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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.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said that our country is rich in different religions, culture and festivals and Haritalika Teej is a particularly important festival of Nepali women among the various festivals. "Festivals are our identity and pride."

Extending good wishes on the occasion of Haritalika Teej in a message today, he has mentioned that the festival also has special importance in the sense that married daughters return to their natal home on Teej, playing a significant role in keeping family relations cordial. "This tradition of expressing mutual love, harmony, faith and sisterhood helps strengthen harmony and unity in our society."

Wishing that the festival enhances happiness in the family, society and country, NC President Deuba has also expressed his best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all those who are celebrating this festival today.

This week, two major political parties—Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML—made significant decisions that could shape Nepali politics for years, particularly if they maintain these positions until the 2027 national elections. The NC has decided to reorganize its party structure to strengthen its ability to contest the 2027 elections independently, signaling a move away from pre-election alliances, particularly with the CPN (Maoist Center).

However, NC’s decision is somewhat unclear, as its leadership is under pressure to resist any pre-election alliances. The UML, currently the ruling party and a key competitor of NC, has made a similar decision. The UML is working on a strategy to boost its strength ahead of the 2027 elections, aiming to emerge as the largest political party. Despite leading the government, the party’s focus seems squarely on the upcoming elections.

These decisions are troubling for the CPN (Maoist Center), the third-largest party, which relies heavily on coalition politics to maintain its status. Maoist Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed concern, suggesting that there are efforts to push Nepal toward a two-party system. Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which made a strong showing in the 2022 elections, may welcome the NC and UML’s decisions. Without alliances among the major parties, the RSP could increase its chances of electoral success.

The durability of this shift will depend on the stability of the current coalition. Should the Maoist Center once again play the role of kingmaker, its condition for supporting NC or UML would likely be the formation of an electoral alliance. This would apply not only in national elections but also in other political contexts, as Dahal favors pre-election alliances.

It’s also possible that NC might still seek an alliance with the Maoist Center to counter UML’s organizational strength at the grassroots level. NC’s internal struggles over this decision are evident, with leaders like Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa optimistic about their chances of winning solo, despite the party’s general weakening at the local level. The upcoming NC general convention in 2026, just before the elections, could lead to a reversal of the current stance depending on the leadership at that time.

In another story this week, there were murmurs suggesting cracks in the UML-NC coalition. However, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba has downplayed such concerns, stating that NC and UML share similar positions on key national issues, and the coalition remains stable.

Also this week, RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane was grilled by Pokhara police over his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of cooperative funds. There are reports that Pokhara police are preparing to file a case against him. Meanwhile, Surya Thapa, a member of the parliamentary probe committee on cooperatives, revealed this week that Gorkha Media, with which Lamichhane was associated, had indeed taken money from cooperatives. Following these incidents, Lamichhane, previously a high-ranking media figure and former Home Minister, met with Prime Minister Dahal and NC President Deuba, possibly seeking their support to avoid legal action.

Tensions between Prime Minister Oli and Maoist Chairperson Dahal intensified this week. While Oli continues to accuse Dahal of fostering anarchy, Dahal has warned of a potential people’s uprising to unseat the government, drawing parallels to recent events in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

In other developments this week, the parliamentary hearing on the proposed ambassadors to 18 countries has sparked criticism, with many on social media mocking the ambitious and unrealistic promises made by the candidates.

On a more positive note, the transitional justice process has received a boost with the passage of key bills, supported by 10 major countries, including China—a rare instance of China publicly endorsing Nepal’s transitional justice efforts. Western nations and China appear to be aligned on this issue, while India, which raised concerns about this process in 2015, remains silent. Conflict victims have expressed mixed feelings, supporting the bill but with some reservations. A writ has been filed in the Supreme Court to determine whether the new legislation meets the criteria set by the court’s historic verdict. The government is expected to begin appointments to transitional justice bodies soon.

In the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Tourism, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba faced numerous questions related to relations with India and China this week. She revealed that India has not extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Oli, although there may be an opportunity for him to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the postponed BIMSTEC summit. 

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to travel to New York in the third week of this month to attend the UN General Assembly. There is speculation about whether Oli will visit China before India if he receives an invitation from Beijing. Foreign Minister Deuba also revealed that the Indian side has already begun preparations for Modi’s visit to Nepal.

Finally, provincial governments are still incomplete as the process of appointing ministers continues, which is hindering their ability to function effectively.

That’s all for this week. Have a great weekend!

Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the NC and the CPN-UML, the two major political parties, aspire for a stable and strong government.

