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Former State Minister for Health Khadga Bahadur Bashyal has passed away on Friday.

Bashyal has served as former chairperson of the Nepal Dalit Federation, member Constituent Assembly of 2064 (BS) and 2070 (BS), former member of the Nepali Congress District Working Committee of Surkhet, and central member in the Nepal Democracy Fighters Association (NDFA)

Bashyal, a resident of Tatapani, Birendranagar Municipality-3, Surkhet, suffering from cancer, passed away at his residence today.

Nepali Congress said that with his death, the party has lost a senior and experienced leader.

President of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba expressed grievances over the demise of Bashyal.

Deuba said, "The news of the passing of former State minister for Health and member of Constituent Assembly has made me saddened, devasted and heart-rent."

President Deuba also said that the late Bashyal's leadership role in building the Nepali Congress organization and his role in Nepal's democratic movements will always be remembered in the party.

Paying heartfelt tributes to him, President Deuba expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the party and myself, praying for the eternal peace of his soul. (RSS)

For more than a decade, Nepali politics has been defined by three dominant figures: KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. As party chiefs and multiple-time prime ministers, they have established themselves as indomitable forces. Among the three, it now seems almost certain that Oli and Dahal will retain control of their respective parties for at least the next five years—if not longer.

In the past two weeks, the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) held their Central Committee and Standing Committee meetings, respectively. The outcomes of these meetings will have far-reaching implications, particularly regarding leadership transitions. Both Oli and Dahal have further solidified their grip by weakening and isolating potential rivals. These developments starkly contrast with the widespread public desire, especially among the youth, for a generational change in leadership.

A significant section of Nepal’s youth continues to call for immediate leadership renewal. Many believe that since the same leaders have held sway over both party and government for more than three decades and failed to deliver, new leaders should be given a chance. Having become prime minister multiple times, these leaders have used the power and resources of the state to entrench their positions. Ministerial portfolios and key appointments were handed to loyalists, while dissenting voices were sidelined.

There have also been instances where state law enforcement agencies were allegedly used to harass internal party opponents. As a result, many young leaders have either aligned themselves with top leaders or remained silent, compromising the core values of intra-party democracy and leadership handover.

The internal dynamics of major parties tell a different story altogether. Youth leaders of NC, UML and Maoist Center—who once demanded a leadership transition—are now retreating from those positions. In recent Central and Standing Committee meetings, not only did they refrain from calling for change, but many also openly endorsed the current leadership.

The UML’s Central Committee meeting cleared the way for Oli to lead the party for a third consecutive term. The party decided to amend its statute, removing the 70-year age limit and the two-term cap tailored specifically to facilitate Oli’s continuation. But more than just a policy shift, both senior and youth leaders publicly declared that there is “no alternative” to Oli. Even former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s attempt to challenge Oli by reentering active politics was thwarted; the party revoked her general membership for doing so.

Oli is now virtually assured to be re-elected party chairman at the UML’s 11th General Convention, expected later this year. Party leaders argue that Oli's leadership is essential to securing victory in the 2027 elections. In reality, he may continue leading the party as long as his health allows. Since taking the helm in 2015, Oli has consolidated power, sidelined rivals, and built a loyal inner circle. Two pivotal moments helped him secure dominance: the departure of senior leaders like Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal, and the failed leadership challenge by Bhim Rawal, who was eventually expelled. That episode sent a clear message: challenging the leadership comes with consequences. More recently, Brinda Pandey and Usha Kiran Timalsina were suspended for six months for voicing dissent, reinforcing the party’s intolerance for internal opposition.

A similar scenario unfolded in the Maoist Center’s Standing Committee meeting. Senior leader Janardhan Sharma raised the issue of leadership change, only to be rebuked by nearly the entire committee. Out of 50 members, just three supported his proposal that Dahal, who has been at the helm since the 1980s, should begin transitioning party leadership to the next generation. Rather than supporting Sharma, other members criticized him. The party issued a warning that no leader should make public statements against its leadership. “There is a growing tendency to speak against party leadership and violate party discipline,” said Maoist leader Haribol Gajurel. 

