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News18
23-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Nepal: PM Olis party rejects former presidents bid to re-join party politics
Kathmandu, Jul 23 (PTI) Nepal's ruling CPN-UML has blocked former president Bidya Devi Bhandari's bid to re-enter active politics, saying it would be inappropriate for a former head of state to engage in a partisan role. During a meeting of the CPN-UML's Central Committee, the party also endorsed the proposed statute amendment – passed by the party's Secretariat and Politburo – to remove the age limit of 70 years and the two-term cap for leadership. With this amendment, 74-year-old Prime Minister and CPN-UML chairman K P Sharma Oli, who is serving his second term as party chairman, can continue to serve the party in his position. Bhandari's decision to re-join party politics was anticipated as a challenge to Oli, who has been elected as the party's chairman twice. He is planning to contest for the post of the party's chairperson for the third time. Briefing the media, party's General Secretary Shanker Pokharel said on Wednesday that Bhandari's general membership of the party has become ineffective as the central committee made the decision towards that direction. Bhandari, who retired as president on March 12, 2023, recently said that she was willing to re-enter party politics. PTI SBP ZH ZH (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
A year of rhetoric, broken promises, and weak governance for Nepal's Oli
Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has completed a year in office with the two largest parties — the Nepali Congress and his own CPN-UML — continuing the coalition that they forged with several promises, including amendments to the constitution, good governance, and a boost to development. While promises have remained largely unfulfilled, public dissatisfaction has grown. Analysts describe Mr. Oli's one year in office as unsuccessful across key sectors — governance, legislation, development, and foreign relations. 'It's a disaster on all fronts,' says Hari Sharma, a political commentator. 'If we were to talk about achievements, there is nothing visible… nothing that the people could really feel.' When Mr. Oli signed a seven-point deal with Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on July 1 last year — which set the stage for Mr. Oli's fourth stint in power starting two weeks later on July 15 — the message the duo tried to convey was that a strong and stable government was what Nepal needed to usher in stability and ensure good governance. With Congress, the single largest party with 88 seats, backing Mr. Oli — whose Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) holds 79 seats — they controlled a comfortable majority in Parliament. But even on the legislative front, the government's weakness was starkly exposed, triggering public outcry. Amending the constitution was a core agenda of the two parties. They peddled the idea that the electoral system envisioned by the constitution, promulgated 10 years ago, made it nearly impossible for any single party to secure a majority, inevitably leading to hung parliaments and a cycle of unstable coalition governments. They proclaimed that Nepal's development was stymied by the lack of a stable and strong government. But the constitutional amendment was a ruse from the outset, a smokescreen to justify their return to power, say commentators. Whether the said amendments were even possible is a secondary question; the primary question is whether they ever truly intended to, says Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, research director at the Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy, a Kathmandu-based think tank. 'As a matter of fact, constitutional amendments were never on the Oli government's agenda. This idea was tossed around to justify the coalition of the two largest parties, which is an unusual practice in parliamentary democracy,' says Mr. Khanal. 'What has actually been established over the past year is a politics of collusion, enabling the subversion of the rule of law in the interest of the ruling parties.' Just as Mr. Oli neared the first anniversary of his government, reports surfaced that one of his Cabinet Ministers was involved in corruption. For several weeks, lawmakers have been raising issues of bad governance and irregularities. Corruption concerns Mr. Oli, a loquacious leader by nature, is never tired of asserting that he won't tolerate corruption, but chooses to maintain silence on the issues of irregularities, including those involving Ministers from his own party. 'Forget achievements and progress; under Oli, corruption has been socialised. And this is even more dangerous,' says Tula Shah, a political analyst. 'The normalisation of corruption epitomises governance failure.' A couple of months ago, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak's name appeared in connection with a scheme under which millions were allegedly being collected from unsuspecting Nepalis going abroad on visit visas. After a hue and cry in the media and Parliament, the government formed a committee to investigate the matter. By the Oli government's own admission, the 'visit visa scam' had been going on for many years under various governments. Analysts say pointing to previous governments is a deflection tactic by the Oli government, when it should have taken stern measures and asked the Home Minister to resign. 'No government, or its leader for that matter, can avoid responsibility by claiming it has not committed corruption; checking corruption is the primary duty of any government,' says Mr. Shah. 'Implementing strong measures to curb corruption is one of the ways to earn public trust, and the government has failed in this.' Foreign relations fiasco Nepal's foreign policy is mainly shaped by its relations with two countries — India and China, its two neighbours. Ever since Mr. Oli became Prime Minister for the first time in 2018 — after the promulgation of the constitution in 2015 — he has made a habit of taking India head-on. He used Delhi's lukewarm response to the constitution and the subsequent border blockade to whip up ultra-nationalist fervor among his political base. His relations with New Delhi have not been the best. Yet, ever since assuming office last year, Mr. Oli has been keenly waiting for a visit to India. In November, he went to China, in a departure from the general tradition of visiting India first. During the Beijing visit, he secured a deal under the Belt and Road Initiative to carry forward a dozen projects in Nepal with Chinese funding. However, analysts say that does not signify an improved relationship. 