council of Ministers and administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed ministers.

President Paudel on Sunday late afternoon appointed UML Chair Oli as the new Prime Minister with the support of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, in accordance with Article 76(2) of the Constitution.

He had given until 5 pm on Sunday for two or more parties in the House of Representatives to stake their claim for the post of the Prime Minister.

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that the Constitution has to be amended as per the need in course of its implementation.

He said that the party discussed this matter with the Nepali Congress, too, but no agreement has been made between the parties to amend the Constitution specifying the article(s) and the issues to be revised. 

Speaking at the party Secretariat meeting today, the UML Chair ruled out the agreement between the two parties to form a commission to proceed ahead with the Constitution amendment.

He said that the UML-NC political equation is for promoting political stability and development.

The UML Chair expressed his concerns over the spread of 'propaganda' that the UML and NC are attempting to harm the Constitution and the constitutional system.  According to him, this is just a rumor.

Chair Oli contended that the two parties had to come together against the 'tendency' to sideline the interests of the citizens, and development needs of the country by indulging in instability and personal benefits.

He added that the Constitution is a dynamic document, a guideline to the society, and thus it should be amended as per the need of the time. The matter will be discussed in detail with the Nepali Congress.

No deal to share ministries

Oli said the party has not reached a deal with the NC regarding the sharing of ministries in a government to be formed ahead. However, there is an agreement on a policy of providing space for all parties in the government.

He also stressed on increasing the country's productivity with a focus on entrepreneurship, agro-based industries, entrepreneurship and modernization of agriculture.

Having grown tired of Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s power politics and the constant maneuvering for a ‘magic’ number in parliamentary politics, the chiefs of the two major parties in the country, KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba, have sketched a new roadmap aimed at ensuring political stability at least until the next general election. In a rare display of parliamentary partnership, the two largest parties in the Parliament have agreed to form a government, though the formal agreement is yet to be made public officially. 

According to the agreement, the two parties will alternate leadership of the government between Oli and Deuba over a three-year period. Oli will serve as Prime Minister for the initial half of the tenure, while Deuba will lead for the remaining period until the next general election. Ministries in the federal government will be equally divided, and the positions of chief ministers in the provinces will also be equally shared. Both the parties have also agreed to amend the constitution, especially on the electoral system though it is not an easy job.  

As per the agreement, the Nepali Congress has given a vote of confidence to the Chief Minister of Madhes Province from the CK Raut-led Janamat Party has joined the government there. In other provinces, UML ministers have resigned to facilitate the formation of new governments. Following the power-sharing agreement in the federal government, both the parties have endorsed the deal in their respective central meetings. Leaders of both parties are committed to implementing the agreement sincerely, despite facing various conspiracies and pressures from different quarters. This time, people have given both the parties the benefit of the doubt, overlooking the past.  

On July 12, Prime Minister Dahal is set to seek a vote of confidence in the parliament, though odds are stacked against him. Despite this, Dahal’s decision to face the parliament should be respected as a constitutional right of any Prime Minister. If Dahal had morality, he should have resigned immediately after the CPN-UML withdrew support to him. Shocked and traumatized by the Oli-Deuba alliance formed to sideline him, Dahal will again present himself as a ‘revolutionary’ and ‘progressive’ leader in revenge and might call movements from different fronts. This has been a hallmark of Dahal, who has made compromises with all parties and foreign powers to save his government. Whenever he quits government, he appears as a rebel, but such politics doesn’t work these days. While his next steps remain uncertain, he is likely to be relegated to a weaker position as the opposition leader, marking a turning point in the Maoist party’s decline.

Dahal’s failure to garner a trust vote means UML Chair Oli will become the Prime Minister of Nepal under Article 76 (2) of the Constitution. Some argue that Oli cannot be appointed Prime Minister under the same article again, but the Supreme Court has clearly ruled that the same article can be invoked multiple times if there is a possibility of government formation. Ultimately, it depends on the President under which article he calls upon the parties to form the next government. 

Let the law take its own course.

The major concerns now are political stability and the continuation of developmental works initiated during Oli’s second premiership from 15 Feb 2018 to 13 May 2021. As Oli prepares to become PM for the third time, a sense of hope has spread across the nation. Among Nepal’s contemporary politicians, Oli stands out as a leader with a vision and conviction, having earned the trust of the people. Therefore, the agreement between the two major parties to share power and have Oli lead the government has been seen as a beacon of hope as Nepali people are fed up with deceptive politics.

In the last parliamentary election, no party secured a majority to form the government, leading the third party to control the power dynamics with the so-called magic number. The leader of the third party, Dahal, alternately and deceptively led the government with support from the first and the second largest parties. However, his political maneuvering has come to an end, and he has now returned to the sidelines as a frail leader. Reflecting on this, his former colleague and now leader of a fringe party, Baburam Bhattarai, expressed his satisfaction thus: “You can’t fool all the people all the time.”

Some have speculated that external powers, particularly Western ones, played a role in uniting the two major parties, but these claims are unfounded and baseless. Certain intellectuals often suspect external interference in significant domestic developments, but this is merely a form of self-satisfaction. Neither neighboring countries nor Western nations such as the US contributed to bringing the two parties together. It was Oli and Deuba, who decided to sideline Dahal’s messy and opportunistic politics from within the domestic political landscape.

