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The CPN-UML has urged Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal to resign by tomorrow.

A Secretariat meeting held at the party office on Tuesday appealed to the Prime Minister to pave the way for the formation of a new government as per Article 76 (2) of the Constitution, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said.

He said that the Prime Minister should put in his papers and pave the way as the two parties have already reached an agreement to form a national consensus government.

Meanwhile, the UML has appealed to all the parties to help in forming a national consensus government.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal called on President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister and the CPN (Maoist Center) Chair visited the Head-of-the-State at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas. 

On the occasion, matters relating to the country's latest political developments were discussed, according to President's communications expert Kiran Pokhrel.

It may be noted that on Monday, the two largest parties in the federal Parliament- NC and the CPN-UML- agreed to share the power equation, aiming to form a new government under the leadership of UML Chair KP Sharma Oli.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is not going to resign immediately.

The office-bearers’ meeting of the CPN (Maoist Center) held in Baluwatar on Tuesday morning made a decision that the Prime Minister will not tender his resignation instead face a trust vote.

After the meeting, Maoist Center Secretary Devendra Paudel said that the Prime Minister will not put in his papers immediately, instead face a vote of confidence.

The meeting decided that the party will move ahead by holding discussions with Rastriya Swatantra Party, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML among others.

Earlier this morning, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli met Prime Minister Dahal and urged him to pave the way by resigning from his post.

Oli said that the UML will withdraw the support extended to the government and recall the ministers if he did not step down.

The two big parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—have agreed to form a new government under the leadership of UML Chairman Oli.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli held a meeting on Monday.

According to a Baluwatar source, they discussed contemporary political issues in the meeting today.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat said that the two leaders also discussed making the works of the government more effective.

Earlier on Saturday and Sunday, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held talks with UML Chairman Oli.

Following the meetings, Prime Minister Dahal also intensified the dialogues.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that entire democratic national forces should be united and renew their commitments to meet people's expectations.

In his speech at the inaugural session of the 10th national general convention of the CPN (Unified Socialist) in Kathmandu Sunday, the PM said national consensus is needed to troubleshoot the country's key challenges. 

He added that all democratic and patriotic forces should unite to safeguard national independence, geographical indivisibility and national pride and urged to further revise the democratic republic, which he said was established from the people's long struggle and sacrifices.

The PM also suggested that the CPN (US) should move ahead with clear political programs for the country's prosperity to dissect the narrative of 'nothing good is going to happen in the country'.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister revealed that efforts are being made to form a single party of the CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN (US) by forming a front and argued that all revolutionary parties should unite for the cause of the country and people.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal asserted that all leftists and democratic forces should come on board for the greater good of the country and citizens.

Addressing the 10th national convention of the CPN (Unified Socialist) in Kathmandu Sunday, PM Dahal extended his best wishes to the party in preparing the course of action to expand party force and organization with real-time evaluation of the socialist revolution.

Recalling the efforts made to unify the CPN (Unified Socialist) and his party CPN (Maoist Center) while they were in the same front in the past, the Head of the Government expressed his confidence that the national convention would endorse new and revised ideologies for the party.

PM Dahal also saw the need for modification in the Marxist ideology as per the need of the country.

There are altogether 1,849 representatives taking part in the five-day convention which will elect the 299-member working committee and 21 office-bearers.

On a different note, PM Dahal shared that various files related to corruption were being searched and disclosed. "'Nothing significant has happened yet' is a wrong narrative. I am future-oriented and committed towards the prosperity of the nation," he observed.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government was trying to prepare the basis for socialism by institutionalizing the achievements of revolutions and changes.

Launching a memoir 'Sahashik Yoddha Jagat Bahadur Bohora (Valiant Warrior Jagat Bahadur Bohora)' related to Jagat Bahadur Bohora today, PM Dahal reiterated that the government was moving ahead with good-governance, social justice and prosperity as its priorities.

"We have come to a socialism-oriented federal democratic republic on the foundation laid by the sacrifices and the sufferings of thousands of martyrs, forcefully disappeared combatants and tens of thousands of revolutionary warriors. We should embark on the journey of socialism by institutionalizing these achievements," asserted the PM.

Recalling Bohora who delivered keeping emancipation of the country and people, and changes in center in any challenging situations, the Head of the Government said that Bohora also made a significant contribution in the People's War that was in favor of revolutionary transformation of Nepali society.

Bohora was injured in a peaceful cultural program staged against the single-party autocratic Panchayat system at Piskar in Sindhupalchowk district in 2040 BS.

Ile Thami and Bir Bahadur Thami along with other protestors were killed while the remaining others were brutally suppressed.

Dozens of warriors including Chhatra Bahadur Bohora, Man Bahadur Thami, Meghnath Poudel, Arun Nepal, Suresh Nepal, Gopal Thapaliya among others were detained and put behind bars.