'We have not seen any progress under that deal as well,' says Mr. Sharma. According to him, Mr. Oli, who never misses a chance to take a jibe at India, has spent the entire year waiting for an invite from Delhi. 'There is clearly a lack of trust from both neighbours,' he said. 'So, on the foreign policy front as well, Oli has not been successful.' Public dissatisfaction From the very outset, the government has earned notoriety for being intolerant of criticism and for its vindictive attitude. Those criticising the government or people in power on social media have been prosecuted through misuse of laws. In March, pro-monarchy protests attracted many people — though not all were calling for the monarchy's return. Many had joined simply to express dissatisfaction with misgovernance. The way the Oli government handled the protests — two people were killed and several others injured — led to more discontent among the general public. In recent months, even some members of the ruling parties have voiced criticism of the Oli government over its failures in basic areas like service delivery. Improved public service delivery is one way to measure how the government is functioning, but on this front too, the current administration has failed miserably, say analysts. 'The dilapidated condition of a major highway is a clear example of the central government's failure,' says Mr. Sharma. 'Over the past year, the road has remained unchanged, which means the government has done nothing.' A Bill related to civil service was mired in controversy after it was discovered that some interest groups from outside Parliament had influenced the insertion of a provision without lawmakers' knowledge. After the incident was widely reported, a committee to look into the matter was formed. But the episode exposed the weakness of the legislature, where the two big parties control enough seats to pass Bills. A few months ago, the government introduced a flurry of ordinances to change laws it claimed were hindering economic activities. That too raised questions about the 'strength' of the government Mr. Oli claims to lead. Ignoring such incidents that have eroded public faith in the government, Prime Minister Oli's outrageous daily claims of development and governance come as an affront to the people, commentators say. 'All in all, it's a rhetoric-filled one year for Mr. Oli,' says Mr. Sharma. 'More in talk, nothing in substance.' (Sanjeev Satgainya is an independent journalist based in Kathmandu)
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Lord Sri Ram was not Indian, reiterates Nepal PM Oli
Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has once again reiterated his claim that Lord Ram was born in Nepal. Addressing a party event in Kathmandu on Monday, the Nepal PM claimed Lord Ram's birthplace lies within Nepal's territory and encouraged people not to shy away from spreading the message. Speaking at a programme organised by his party, CPN-UML's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Oli said his claims are based on the original "Ramayana" written by sage Balmiki (Valmiki). "We talk about tourism. But how can someone just make a story about Ram being born somewhere else, specifying the place? Ram was born in Nepal. It is in Nepalese territory; that place now lies in Nepal. I won't say it was Nepal even then. Where was it, where wasn't it? Was it a Tharu village? But now that territory is in Nepal. Ram is God; it is up to you to believe it or not. Those who believe Ram is God, Ram's birthplace is sacred. We are not able to preach it much. We don't preach more about it. We don't dare to do so. It feels awkward. I think it's annoying," the Prime Minister said. The Nepali Prime Minister also claimed that other figures from Hindu mythology are also from Nepal. "Shiva is from here, Vishwamitra is from here. I am not saying this; it's written in Ramayana, in Balmiki's Ramayana. Vishwamitra says that Ram crossed the Koshi River and went west, and taught Lakshmana." Oli added. He suggested that the places mentioned in the epic now lie in Nepal's Sunsari district, stating, "I didn't write that. It is clear that Vishwamitra is from Chatara." This is not the first time Oli has made such statements. In July 2020, he claimed that the ancient Ayodhya lies in Thori, Chitwan, Nepal, and ordered the construction of a Ram temple there. At the time, he had argued that Ram Janmabhoomi rightfully belongs to Nepal and cannot be reassigned by "creating a story." "Balmiki Ashram is in Nepal, and the holy place where King Dasharath had executed the rites to get his son is in Ridi. Dasharath's son Ram was not an Indian, and Ayodhya is also in Nepal," Oli had said. In defending his position, he had questioned how Ram could have travelled from present-day Ayodhya in India to Janakpur to marry Sita without any communication infrastructure. "Janakpur lies here and Ayodhya there, and there is talk of marriage. There was no telephone or mobile -- how could the place be known? It was impossible at that time. It could have been nearer, so he came -- but that history is beyond discussion," Oli had said. Oli also stated that there are differences over claims of Ayodhya that exist in India, which at that time had drawn flak within the party. Members of the ruling Nepal Communist Party had criticised Oli for making remarks that have a direct link with the religious sentiments and thoughts of people. Nepal's Foreign Ministry also had to issue a release clarifying the issue, which has been brought to the limelight repeatedly by Oli. Weeks before the September 2020 claim, Nepali Prime Minister Oli had also sent idols of Ram and Sita to be installed in the temple planned in Thori, Nepal.