Backing a proposal put forth by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the House of Representatives (HoR) session, seeking a vote of confidence, Deuba said the formation of the present government aims to promote stability, achieve rapid economic development, create jobs, and accelerate physical infrastructure development. The proposal was presented in accordance with Article 76 (4) of the Constitution.

It may be noted that the NC and UML formed a new political equation recently, leading to the formation of the government led by UML Chair Oli last Sunday.

According to the NC President, the constitution's amendment is a usual procedure in democracy and the consensus of all parties will be sought provided that the constitution is amended ahead. 

"It has been eight years since the promulgation of the Constitution. It is a usual process to amend the country's main law in democracy if it is warranted to strengthen the constitution. We are clear that it will be appropriate to proceed with the amendment through the wider dialogues and consensus at the political parties."   

He hoped that the new government would be able to accelerate economic activities and establish a durable peace by dispelling economic slowdown. "It will give priority to creating job opportunities within the country, scaling up revenue collections, and meeting the people's aspirations for development."

 Underlining the need for steering the nation towards good governance by preventing corruption, the NC President pledged to promote the rule of the law, full enforcement of the constitution, build an investment atmosphere, increase domestic production, and create jobs.

Terming Prime Minister Oli as a hardworking, studious, and experienced leader, he said the members of his cabinet are also competent. "I hope under the guidance of the Oli-led government, the nation will find a path to prosperity. The government formed to take the country towards political stability will succeed in its mission. "   

He said the NC is fully committed and will remain so regarding the implementation of the July 1 seven-point agreement reached with the UML.  He said the party would give a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Oli, urging other political parties in the parliament to support the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made public the seven-point agreement signed between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress.

He informed the Parliament about the seven-point agreement while presenting his motion to seek a vote of confidence at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday.

According to the agreement, UML Chair KP Sharma Oli said that he will lead the government for two years in the first phase and then hand over power to NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to conduct the 2027 elections, he said.

Prime Minister Oli said that an agreement has been made to give priority to the necessary amendments to the Constitution and for the formulation of laws for political stability.

Nepali Congress President Deuba and UML Chairman Oli had signed the seven-point agreement.

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

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.

Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has pointed out the need to strengthen the federal democratic republic in practice.

On the occasion of the ninth memorial day of former Prime Minister and member of the Constituent Assembly, Surya Bahadur Thapa, in a programme organized by the Surya Bahadur Thapa Foundation here today, he said that the current system should be made more acceptable adding that there was no chances of restoration of monarchy.

Former Prime Minister Deuba also clarified that it is impossible to restore the monarchy in the current situation. He said, 'Now Nepal has adopted federal democratic republican governance system.

However, some people have said that the king should be returned, but now it is impossible to restore the king. Therefore, the current system should be strengthened more in practice. 'There is room to improve the deficiencies in the constitution' Deuba said. He recalled the role of Surya Bahadur Thapa in bringing the current political system in the country.

Addressing the program, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader, Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohoni, said that late Thapa was a skilled politician and a multifaceted personality. He also opined that all political forces should unite to give the country the right direction in the present situation. Central member of Nepali Congress Arjun Narsingh KC said that late Thapa has made a significant contribution in the political and administrative field in the country.

Central member of Nepali Congress, Sunil Bahadur Thapa said that late Thapa himself has made an important contribution in bringing the current political system and stressed that he should move forward by imbibing the example he adopted. Janata Samajwadi Party leader Pradeep Yadav recalled that Thapa, a politician with a simple life and high thoughts, repeatedly raised his voice for the rights of Madhesh and Madheshi people.

Former ambassador Surya Prasad Shrestha, senior advocate Krishna Prasad Bhandari, Prof. Lokraj Baral, registrar of Kathmandu University Prof. Dr. AchyutWagle and others discussed that late Thapa was a skilled politician.

Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that there are no issues among the political parties in the coalition government.

Talking to the media briefly, the former Prime Minister, who has been here today to take part in an inauguration of the Bharatpur Visit Year, 2024, claimed the ruling alliance will remain intact.

He was of the view of taking diverse opinions from political leaders and cadres as a part of the political discourse.

He said the matter of selecting the chairperson of the National Assembly will be finalized only through discussions within the ruling coalition.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal arrived here on Thursday to participate in the program.

The formal inauguration of the Bharatpur Visit Year is scheduled to take place at 1 pm today on the bank of Narayani River. 

As we step into 2024, it's crucial to reflect on the tumultuous journey of 2023, a year marked by degeneration and pessimism for major political parties — the Nepal Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center). These parties faced strong criticism from both their cadres and the public at large, revealing a deep-seated dissatisfaction with their performance.

Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and KP Sharma Oli, who are at the helm of these parties, find themselves wrestling with tarnished public images and a looming sense of party fragility.

At the start of the year, the Nepali Congress worked hard to dismantle the alliance between the Maoist and UML. By throwing its support behind Dahal as prime minister, NC succeeded in positioning itself as a key coalition player. The elevation of Ram Chandra Poudel as the country's president further solidified its influence. While these accomplishments are touted as major wins, the party struggles to instill hope and optimism among its ranks, contending with persistent intra-party rifts and organizational challenges.

Deuba continued to prevail in the party’s decision making process. Despite being a dominant power in all three levels of government, leaders and cadres largely feel that the party is on a downward journey. They are of the view that people are gradually losing their confidence in the major parties due to the government’s failure to deliver.

In the face of this, a disconcerting trend emerges—local-level leaders and cadres are feeling the heat from new parties and the resurgence of royalist forces. The once-enthusiastic cadres are noticeably absent from party activities, even as the leadership attempts to renew active memberships. 

A senior NC leader said that though the party has launched a campaign of renewing membership, a large chunk of cadres has not shown interest in it. This is very concerning for the future of the party.

The call for a special campaign to breathe life into the party structures falls on deaf ears, further fueling concerns about the party's downward trajectory. In order to provide an ideological and organizational guideline, the NC was supposed to organize its much-awaited Mahasamiti meeting, but it has been postponed time and again. This year, the party also saw the emergence of a third faction led by youth leaders including Gururaj Ghimire and Madhu Acharya. The faction has been running parallel activities inside the party.

This is not a good sign for the NC, which is already grappling with factionalism. Senior leader Shekhar Koirala and General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa are competing to wrest the reins of power from Deuba, whose supporters dominate the party committees.  The rivalry between senior Koirala and Thapa has further affected the party’s organization. 2023 was also the year the NC saw one of its influential leaders Bal Krishna Khand arrested in the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal. It was a serious blow to the party’s public image. Khand’s arrest also raised fear among several other leaders who were allegedly involved in corruption activities in the past. 

The internal strife within the Congress is not unique; the UML also grapples with its share of setbacks. Losing power both at the center and in provincial governments, the party attempts to rejuvenate itself in the face of challenges from emerging parties. Throughout the year, the party tried to dismantle the current government by offering premiership to NC, but to no avail.

Soon after the elections, the UML launched a grassroots campaign in order to resolve the party's internal problems and other issues.  At the end of the year, it launched the Sankalpa Yatra (Resolution March),  which covered the mid-hill districts of Nepal. According to the UML, the march helped to counter forces that have ramped up their activities in recent years. But the truth is despite the hard efforts, the party still faces significant challenges. The "Mission-84" initiative signals a renewed focus on the elections to be held in 2084 BS (2027), with aspirations to emerge as the largest party. However, corruption scandals involving senior leaders cast a shadow over their efforts.

On the Maoist front, 2023 witnessed a lack of substantive change. While the party launched a nationwide campaign to bolster organizational strength, the notable absence of leaders and cadres raised eyebrows. Despite facing criticism, Dahal's dominance within the party stifles significant dissent against the government.

In essence, 2023 posed significant threats to the major parties. Despite holding onto power, a pervasive sense of vulnerability lingers. The specter of the 2027 national elections looms large, and the three parties feel that regressive forces are actively trying to dismantle the 2015 constitution. 

As we step into 2024, the apathy of top leaders in mending their ways suggests a continuity of challenges. The failing performance of the Dahal-led government on economic and other fronts is poised to escalate people's frustration, further eroding the major political parties' standing. The year ahead will be critical for the three major parties, as they will have to resolve their own internal disputes as well as work with renewed vigor to meet the aspirations of the people.

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

Prime Minister Dahal held talks with Deuba and Oli for almost two hours to forge consensus on the transitional justice issues.

The transitional justice Act is in the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament.

The Committee has forged consensus in almost all the issues by forming a sub-committee.

The sub-committee has prepared a report on consensus.

The issues that need to be resolved at the political level are only left to the settled down.

Congress Publicity Department Chief Min Bishwokarma and UML Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula have been claiming that the issues at the political level are only left to be resolved.

The UML has claimed that the decision of Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s decision to celebrate the day the war started as People’s War Day has left the conflict victims in the lurch.

During this stay in Nepal, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres had mounted diplomatic pressure on the government and political parties to conclude the peace process.

On Sunday, during a meeting with Guterres, UML Chairman Oli said that the peace process could not reach a logical conclusion due to the Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Dahal.

Oli had said that the UML wants the United Nations to take the peace process to its logical conclusion.