The situation in the NC remains uncertain. Party President Deuba is unlikely to amend the party statute to pursue a third term. Leaders Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa appear poised to contest the presidency. A third candidate from the Deuba camp may also run, while other senior leaders, who lack serious electoral prospects, may enter the race merely to secure bargaining positions in the party or government. Despite this, Deuba remains a strong presence, and the party's top leadership appears to be consolidating its hold.

Meanwhile, in the CPN (Unified Socialist), a breakaway faction of UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal maintains tight control despite facing corruption allegations. He has publicly warned senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal to leave the party for speaking against him. Despite mounting pressure, Nepal has refused to hand over the reins to a younger generation.

With these developments, the debate around leadership handover in major Nepali parties has significantly lost momentum. Over the years, these senior leaders, each of whom has held the prime ministership multiple times, have consistently used state resources to strengthen their internal party positions and marginalize opposition. With youth leaders increasingly dependent on the senior leadership for political opportunities and resources, they remain unable, or unwilling, to mount a meaningful challenge.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that Nepal's politics is built on the foundation of the national reconciliation policy adopted by BP Koirala.

Late BP Koirala is the founder of the Nepali Congress and the first people-elected Prime Minister of Nepal.

At a program jointly organized by BP Memorial Hospital, BP Memorial Foundation and Sports Department of the Nepali Congress on the occasion of 43rd BP Memorial Day today, NC President Deuba opined that BP Koirala's reconciliation policy is still relevant. 

He remembered that BP Koirala stood firmly in favour of democracy by sacrificing his life for the nation and the people. 

"In fact, BP's message that the country will be sovereign and prosperous only from a strong Congress and the reconciliation between national forces is still relevant," he argued. 

President Deuba mentioned that BP Koirala was of the firm opinion that national unity, country's prosperity and social harmony are greatest things than political interest.  

He stated that BP Koirala was not only a shining star of politics, but also of literature, as well as a thinker of democratic socialism. 

BP's political and literary thinking is also the guidelines for building a modern Nepal and he was always on stance that democratic system along with economic equality was indispensable to the country, added the NC President.

Deuba recalled that BP Koirala had returned to Nepal at a time when he was in exile and struggling against the then authoritarian Panchayat system from India analyzing the weakening of nationalism, adding the Nepali Congress is in present situation due to BP Koirala's ideals and values established from his sacrifice and contribution. 

Prime minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that a person who has already become the President entering politics is a serious issue.During a politburo meeting held at the party office in Chyasal on Friday, he said that a person who has reached a prestigious position in the country and has become the Supreme Commander of the Nepal Army, entering politics is a serious issue.

According to Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, Chairman Oli had said that the party would take a decision on former President Bidya Devi Bhandari at the appropriate time.

A few days ago, ruling Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting with Prime Minister Oli and expressed his objection to former President Bhandari entering into politics.

Former President Bhandari announced her return to active UML politics on June 28.

The meeting among Nepal’s top political leaders—Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal—has been postponed yet again.

Scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, the tripartite talks were called off at the last minute.

This is the second postponement in as many days. A meeting originally called for Wednesday was canceled because Dahal was out of Kathmandu.

Though he returned on Thursday, the meeting was still not held.

According to sources, the decision to delay was taken after the scheduled time had already lapsed, reportedly at the Prime Minister’s initiative. 

Ruling Party Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has emphasised the need to make Nepal an education hub for foreign students by ensuring quality education in the country. 

During a discussion program on education policy organised by his party's Education Department today, he stated that since education is an important matter, efforts should be made to improve its quality, to keep domestic students in the country and even to attract foreign students.

Former Prime Minister Deuba expressed the view that arrangements should be made to fulfill the desire of all parents to provide good education to their children in the country. 

Department head Nain Singh Mahar stressed on the need for developing research-oriented policy in education. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting on Monday.

During the discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, they discussed recent political developments and other contemporary issues.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and the Prime Minister's Advisor on Human Rights and Transitional Justice, Agni Kharel, were present on the occasion.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has lauded the contribution of the private sector to boost the national economy.