Bohora was one among those critically hurt in the incident.

CPN (Maoist Center) Spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota and CPN (UML)'s Amrit Kumar Bohora among others were present in the book launch program.

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting on Friday.

During the meeting held at Sheetal Niwas, they discussed contemporary issues, according to the Private Secretariat of the President.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday witnessed a heated debate as cross-party lawmakers raised multiple pressing issues that need immediate government attention. Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha was absent, so Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the questions. 

One key topic was China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). PM Dahal reminded lawmakers that the BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2017 during his second term as prime minister.

In Sept 2023, during Dahal’s visit to China, the two sides held discussions on finalizing the BRI implementation plan. Nine months later, Dahal informed Parliament that the implementation plan is in its final stages and will be signed soon, although he did not specify the dates. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential debt burden on Nepal if loans are taken to finance infrastructure projects under the BRI.

PM Dahal reassured lawmakers that Nepal prefers grants over loans and, if loans are taken, they would be concessional to avoid a ‘debt trap’. He stated, “I have clearly told the Chinese side that Nepal cannot afford high-interest rates and prefers the same interest rates as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.” 

Nepali Congress lawmaker Ram Hari Khatiwada requested that grants be prioritized over soft loans, emphasizing that any loan interest rates should not exceed 1 to 1.5 percent. Transparency regarding the interest rates of BRI loans is often lacking, with rates reportedly at two percent or higher.

Lawmaker Shishir Khanal from the Rastriya Swatantra Party argued that there should be parliamentary deliberations about the BRI agreements with China. Due to the lack of debate in Parliament, negative perceptions of the BRI have arisen outside of it, Khanal said.  While the two countries are negotiating the implementation plan, the government has yet to publicize it.

Lawmakers also questioned the PM about issues relating to India. Despite the report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) being almost inactive, PM Dahal assured lawmakers that efforts are underway to submit the EPG report to both sides. He acknowledged that he did not bring up the issue during his visit to India last year to avoid straining bilateral relations. Lawmakers also inquired about the ongoing map dispute with India and the progress made in diplomatic negotiations. PM Dahal stated, “Efforts are underway to resolve this issue through bilateral mechanisms formed to address boundary disputes.”

The issue of Nepalis trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war was prominently raised, but PM Dahal did not provide a clear answer about the government’s efforts. Unofficial figures indicate that around three dozen Nepalis who joined the Russian army have died, and hundreds are trapped in the war zone. The PM mentioned that both sides are in constant talks to resolve the problem and that a committee has been formed to provide recommendations on managing the movement of people between Nepal and Russia.

Recently, the government has faced criticism for recalling ambassadors before completion of their terms and violation of its own recruitment standards for new ambassadors. PM Dahal admitted these shortcomings and pledged that future appointments would be merit-based and better managed.

PM Dahal also faced questions about efforts to convene the SAARC summit, stalled since 2014. He attributed the delay to souring relations between India and Pakistan but did not mention the impact of recent developments in Afghanistan. He stated, “I have clearly talked with Indian Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar about the need to organize the SAARC summit, but India has indicated there are complexities involved.” With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking office for a third consecutive term, fresh debates about the possibility of organizing the SAARC summit have emerged.

The PM also addressed questions related to Gorkha recruitment and the 1947 tripartite agreement among Nepal, India, and the UK. He emphasized the need to update the agreement in the changing context, based on national consensus. A section of Nepali politicians has long demanded the scrapping of the treaty.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear that initiatives are on for receiving the report of the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) through understanding of the two countries. He said that he made the initiation for an understanding in that connection during his recent visit to India.

Responding to the supplementary questions of lawmakers on the budget and programs allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the subordinate bodies under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, the PM reiterated that the Nepal-India relations and treaties would be moved forward on the basis of national understanding.

Stating that regular contact and coordination is being established with the Embassy of Nepal in Moscow and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kathmandu regarding the information on the Nepali citizens who have died and held captive due to the Russia-Ukraine war, he said a taskforce has been set up to give recommendations for making the movement of Nepalis in Russia systematic.

The PM added that talks are being held with Ukraine through diplomatic channels in connection with the Nepalis held captive there in the course of the conflict.

Making it clear that the appointment of ambassadors would be done on a merit basis, he vowed to render it more systematic in the coming days.

'Government has kept rescue of Nepalis in difficulty in foreign land in priority'

Similarly, PM Dahal stated that Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad have kept in high priority the task of facilitating the rescue of Nepali nationals in difficulty in foreign countries and in their repatriation home to Nepal if needed.

