PM Oli refutes allegations of party manipulation, defends ordinance decisions

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that while there may be a need to amend laws related to political parties, he has no intention of splitting or merging any political group.

Addressing the newly elected office bearers of the Federation of Nepali Journalists at his residence in Baluwatar on Monday, Oli criticized the spread of what he termed ‘lies and negativity’ regarding the government’s ordinance on party splits.

Oli clarified that the issue of party mergers or divisions is an internal matter for the concerned political parties.

Reflecting on his previous term as Prime Minister, he recalled the challenges posed by a constitutional provision requiring 40 percent support in both the parliamentary party and the central committee for a party split.

To address this, his government had introduced an ordinance allowing 40 percent support in either the parliamentary party or the central committee. However, he noted that the ordinance was later withdrawn following public protests.

He pointed out the irony that those who protested against the ordinance later facilitated a party split with an even more lenient provision, requiring only 20 percent support from MPs.

Oli emphasized that his actions were not intended to harm political parties and reiterated his commitment to transparency in governance.

The Prime Minister also defended his government’s practice of working round the clock to prioritize the country’s development and public service.

He criticized allegations that certain ordinances were issued secretly at night, arguing that working late should not be equated with corruption or deceit.

“We are dedicated to serving the country and the people. Our work is neither secretive nor deceptive but aimed at the nation’s progress,” Oli said.

He also urged journalists to practice responsible reporting, rejecting claims that Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba had opposed the ordinance.

Oli concluded by asserting that his government’s legislative efforts were rooted in the broader goals of national development and public welfare.