Speaking at an interaction organized by the NC's Industry and Trade Department here today, President Deuba said the role of the private sector was important for the economic prosperity of the country. "Industries and businesses should be strengthened to promote the market for domestic goods and services," Deuba added.

The role of the private sector is important in increasing the production of indigenous goods. There is a need for coordination between the private sector and the government to increase employment," he said, adding that the digital economy also has a large share in it.

"The budget for the next fiscal year should be to promote the digital economy. This will help in the promotion of information technology," Deuba added.

He further expressed the belief that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year would address the issues raised by the private sector and make the economic sector more vibrant.

The coalition government of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, which came to power with the promise of stability, has failed to deliver on its mission. Now, it has become almost a daily mantra for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba to assure the public that their coalition remains intact. Every day, Prime Minister Oli seeks reassurance from his colleague Deuba that there is no threat to the government’s survival.

For instance, upon returning from a tour of Thailand, Deuba told reporters that there were no problems within the coalition. Prime Minister Oli has since been using this statement as a reference point to claim that his government is moving ahead smoothly. The two leaders are meeting frequently, but that does not necessarily mean that everything is fine. Tensions could be gradually building between the two parties. A frequently asked question among the media is about the longevity of the government. This has created a public perception that the coalition could collapse anytime, even though it may not happen immediately. It has shaped a widespread belief that even a government formed by the two largest parties has failed to convey a message of political stability.

Amidst this uncertainty, Prime Minister Oli and Deuba held a one-on-one meeting on April 26, although neither side has disclosed what actually transpired. Rumors of government change last week prompted Deuba to call Oli and assure him that the NC’s support remains firm. However, their failure to effectively handle contentious issues has fueled doubts about the coalition’s future. Past examples show how even minor issues have triggered the fall of governments. For instance, it took a long time for the two parties to agree on removing Kulman Ghising from the post of executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. A more recent example is the delayed appointment of the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank due to differences between the NC and UML.

Above all, internal dynamics within the NC pose a major threat to the coalition. The decision to form an alliance with the UML was made without prior discussions in the party; it was largely driven by Deuba and his spouse, Arzu Rana Deuba, who currently serves as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. As a result, many senior NC leaders do not fully own the decision, and two distinct camps have emerged within the party. Leaders such as Purna Bahadur Khadka, NP Saud and Prakash Sharan Mahat favored continuing the coalition with the Maoists and would prefer forming a new government led by the NC. Just a few days ago, Khadka said, “I have told Prime Minister Oli to mend ways and improve the government’s performance.”

Meanwhile, leaders like Shekhar Koirala, Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma are positioning themselves as populist figures aspiring to lead the party. Rather than offering unconditional support to the coalition, they view national issues through the lens of their personal political ambitions. For example, they have demanded that the government address the teachers’ demands, even though fulfilling them may not be feasible. At a public event this week, Thapa warned that the party would leave the government if it had to compromise on fundamental party principles.

Furthermore, Koirala and Thapa—both aspiring to become party president and future prime ministers—are working to prevent Deuba from becoming prime minister again. They fear that Deuba could use state power during the party leadership selection process to favor his loyalists. They believe that if the current coalition collapses, it would weaken Deuba’s chances of returning as prime minister. For some time, efforts have been underway to change the NC parliamentary party leader, but Koirala and Thapa themselves are not aligned, viewing each other as competitors for the party presidency—something that strategically benefits Deuba. In addition, there is speculation that some NC leaders are under pressure from India to break the alliance with the UML.

Adding to the complexity, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reportedly conveyed to senior NC leaders that he is ready to support Deuba as prime minister until the next election, gradually winning over a section of the NC leadership. Deuba’s phone call to Dahal before his departure for Thailand also raised eyebrows within the UML. Previously, Deuba had publicly emphasized that the NC should lead the government, given its emergence as the largest party in the 2022 elections. However, Dahal had refused to support the NC’s claim and instead aligned with the UML to form the government.

Within the NC, there is growing criticism that the coalition between the two largest parties has failed to deliver on its promises. For example, although the two parties had agreed to initiate the process of amending the constitution, they have yet to take any steps. Senior NC leaders say that Prime Minister Oli’s failure to address the country’s pressing issues is fueling public frustration, which has tarnished the party’s image. One NC leader remarked, “We do not feel comfortable staying on in the government with the UML.”