He said the Nepali ambassadors and mission chiefs have been provided orientation for making the foreign employment dignified, safe and systematic, adding that arrangements have been made so that services like repatriation of the bodies of those Nepalis killed abroad to Nepal and securing compensation would be available from the Nepal's foreign diplomatic missions 24 hours.

"Arrangements have been made for establishing easy contact through hotline service as well as website and social site, besides telephone service at some of the diplomatic missions. Shelter homes have been managed at some missions including in Saudi Arabia, among some countries. The missions have been running psycho-social counseling services targeting the Nepali migrant workers through direct and online means," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the Department of Passports has made the passport distribution and renewal services more effective and friendly to the service-seekers.

Likewise, PM Dahal said that the government is committed to mobilizing Nepal's overseas diplomatic missions and their chiefs to the best interest of the nation. He also made it clear that the government can, as per the Guidelines on Appointment of Ambassadors, recall the ambassadors before completion of their tenure if it deems necessary.

He further added that the policy of appointing at least 50 per cent ambassadors from the foreign services itself has been continued for keeping a balance between political appointments and the professionals in the ambassadorial appointments.

The Prime Minister expressed his belief that the ambassadorial appointment would be rendered more systematic, prestigious and transparent, and based on capacity and job performance, making the Guidelines as the main basis.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has clarified that the government is determined that all territories east of Kali (Mahakali) river including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu pass belong to Nepal.

Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on headings of Foreign Ministry under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dahal reminded that as per the Nepal-India Sugauli Treaty, 1816, these territories belong to Nepal and a political map incorporating these territories was published.

He further said that during the meeting with his Indian counterpart in the course of India visit, an understanding was reached to revise and update the existing treaties and agreements including the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship as well as to resolve border-related issues through diplomatic channels. 

A letter has been sent to the Indian side through diplomatic channels for the seventh meeting of the Border Working Group related to Nepal-India Border as per the commitment made in the seventh meeting of Nepal-India Joint Commission to complete the works in the remaining section of Nepal-India border, explained the PM. The seventh meeting of the commission was held on January 2.

Stating that border problems surfaced between Nepal-China are resolved through bilateral talks and consensus, he mentioned that a consensus was forged during the meeting between the two ministers of Nepal and China in course of Nepal visit of State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, to forward activities related to Nepal-China Joint Border Monitoring, through mutual consultation.

The Prime Minister stressed, "I want to make it clear that the Government of Nepal does not have any policy to give permission to Nepali citizens for recruitment in foreign army except some friendly nations according to past agreements."

Stating that the Gurkha recruitment in the British Army took place by the 1947's trilateral agreement, he said the government has realized the need to negotiate with the UK government based on a national consensus to make the treaty compatible with time.

He apprised the House that the government is in regular touch with the Nepali Embassy in Moscow and the Embassy of Russian Federation in Kathmandu to take updates on Nepali citizens killed in the Russia-Ukraine war and those held captive.

"On this matter, I also informed the House about the conversation between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Russian Federation's foreign affairs minister on the telephone."

A task force has been formed to give submissions for systematizing the travel of Nepali in Russia.  Similarly, diplomatic talks with the Ukraine government are underway regarding those Nepalis held in captives, he added.

He also utilized the rostrum that in the case of one Bipin Joshi from Nepal who disappeared following the attack of Hamas in Israel in October last year, the governments of Israel, mediator Qatar, and Egypt, a close neighbor of both parties, have been urged for the release of Joshi. Both official and unofficial meetings have been utilized to advocate and appeal for the safe release of Joshi, according to him.

Nepali missions abroad have been established on the criteria of proximity, the size of the Nepali populace in the respective country, the status of bilateral trade, tourism and economic relations, and political and economic, and strategic importance among others, he said before the House.

The Department of Passport continues to make efforts to make the service delivery system prompt and civic-friendly, the Prime Minister said, adding that it is required to make the passport service more accessible, systematic, and simpler.

"Considering the convenience of Nepali abroad, the passport and consular services are further enriched technically.  Arrangements are in place to operate a mobile service camp to collect passport applications and the distribution in those countries when Nepal has no embassies," he said.

The government is working to strengthen the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) as an institute for studying, researching, promoting, and publishing matters about foreign affairs, and diplomatic issues along with the management of training for staff from the diplomatic field.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that Nepal is a beautiful country from the nature perspective for practicing yoga for the people around the world.

Addressing a program marking the International Day of Yoga today, he expressed the belief that Nepal could be the main destination for researchers and academics throughout the world who are studying the knowledge and science related to yoga. 

Stating that yoga is not only to do with physical exercise, but it also is about a scientific lifestyle and living system to be adopted, remaining in certain rules, procedures and process, the Prime Minister said yoga helps make an individual physically, mentally and spiritually strong, and to lead a healthy life.