Foreign interference in Nepal’s internal affairs has significantly diminished compared to the past. Ambassadors from neighboring countries in Kathmandu have maintained diplomatic decorum, engaging with all stakeholders equally. However, political inconsistencies have negatively impacted diplomatic relations. With Oli likely to become the next PM, this temporary strain on diplomatic relations is expected to end. The government formed by the two major parties will be stronger and more stable, fostering harmonious relations with both neighboring and powerful countries while prioritizing Nepal’s national interests.

The new government will address the genuine concerns of India and China, but will also firmly warn them against any interference in Nepal’s domestic affairs. Oli’s administration will maintain a balanced foreign policy, ensuring that Nepal’s sovereignty and national interests remain paramount. Strengthening ties with both India and China, the government will work towards mutual cooperation, economic development and regional stability. Additionally, Oli’s leadership is anticipated to bring renewed focus to developmental projects and economic initiatives initiated during his previous terms. This will not only help boost domestic growth but also enhance Nepal’s strategic partnerships with neighboring countries and international allies.

But, this power alliance of Nepali Congress and CPN UML should not be limited only in form but in substance too. Cornering the CPN (Maoist Center) or Dahal shouldn’t be the sole goal of the alliance, it should inject hope and that should be seen in action, for action speaks louder than words.

Views are personal

Throughout Monday, the media and political circles were on edge due to reports of a possible change of government. Even top leaders of major parties were struggling to uncover what had transpired during recent meetings between Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress, and KP Sharma Oli, CPN-UML chairman and a major coalition partner in the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government. 

The secrecy maintained by Deuba and Oli regarding the content of their meetings has further fuelled the rumor that NC is attempting to remove Dahal from power by forming a new alliance with UML. 

Despite the rapid developments on Monday and chatter on social media, there were no clear indications of any top-level political maneuvers. 

But according to multiple sources, it is evident that Congress has indeed offered the premiership to Oli, who was ousted from power in 2021 following a Supreme Court order. Oli and his party may take some time to decide on the offer from NC, the largest party in the 275-member House of Representatives. 

After a long gap, Deuba visited Oli's residence in Balkot this Saturday, following two rounds of talks in Kathmandu. There are reports that Deuba and Oli have agreed to form a national consensus government to address current issues such as constitutional implementation and economic challenges. Oli has repeatedly stated that the country cannot progress in its current state and is consulting within his party about the NC’s offer.

Oli is reportedly dissatisfied with the government's performance, including the recently passed budget, which he claims was introduced without coalition consultation. This makes it difficult for him to make an immediate decision, especially since his closest rival, NC, has offered him the prime ministerial position.

In a meeting with his party’s top leaders on Monday, Deuba mentioned his cordial relationship with Oli but refrained from commenting further on their ongoing talks. Deuba did not share concrete details with his party colleagues. On the same day, Prime Minister Dahal and Oli held a lengthy discussion, but neither side disclosed the content of their meetings. When asked about the possibility of becoming prime minister, Oli told journalists that he might not assume the role this year.

Amid discussions of an NC-UML alliance, Prime Minister Dahal addressed the Cabinet, assuring them that the current government would continue for a long time. Government Spokesperson Rekha Sharma stated, “The prime minister briefed that media reports regarding a new government are untrue and there have been no talks about forming a national unity government.”

Sources indicate that Oli favors forming a national unity government rather than a coalition of just two parties. The key agenda for such a government would be to amend the constitution, change the current electoral system, and remove secularism from the constitution.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Monday.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal discussed the latest political developments with Congress President Deuba and UML Chairman Oli.

The Prime Minister’s private Secretariat informed that they also discussed moving ahead by forging views on the national issues.

Similarly, the trio also discussed the parliamentary committee formed to investigate the cooperative scam and making the Parliament effective, it has been learnt.

Earlier this morning, the Prime Minister also discussed various issues with CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Nepal.

Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that it is a challenge for science to find out the Guru of Om Aditya Bal Guru.

He was addressing a program organized at the Panauti-based Third Aditya Mokshyadham in Kavre on Monday.

Saying that there should be a source of knowledge or guru in human life, Oli said that Guru Aditya has a supernatural power as the source of knowledge.

Leader Oli mentioned that the challenge to science is to find out the source of Aditya's knowledge.

“Humans need a guru or source for their knowledge. Knowledge is not possible without knowledge,” he said. Praising the language written in a book, Oli said, “Aditya’s book is not to keep in the cupboard but to keep in your brain.”

The things written in the book have touched my heart, he said.

“He has no medium to acquire knowledge. The sayings of Aditya, who has not gone to school, written in various languages are in the form of Guru Bachan,” he said. “Where did this natural ability come from?” he questioned.

“Scientists need to do research on this issue,” Oli further said.

Wishing for Aditya’s good health, Oli said that scientists should do research on Bal Guru Aditya.

