KATHMANDU: Last week in Nepal was marked by significant political upheaval and natural disasters.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda faced a major setback as he failed to secure a confidence vote following the withdrawal of support from the CPN-UML, which has now allied with the Nepali Congress.
This political turmoil coincided with devastating landslides that resulted in multiple casualties across various regions, underscoring the challenges the government faces on both political and humanitarian fronts.
PM Dahal fails to secure confidence vote
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda failed to secure a vote of confidence after the CPN-UML withdrew its support from his government, aligning with the Nepali Congress to establish a new coalition.
On Friday last week, PM Dahal sought the confidence vote in Parliament, where out of 258 lawmakers present, only 63 from the Maoist Center, Unified Socialist, and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) backed him, while 194 voted against.
One lawmaker chose to remain neutral. Dahal required 138 votes to win, making this his fifth attempt during his term.
Following this defeat, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has bene appointed as the Prime Minister with the support of the Nepali Congress.
Prachanda critiques NC-UML alliance
In a strong address before the confidence vote, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda criticized the coalition formed between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.
He argued that these two major parties are united not by shared ideals, but by a mutual fear of good governance. Dahal stated, “If the largest parties were united by faith and ideals, it wouldn’t concern me. Instead, you are bound by fear—fear of good governance.”
He expressed concern about potential regression and autocracy arising from their alliance.
Landslide sweeps away two buses in Chitwan
In a devastating event in Chitwan’s Simaltal, two passenger buses carrying over 60 individuals were swept away by a landslide.
Reports indicate that the buses were carried towards the Trishuli River, trapping over 60 passengers inside. Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav confirmed that the landslide occurred around 3:30 AM, impacting vehicles on the Kathmandu-Birgunj and Kathmandu-Gour routes. Emergency teams are on-site, dealing with blocked roads on both sides.
Bus driver killed by falling rock on Narayangadh-Muglin road
A tragic incident occurred on the Narayangadh-Muglin road where bus driver Meghnath BK, 36, from Nawalparasi, was killed after a rock fell during a landslide.
He was driving bus number Lu 2 B 6566 from Butwal to Kathmandu when the landslide struck around 3 AM. Despite being rushed to Chitwan Medical College, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Landslide claims 11 lives in Kaski
In Kaski, eleven people lost their lives due to a landslide, including seven members of the same family.
The house of Kul Bahadur Pariyar in Purunchaur Thanti, Pokhara Metropolitan City-19, was completely swept away, resulting in immediate fatalities.
Two family members were rescued and are currently receiving treatment. Additionally, three other individuals died in separate landslide incidents in the region.
RSP relieves Mukul Dhakal of General Secretary and Spokesperson roles
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) removed Dr. Mukul Dhakal from his positions as General Secretary and Spokesperson following a central committee meeting.
Although the disciplinary committee recommended complete removal from membership, the Central Committee opted to maintain his general membership.
Dhakal has 35 days to appeal this decision after being suspended for actions against party discipline.
Janamat Party suspends 7 members
The Janamat Party announced the suspension of Secretary Bishweshwar Prasad Sah and six other members.
The Central Discipline Department confirmed the suspensions after a recent committee meeting.
The suspended members include municipal secretaries and other party affiliates.
Govt reverses decision on National ID for Social Security benefits
In a policy reversal, the government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda decided to postpone the requirement of a national identity card for accessing social security benefits.
During a Cabinet meeting, it was revealed that due to heavy rains, floods, and landslides, it has become challenging for citizens to obtain the national ID.
The Home Ministry has been instructed to halt the implementation, which was initially set to begin in August.
Nepal’s gold market hits all-time high
Nepal’s gold and silver market on Friday (last week) reached historic highs, with fine gold priced at Rs. 1,46,700 per tola, reflecting significant volatility and rising demand.
This surge, influenced by global economic conditions—where international gold is priced at $2,407.00 per ounce—highlights the interconnectedness of local and global markets.
Factors such as local demand dynamics, inflation, and currency strength contribute to these price increases, impacting investor behavior and consumer purchasing decisions, while also serving as an economic indicator of overall market health.
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