"Yoga is the best way to make the body healthy and agile, and the mind pure and peaceful. A person can build strong health and become free from mental tension through regular practice of yoga. This also enhances a person's work performance and immune power, a positive mindset, self-discipline and inner energy," he said. 

Noting that yoga has a significant role to play in the development of a tension-free calm mind and a healthy body, PM Dahal said the regular practice of yoga and meditation can make important contributions to the prevention and cure of non-communicable diseases and in rehabilitation of health.

"Nepal is a country having immense possibilities for yoga tourism. Therefore, we should emphasize the globalization of yoga. I heartily appeal to the yoga activists and the yoga gurus to take planned initiatives towards this direction," he added.

Reiterating that yoga is the general lifestyle and an invaluable asset of Nepal, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence the proposed Yogmaya Ayurveda University would establish itself as a world-class university in future.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said his recent visit to India has significantly contributed to promoting bilateral goodwill and relations.

In his address to the House of Representatives (HoR) session today, the head of the government shared that his official India visit (June 9-10) contributed to further consolidating friendly relations and cooperative, multidimensional, and close relations between the two close nations based on equality and benefits. 

He informed the House that during the visit, he attended the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who assumed office for the third consecutive term on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party.  The ceremony was attended by the head of the state and the head of the government from various nations. 

 The Prime Minister briefed the House that the two held a bilateral meeting following the oath-taking ceremony and exchanged views regarding the stringing of Nepal-India ties, implementation of bilateral agreements and understandings, and regularizing meetings of all bilateral- mechanisms, implementation of the Pancheshwor Multi-Purpose Project, and cooperation in the Arun Hydro Power and the agricultural sectors.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal congratulated his Indian counterpart on assuming office for the third term.

On June 10, the Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.  The two exchanged views on potential ways for taking the centuries-old and close relations between the two countries to a new height, according to the Prime Minister. He also met with newly appointed Minister Dr S Jaishankar during the visit.

Moreover, during his meetings with the President and representatives of the Federation of Indian  Chambers of Commerce and Industry, matters relating to the expansion of Nepal-India trade and the growth of Indian investment in Nepal's sectors of priorities were discussed, the Prime Minister told the House.

In New Delhi, the Prime Minister attended a reception hosted by the Nepali Embassy there and held meetings and interactions with various political leaders, friends of Nepal, and representatives of Nepali organizations. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has clarified that the action against the guilty of Tikapur massacre would be taken as per the law.

Responding to queries of lawmakers in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that there was an irreparable loss of lives and property in the Tikapur massacre.

He explained that the issue of granting amnesty to the guilty of the incident would be according to law.

 Stating that the government was serious on the issue of establishing the identity of economically and socially backward communities including Tharu as well as guaranteeing the rights of the communities through economic and social empowerment, the PM stressed that the government has been launching different programs through periodic plans, annual policies, programs and budget.

Prime Minister Dahal underlined that consistency has been maintained in the budget by holding intensive discussion with all bodies concerned on the issue of policies and programs.

He further said that the government has set a target of transformation in the education sector across the country, clarifying that educational quality in Madhes Province should be improved.

Some of the special programs-- scholarship and day-meal are in implementation to establish access of neglected and oppressed communities to education and the budget of the coming fiscal year has also incorporated additional programmes, mentioned PM Dahal.

The Prime Minister shared that there was no problem in the payment to be provided to construction entrepreneurs. Activities are underway regarding long-term operation of Pokhara International Airport by holding discussion and coordination, he underlined that coordination was on to provide different types of discount and concession to operate service from Pokhara airport as international air service providers of other countries have demanded this.

A working committee has been formed to submit suggestions regarding operation and construction of three international airports including Pokhara in a long-term manner at public private partnership, he added.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has briefed today's meeting of the House of Representatives about his India visit.

PM Dahal informed the HoR about his India visit while responding to queries raised by lawmakers. 

Prime Minister Dahal had embarked on an India visit on June 9 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He reminded that the two-day visit was not based on any predetermined agenda, but a different one.

The Prime Minister responded to queries raised by lawmakers during emergency, zero and special hours of the HoR meeting.

Today's HoR meeting has an agenda where eight different ministers would respond to the queries raised during the discussion on Appropriation Bill, 2081.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized on coordination and cooperation between sides concerned to solve the problems and challenges in the field of medical education.

Addressing a meeting of the Medical Education Commission today, Prime Minister Dahal said cooperation between the three levels of government, educational institutions providing medical education and all stakeholders in the health sector is necessary to improve the quality of health services and medical education.

"The Commission needs to play an effective role in the quality improvement, development, expansion and regulation of the health sector. All other stakeholders should cooperate and collaborate for it ", he said.

He also lauded the works done by the commission, describing it as a positive and integral part of improving medical education and service delivery in the country.