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
There is no fear in preaching that Ram is born in Nepal: Prime Minister Oli
Kathmandu [Nepal], July 8 (ANI): Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has once again reiterated his claim that Lord Ram was born in Nepal. Addressing a party event in Kathmandu on Monday, the Nepal PM claimed Lord Ram's birthplace lies within Nepal's territory and encouraged people not to shy away from spreading the message. Speaking at a programme organised by his party, CPN-UML's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Oli said his claims are based on the original 'Ramayana' written by sage Balmiki (Valmiki). 'We talk about tourism. But how can someone just make a story about Ram being born somewhere else, specifying the place? Ram was born in Nepal. It is in Nepalese territory; that place now lies in Nepal. I won't say it was Nepal even then. Where was it, where wasn't it? Was it a Tharu village? But now that territory is in Nepal. Ram is God; it is up to you to believe it or not. Those who believe Ram is God, Ram's birthplace is sacred. We are not able to preach it much. We don't preach more about it. We don't dare to do so. It feels awkward. I think it's annoying,' the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister also claimed that other figures from Hindu mythology are also from Nepal. 'Shiva is from here, Vishwamitra is from here. I am not saying this; it's written in Ramayana, in Balmiki's Ramayana. Vishwamitra says that Ram crossed the Koshi River and went west, and taught Lakshmana.' Oli added. He suggested that the places mentioned in the epic now lie in Nepal's Sunsari district, stating, 'I didn't write that. It is clear that Vishwamitra is from Chatara.' This is not the first time Oli has made such statements. In July 2020, he claimed that the ancient Ayodhya lies in Thori, Chitwan, Nepal, and ordered the construction of a Ram temple there. At the time, he had argued that Ram Janmabhoomi rightfully belongs to Nepal and cannot be reassigned by 'creating a story.' 'Balmiki Ashram is in Nepal, and the holy place where King Dasharath had executed the rites to get his son is in Ridi. Dasharath's son Ram was not an Indian, and Ayodhya is also in Nepal,' Oli had said. In defending his position, he had questioned how Ram could have travelled from present-day Ayodhya in India to Janakpur to marry Sita without any communication infrastructure. 'Janakpur lies here and Ayodhya there, and there is talk of marriage. There was no telephone or mobile -- how could the place be known? It was impossible at that time. It could have been nearer, so he came -- but that history is beyond discussion,' Oli had said. Oli also stated that there are differences over claims of Ayodhya that exist in India, which at that time had drawn flak within the party. Members of the ruling Nepal Communist Party had criticised Oli for making remarks that have a direct link with the religious sentiments and thoughts of people. Nepal's Foreign Ministry also had to issue a release clarifying the issue, which has been brought to the limelight repeatedly by Oli. Weeks before the September 2020 claim, Nepali Prime Minister Oli had also sent idols of Ram and Sita to be installed in the temple planned in Thori, Nepal. (ANI)
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Ram was not Indian': PM KP Sharma Oli says Shiva, Vishwamitra and Valmiki were also Nepali
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has once again reignited the debate over Lord Ram's birthplace, asserting that Ram, along with deities like Shiva and sage Vishwamitra, originated from Nepal. Speaking at a party event organised by the CPN-UML's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in Kathmandu, Oli reiterated that Lord Ram was born on what is now Nepalese soil. Oli cited the original Ramayana by sage Valmiki to support his claim, saying, 'We talk about promoting tourism, but how can someone just invent a story saying Ram was born elsewhere? Ram was born in what is today Nepalese territory. Whether it was called Nepal back then or not is a different matter — that region now lies within Nepal.' He added that although Ram is considered divine by many, Nepal has not actively promoted this belief. 'We hesitate to speak about it. We don't preach it enough — maybe it feels awkward to some. But the birthplace is sacred to those who revere Ram,' he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo Expanding on his claim, Oli asserted that other prominent figures from Hindu mythology, including Shiva and Vishwamitra, also hailed from Nepal. 'It's not something I made up. Valmiki's Ramayana mentions that Vishwamitra is from Chatara, and he taught Lakshmana after Ram crossed the Koshi River and headed west,' he explained, referencing locations in Sunsari district. This is not the first time Oli has made such assertions. In July 2020, he had controversially claimed that the real Ayodhya is in Thori, Chitwan district of Nepal, and ordered the construction of a Ram temple there. At the time, he argued that the Ram Janmabhoomi rightfully belongs to Nepal and that historical narratives placing it elsewhere are fabricated. Live Events He had also claimed that Balmiki Ashram, where sage Valmiki lived, is in Nepal, and that the place where King Dasharath performed a ritual to beget Ram is in Ridi. 'Ram was not Indian, and Ayodhya is in Nepal,' Oli had declared. To support his argument, Oli had questioned the plausibility of Ram traveling from present-day Ayodhya in India to Janakpur in Nepal without any means of communication or transport. 'There were no phones or messaging systems. How would he have known about Janakpur? The geography suggests proximity,' he said. Oli's comments have sparked controversy in the past, drawing criticism from members of his own party, the ruling Nepal Communist Party, for invoking religious beliefs for political narratives. Following the backlash, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was compelled to issue clarifications on the matter. (With ANI inputs)