Despite repeated assurances from Deuba, UML and Oli remain uncertain about the NC’s continued support. UML leaders say external forces are actively working to destabilize the government, and at some point, the NC might withdraw its support and form a new alliance with the Maoists, sidelining the UML. This week, Oli also stated that he would not compromise on every issue just to remain in power.

Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said the Muslim community's grand festival of Eid-ul-Fitr has been gradually promoting religious tolerance and harmony in Nepali society. 

Issuing a message of best wishes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr today, President Deuba expressed the belief that the festival of Eid would inspire all to bring peace, harmony and prosperity in the country. 

Nepal is a beautiful country full of multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious characteristics and different ethnicities have their own unique traditions, religions, cultures, customs and festivals, Deuba said in the message. 

"Unity in diversity is the unique identity of Nepalis and we have our own tradition of respecting each of these festivals", the message reads. 

President Deuba has extended best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Muslim sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the holy festival of Islam.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that there is no possibility of the return of monarchy in Nepal.

Speaking at a program organized by the Training Department of the Nepali Congress Bagmati Province Committee here today, party President Deuba, hinting to the activities of the pro-monarchists since some days back, said former King Gyanendra Shah could not be a constitutional king.

"There is no possibility of the return of monarchy in Nepal. Gyanendra is not even a person worthy of becoming a constitutional monarch. Rather the Rastriya Prajatantra Party will make Gyanendra the party president,” he said, addressing the inauguration of a training programme for the office-bearers and members of the NC Province Working Committee here today.

The Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister suggested former King Gyanendra to open a political party if he really was interested in politics.

"Better open a party if you really want to do politics! But those joining that party will suffer a lot," he said and directed the leaders and cadres to work unitedly in favour of the republic.

NC Bagmati Province Vice-President and Province Training Department Chief Chandra Maharjan presided over the training program which was attended by party spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, NC Bagmati Province President Indra Bahadur Baniya, Director of the party's Central Policy, Research and Training Academy Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel, Treasurer of Bagmati Province Dr Bhadra Parajuli Bhandari, Executive Director of the Central Policy Research and Training Department Dr Buddhiman Shrestha, among other leaders and office-bearers of the party.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the incumbent coalition government is advancing ahead on a consolidated ground.

In his address to a training and orientation organized for party's regional leaders in Bhairahawa today, Deuba claimed that the formation of a coalition government comprising two major and other political parties in the country has given hope among the citizens.

Stating that the incumbent NC-CPN-UML government is not an absolute majority government, it is a two-thirds government, he highlighted the need for an additional collective support for the government.

The NC leader further said political completion is essential in democracy.

NC President Deuba was of the view that if the NC has any intra-party misunderstandings, they should be sorted out through mutual discussions.

He said that the orientation would help garner a majority for the party in the upcoming elections.

The training organised by the NC Central Policy, Research and Training Academy, is being attended by 130 individuals who include regional presidents and chiefs of regional training sections, according to Academy coordinator Purna Bahadur Khadka.

There will be six presentations on matters concerning the party, its significant accomplishments, policy reforms that the party ensured during its presence in the government after 1990, the constitution, implementation of federalism, and the NC campaign for active membership, interrelations among the center, province and electoral constituencies and so on.

There will be discussions among seven panels on the second day of the event.  The next session will be for collecting submissions on the issues relating to the government and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak are scheduled to respond to the concerns raised during the session.

The event has been supported by the NC regional committee, Rupandehi electoral constituency-3.

Addressing the House of Representatives on Thursday, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the leader of the main opposition party, the CPN (Maoist Centre), started his speech by expressing dissatisfaction at the absence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and senior leaders from the ruling party, the CPN-UML. 

Dahal remarked that, as per parliamentary traditions, when a leader of the opposition addresses the House, it is customary for the leader of the largest party and the Prime Minister, to be present. While Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba arrived a bit late, Prime Minister Oli was notably absent.

