KATHMANDU: Last week witnessed significant political turbulence as CPN-UML ministers resigned from their positions and withdrew support from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s government.
This move, triggered by a demand from the UML Secretariat for Dahal’s resignation, marked a pivotal moment in Nepal’s political scene.
Eight UML ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, formally tendered their resignations, signaling a shift that could potentially lead to a new government formation. Meanwhile, amidst these developments, the Supreme Court faced a deadlock in deciding on a case involving Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, necessitating the formation of a full bench to deliver a conclusive verdict.
The country saw significant political upheaval as CPN-UML ministers, dissatisfied with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s leadership, submitted their resignations.
This move followed a demand from the UML Secretariat for Dahal’s resignation, which was not met. Eight UML ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, formally resigned on Wednesday last week and simultaneously withdrew their support for the government.
The suspension followed tensions within the party, notably during the meeting where concerns were raised about the live broadcast of proceedings.
Mahesh Bartaula, UML Chief Whip, confirmed the withdrawal of support, marking a critical shift in Nepal’s political landscape. The Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, in alliance, aimed to reshape the power structure by establishing a new government.
A deadline for Dahal’s resignation was set by CPN-UML, prompting the ministers’ resignation when Dahal did not comply.
The CPN-UML further solidified its stance by informing the parliament secretariat of its decision to withdraw from the government, effectively assuming the role of the opposition.
This move was part of a broader strategy to oust the Dahal-led government and replace it with a new administration.
PM Dahal, in response, is expected to seek a vote of confidence from parliament.
According to an agreement between CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress, KP Sharma Oli, the Chairman of CPN-UML, would likely become the new Prime Minister if Dahal steps down.
Meanwhile, in another development last week, during a press conference in Kathmandu, AIG Shyamlal Gyawali, Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), stated that there is no evidence linking former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and CPN-Maoist Center student union General Secretary Deepesh Pun to the 60 kg gold smuggling case.
Gyawali clarified that while the investigation into gold smuggling uncovered various illegal activities involving electronic appliances and other items, Mahara and Pun were not implicated in the specific instance involving 60 kg of gold. The CIB’s findings were shared as part of the second phase of their investigation into the gold smuggling case.
Last week, Ram Bahadur Bamjan, known as an ascetic or “Little Buddha”, was sentenced by the District Court of Sarlahi to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay Rs. 500,000 in compensation for committing sexual offenses against a minor girl.
The verdict was issued by Judge Jeevan Kumar Bhandari’s bench, following Bamjan being found guilty of these offenses against the girl while she was staying at an ashram in Lalbandi, Sarlahi.
The incident had been reported by the girl’s family to the District Police Office in Malangwa in February 2020. Bamjan was subsequently arrested in Kathmandu and has been in custody at Mahottari Jail in Jaleshwar since January 2024.
Last week, KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of CPN-UML, met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at Baluwatar to convey an agreement between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to form a new government.
During the meeting, Oli urged PM Dahal to resign in order to facilitate the formation of this new administration.
According to the agreement, CPN-UML will lead the government for the first one and a half years, with KP Sharma Oli slated to serve as Prime Minister during this initial phase.
CPN-UML will oversee nine ministries, including the Finance Ministry, while the Nepali Congress will manage ten ministries, including the Home Ministry.
This arrangement underscores a planned transition of power from CPN-UML to the Nepali Congress after the initial period.
The meeting and subsequent agreement highlight significant political developments aimed at restructuring the government leadership in Nepal.
Additionally, Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a crucial meeting with leaders from various opposition parties.
During the meeting, which took place on Tuesday, Deuba briefed the attendees about an agreement he had reached with CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli the previous night.
Among those present were NC Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, and leader Krishna Sitaula.
The meeting also included leaders from other opposition parties such as Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden, Chief Whip Gyaneendra Shahi, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur, and senior leader Sarbendra Nath Shukla.
Last week, the Supreme Court of Nepal encountered a deadlock in delivering a verdict on the case concerning Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. The bench, composed of judges Sapana Pradan Malla and Saranga Subedi, could not arrive at a consensus following the hearing.
Last week, Dr. Mukul Dhakal, General Secretary and Spokesperson of RSP, was suspended during a central committee meeting held late on Wednesday.
The decision to suspend Dhakal for seven days was attributed to breaches of party discipline and rules.
In response, Kabindra Burlakoti was appointed as the acting General Secretary, while Manish Jha assumed the role of spokesperson.
The suspension followed tensions within the party, notably during the meeting where concerns were raised about the live broadcast of proceedings.
Dhakal protested symbolically by wearing black tape over his mouth, which underscored internal disagreements.
He had previously criticized party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, alleging bias in handling party matters, including issues related to a cooperative case.
During the Central Committee meeting, Dhakal’s silent protest and the discussion over his submitted review report on the party’s activities across 38 districts highlighted the ongoing internal discord.
The meeting also addressed broader political developments impacting the RSP.
This series of events underscores the internal strife and leadership challenges within the Rastriya Swatantra Party, reflecting broader dynamics in Nepal’s political landscape.
Last week, the Supreme Court of Nepal encountered a deadlock in delivering a verdict on the case concerning Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. The bench, composed of judges Sapana Pradan Malla and Saranga Subedi, could not arrive at a consensus following the hearing.
As a result, spokesperson Bedh Prasad Upreti announced that the Supreme Court will convene a full bench comprising at least three judges to issue the final verdict.
The case, brought forward by advocate Anupama Bhattarai, involves a writ seeking the suspension of Minister Lamichhane.
Allegations against him pertain to his inclusion in a charge sheet concerning loans he purportedly acquired.
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