Speaking at the program, Captain Rameshwor Thapa said that Aditya, considered as the eighth wonder of the world,  is constructing 108 structures in the area of that Mokshyadham.

He said that a pillar is being obstructed and that pillar is being built by learning from Guru Aditya and 80 percent of the construction has been completed.

Appealing to all to come to Mokshyadham and give suggestions, Capitan Thapa appealed for the support to develop this area as a high-level human settlement.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokharel, former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, former Communications Minister Gokul Baskota, former minister Resham Lama, Om Adi Foundation Chairman Upendra Mahato, Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor Ashok Kumar Byanju, Panauti Municipality Mayor Ram Sharan Bhandari and Panauti Municipality Deputy Mayor Bhim Neupane among others were present in the program.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli held a meeting on Friday. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that they held a discussion in Singha Durbar.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal and UML Chairman Oli discussed Common Minimum Program, transitional justice process, by-election to be held on April 27 and House obstruction among other issues, Prime Minister Dahal’s press advisor Govinda Acharya said.

According to him, Prime Minister Dahal and Chairman Oli also discussed participating other political parties in the government.

Earlier this morning, a meeting of the four-party front was held in Baluwatar.

During the meeting, a discussion was held to include the UML in the front.

Prime Minister Dahal has been authorized to hold a discussion with Chairman Oli and to include the UML in the front.

The Prime Minister had informed Oli about this. But Oli has not given clear answer about joining the front, a source said.

When Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ditched the Nepali Congress to form a new coalition with the CPN-UML, he noted that he felt it necessary to deliver what he had promised the country. To ensure good governance and improve the political and economic situation of the country, he said he was compelled to make the move. For the prime minister, the Congress party was hindering his efforts to bring changes that could be felt by the people.      

Leaders close to Dahal say the prime minister brought the UML onboard to reinvigorate his government—although the UML on its part was also working behind the scene to break the Maoist-NC alliance. The UML felt that the Maoist-NC alliance was formed with the express purpose of keeping the UML out of power. So the party was quietly exploring ways to undo the Maoist-NC partnership, which had a strong backing from internal and external powers.  

On the face of it, the UML was focused on its ‘Mission 84’ campaign to strengthen the party’s structure and support base targeting the general elections of 2084 BS (2027). But when Prime Minister Dahal sought UML’s support to form a new coalition, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli agreed without hesitation. This time Oli did not bargain much when it came to power-sharing. While there may have been a gentlemen’s agreement between Oli and Dahal on leading the government on equal terms for the remaining four years, there was no written deal. 

It appears that Oli was more lenient this time, that he was willing to make some sacrifices. The UML did not bargain for powerful ministries and even agreed to support the Maoist candidate for the NA chairpersonship, a major bone of contention between the Maoist and the NC. 

One UML leader says since the party did not demand attractive ministries, such as the foreign affairs, home, and finance, it helped Prime Minister Dahal to expand his Cabinet without much hassle. Oli suggested Prime Minister Dahal and other coalition partner leaders to choose their preferred ministries. 

The UML also did not send any of its senior leaders to join the Dahal-led Cabinet. For instance, senior leader Bishnu Poudel, who had earlier served as a finance minister, refused to join the government.

The uncharacteristic approach taken by Oli while joining the Maoist-led government has raised a debate whether the UML is committed to the coalition. Is it a half-hearted commitment, or is it the UML’s ploy to keep the Dahal government weak? None, says Bishnu Rijal, a UML central committee member. For Chairman Oli and the UML, he says, breaking the Maoist-NC partnership was crucial to bring political stability. Gaining important ministries was never a priority for Chairman Oli and the party, adds Rijal.   

The UML seems comfortable just supporting the Maoist-led coalition government, and allowing Prime Minister Dahal to effectively implement his plans. Dahal has mentioned that with the Nepali Congress, he felt limited and was unable to produce the desired results. The prime minister was mainly dissatisfied with former finance minister from the NC, Prakash Sharan Mahat, for not involving him in key decisions.  

Rijal says Oli believes that Prime Minister Dahal should be allowed to work without any pressure from his coalition partners. 

It is apparent that if Oli becomes prime minister, he expects the same from his coalition partners: a free hand to run the government affairs. When Oli led a powerful communist government in 2018, senior leaders including Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal had criticized him for not consulting with them on the issues related to the government. The infighting eventually led Oli to dissolve the parliament and to the break-up of the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party. 

Oli has provided Prime Minister Dahal free rein to work on his vision of good governance and improved economy. The onus now lies on Dahal to effectively lead the latest coalition. Like in the case of the Nepali Congress, he cannot use the excuse of ‘non-cooperation from coalition partners’ in case this alliance were to break up again.   

The only challenge Prime Minister Dahal may face could be from his other coalition partner, Rastriya Swatantra Party, which leads the Ministry of Home Affairs. A senior UML leader says his party will fully support Dahal’s leadership so long as he works honestly without harboring any ulterior motives to safeguard his position. 

The Dahal government should now expedite the process of finalizing the common minimum program and put serious effort into its execution. If he leads successfully, UML leaders say, the party will also consider building a long-term alliance of communist parties. For now, everything rests on Prime Minister Dahal’s action.