During an hour-long speech, Dahal voiced his concern regarding the government’s recent decision to issue multiple ordinances. He questioned the constitutional validity of such ordinances as they were brought forward just six before the Parliament was due to convene. 

The former prime minister accused the government of taking a shortcut in issuing ordinances and claimed that it demonstrated a lack of proper intention and transparency. He raised questions about the necessity of such ordinances, especially considering that the ruling parties had previously boasted of their strong mandate and two-thirds majority. 

Dahal expressed skepticism over the recent ordinances related to land reforms. He questioned whether the new land-related ordinances would ease the process of granting land rights to marginalized communities, including Dalits, indigenous people, and squatters. He warned that the amendments might complicate matters rather than solve them. Dahal also highlighted the discrepancies between the government’s actions and the promises made regarding land rights, emphasizing that the new policies appeared to favor the wealthy and urban elites over the rural poor.

“These amendments seem to benefit the land mafia and real estate developers, while leaving the poor and marginalized people struggling for their basic rights,” he noted.

A significant portion of Dahal’s address was dedicated to the government’s social media regulation bill. He said that while he had long been aware of Prime Minister Oli’s intentions regarding social media regulation, the tacit support of other ruling parties, especially the Congress, to the controversial bill was alarming.

He questioned Congress’s alignment with the government’s move and said, “I know Oli’s intentions, but how can you support such a bill now? Yesterday, you stood against such measures, and today you are supporting them.” He asked the Congress leaders if they really want a country where a citizen is barred from asking questions, from holding government to account.

He accused the government of trying to move forward in an authoritarian manner and intentionally causing distress to the citizens. He added that the government’s political retribution and the misuse of state power had become commonplace

In an attempt to defend himself from allegations related to the controversial ‘Shera Durbar’ incident in Nuwakot, Dahal challenged the government to investigate his possible involvement. “If I am involved in the Shera Darbar case in any way, let the investigation begin,” he said. He further claimed that the government was using the issue to tarnish his reputation, with an aim to find some link, no matter how tenuous, to attack him and his party.

 “The government has been working hard to frame me in this case,” Dahal said.

The case involves the alleged illegal possession of land in Nuwakot, which is thought to have been occupied by Dahal’s former private secretary. Following a prolonged investigation, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has concluded that the land should be returned to the government.

Dahal also accused the government of causing hardship to the citizens. He expressed frustration over the government’s tendency to press serious charges even in situations where a simple resolution could have been found. “In situations where things could be settled through discussions, citizens are being shackled and dragged from one district to another, with severe charges being placed. Is this arrogance of power, or fear of the people?”

He also accused the government of trying to move forward in an authoritarian manner and intentionally causing distress to the citizens. He added that the government’s political retribution and the misuse of state power had become commonplace.

He linked this to the incident involving the Pathibhara Cable Car dispute, where the police had fired shots, and the introduction of the social media regulation bill, which he argued was an attempt to legally control freedom of expression. “What is this? Are you above the people’s sovereignty? Are you above the constitution? Are you the masters and the citizens your slaves?”

Further criticism was directed at the government’s treatment of Rabi Lamichhane, the leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who was suspended from Parliament despite being released on bail by the court. Dahal raised concerns about the political motives behind Lamichhane’s suspension, accusing the government of orchestrating a political revenge campaign.

He addressed the Speaker of the House, requesting a re-evaluation of Lamichhane’s suspension, calling into question its fairness and constitutional grounds. “Even after being released on bail, how can Lamichhane’s suspension be justified? We need to reconsider this issue in light of the constitutional principles of justice,” he urged the Speaker.

Dahal emphasized that the current government’s strength was evident when it came to pursuing political revenge. He argued that the opposition leaders were being unfairly painted as villains despite the lack of evidence.

Lawmaker Sobita Gautam from RSP also expressed regret over the decision to suspend Lamichhane and urged for a swift correction of the decision. “My party and I deeply regret this decision, and I request the Parliament Secretariat to correct it as soon as possible,” Gautam said. “I humbly request that the suspension be revoked.”

“Parliamentary rules have provisions for suspension only if an MP is sent to jail by a court. But the suspension notice was posted without a court case,” she said. “The law was meant to prevent MPs from being targeted unnecessarily.”

Similarly, Sumana Shrestha, MP from RSP raised concerns about the social media bill, which has been registered in Parliament, and highlighted the growing protests from youth against the bill. She brought the issue to the government’s attention. “Protests have started on social media since yesterday. There is a growing voice against the social media bill the government has registered,” she said. “Will the government listen to this voice? I am raising this issue to attract the government’s attention.”

She also suggested engaging the youth for further discussions on the bill. “Invite the youth and let them discuss. We’ve seen that the bill can pass through this House even if they are pushed. What is content creation? The government has brought this bill without even understanding basic social media matters,” Shrestha said.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has instructed the ministers representing the party in the present government to make its works effective.

In a meeting with the party officials and the ministers representing the party in the government held at his residence in Budhanilkantha today, President Deuba directed the ministers to deliver services on matters directly related to the public in a smooth and effective manner, said Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajaya Kumar Chaurasiya. "Make the service delivery on matters concerning the people prompt, efficient and transparent. Give priority to the Ministry's works rather than the party's works by managing the time in the right way," Minister Chaurasiya quoted Deuba as saying in the meeting. President Deuba also urged the ministers to extend the required cooperation in making the government more effective.

The party vice-president, general-secretary, leaders, the party's Chief Whip in the House of Representatives and the National Assembly were among those present in the meeting.

On the occasion, President Deuba acquired information from the ministers regarding ongoing works and the remaining works in their respective ministries.

He also directed the ministers to finalize the legislations under the ministries concerned before the commencement of the Parliament session.

Chief Whip of the NC Parliamentary Party Shyam Prasad Ghimire said today's meeting decided to work actively to make the government effective and successful, and to hold regular discussions on important topics.

According to him, discussions were also held to carry out works actively to finalize the bills under consideration at various committees and to speed up the process for conducting the physical infrastructure projects remaining from the past and other programmes under the jurisdiction of the ministries, among other topics.

Chief Whip Ghimire added that decision has been made in the meeting to take the required initiatives for completion of the development projects awaiting resources despite being included in the budget of the current fiscal year, those projects whose tender call has not been made and those projects whose works are not progressing as expected speed despite the starting of the construction works.

Decision has been made to have open meeting on two stipulated days in a week, to listen to the citizen's grievances, to take the suggestions and to become completely dedicated to the ministry's works in the remaining five days.

The parliamentary party working committee and the ministers shall make coordination through discussions regarding the lawmakers' concerns, suggestions and expectations.

Party President Deuba has also instructed the ministers to visit the party's central office once in a month regarding the suggestions and demands that come to the party central office through the party's province committee, the district committee, region and local levels.

Ten ministers and two ministers of state are representing the Nepali Congress in the present government headed by CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli.

On the occasion, the ministers had briefed Party President Deuba the meeting about the works being carried out by their respective ministries, the problems encountered and the concerns.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the Dashain festival contributes to strengthening of unity and harmony among community and families.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Bada Dashain festival today, NC President Deuba wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Nepalis.

He also reminded the recent disaster of floods and landslides that not only caused a huge number of fatalities but also rendered thousands of people homeless.

"We are getting united for the Dashain at this difficult moment this year. May Goddess Durga provide strength and power to all at this hour," he said.

Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic country which has foster unity in diversity.

The unity in diversity is our identity, President Deuba added.

The festival is a symbol of the victory of justice over injustice, according to him.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has described Bada Dashain as a festival that strengthens unity among communities, institutions, families and individuals.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Bada Dashain festival, President Deuba said that the country has been affected by floods and landslides with significant loss to human lives and property, and prayed that may Durga Bhavani gives us the strength and determination to at this time of calamity.

Stating that Dashain is our religious and cultural festival, he mentioned that the festival gives an eternal message of the victory of justice over injustice and truth over falsehood.

On the auspicious occasion of Bada Dashain, the former Prime Minister has also extended his auspicious wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity and progress to all Nepali sisters and brothers on behalf of Congress and on his own.