KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Bidya Devi Bhandari undeterred by UML ban
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has made it clear she will not back down from her decision to return to politics, despite the CPN-UML’s recent move to block her reentry into the party. According to sources close to Bhandari, she anticipated UML Chair KP Sharma Oli’s attempt to sideline her and remains resolute in her decision. “She had already made up her mind to rejoin active politics after leaving Sheetal Niwas in March 2023,” a leader familiar with Bhandari’s plans told this publication. “Tuesday’s decision hasn’t come as a surprise and it won’t change her course.”
PM Oli: Pushpa Lal never compromised principles for personal gain
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Pushpal Lal Shrestha, the founding General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal, was a leader of correct ideology, dynamic organization, and unwavering commitment. He emphasized that those aspiring to transform society should follow Pushpalal’s ideals. Speaking at the 47th Pushpa Lal Memorial Day organized by the CPN-UML at its central office in Chyasal on Wednesday, Prime Minister and UML Chair Oli stated that Pushpa Lal never abandoned his principles nor sought personal benefit by aligning with opposing forces. “Pushpa Lal always remained steadfast in his ideals. He may have had some limitations, but he was at the forefront in both thought and action,” Oli said. “He was a true revolutionary, above caste and religion. He never used ‘Shrestha’ as a surname. He was the kind of leader who could lead the communist movement in Nepal with vigor, and he possessed the right ideology and devoted leadership. UML leaders and cadres, who carry his legacy, must not forget these qualities.”
UML General Secretary: Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership automatically inactive, move aimed at strengthening democracy
The CPN-UML has stated that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership has automatically become inactive. At a press conference organized on Wednesday by the party’s Department of Publicity and Publication to brief the media on the recent Central Committee meeting decisions, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel said that it would not be appropriate for former President Bhandari to return to active party politics. He said that as a result, her membership was not renewed and had become inactive by default. UML holds that both while serving in office and after retirement, a former head of state in such a prestigious position should not return to party politics—something not envisioned by the Constitution of Nepal.
Tensions rise in UML Central Committee meeting as Oli faces Stalin comparison over decision to bar Bhandari
The ruling CPN-UML has decided that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who previously served as head of state and Supreme Commander of the Nepali Army, should not return to active party politics. According to Rajendra Gautam, head of the UML’s publicity department, the Central Committee meeting concluded late Tuesday night with the decision that someone who has held the symbolic and constitutional role of the head of state should not assume a partisan political position. “A former president is a symbol of national unity and guardian of the country,” Gautam said. “Such a figure becoming a party leader or cadre goes against established constitutional norms and values.”
Deputy PM Singh calls for halt to Chure exploitation to save region
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh said Chure conservation cannot be achieved unless exploitation of the Chure region is halted. Speaking at a press meeting held at the Nepali Congress Dhanusha District Committee office today, Singh highlighted that the major cause of water problems in the Terai-Madhesh region is the rampant exploitation of the Chure hills. He called for unity in protecting the Chure region. Singh assured that the government is serious about addressing the water issues in Madhesh and expressed commitment that the upcoming cabinet meeting will take concrete decisions on the matter.
Doctors warn of stronger protest after govt fails to implement agreement
The Nepal Medical Association (NMA) has accused the government of failing to implement a tripartite agreement reached with the involvement of three cabinet ministers, warning it could be forced to resume protests if the commitments are not honored. In a press statement issued Wednesday by NMA General Secretary Dr. Sanjiv Tiwari, the association expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction, stating that a three-point agreement signed on July 8 under the directive of the Prime Minister has yet to be implemented. The agreement had promised to form a task force within seven days to provide legal and policy-level recommendations, but the NMA says no tangible progress has been made so far. “The task force remains completely inactive,” the statement reads, adding that even past assurances made by senior government officials have not been honored.
Top Bahadur Rayamajhi hearing set for August 3 as witness testimonies conclude
A special court hearing in the high-profile fake Bhutanese refugee scam case involving suspended CPN-UML Secretary and former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi has been scheduled for August 3 after key witness testimonies concluded. According to Kathmandu District Court Information Officer Dipak Kumar Shrestha, the depositions of complainants, witnesses, and document verifiers in the case have been completed, prompting the court to set the next hearing date. Rayamajhi, who is also a suspended Member of Parliament elected from Arghakhanchi, has been in pre-trial detention for over two years.
PM Oli assures Parliament of government’s commitment to concluding transitional justice process
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is committed and sensitive toward concluding the transitional justice process in a way that ensures justice for victims. Responding to lawmakers’ questions during Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Oli stated that completing the remaining tasks related to transitional justice and bringing the peace process to a conclusion remains a high priority for the government.He emphasized that, as mandated by the constitution, the government is firm in its commitment to honoring the contributions and sacrifices of martyrs, the disappeared, and conflict victims, and is working to conclude the peace process as swiftly as possible.
Bishnu Paudel declares defeat of forces trying to split UML
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has stated that those seeking to divide the UML party have been thoroughly defeated. Addressing an interaction program organized by the UML in Butwal on the occasion of Pushpalal Memorial Day, Paudel said the party’s unanimous decision by the central committee to bar former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from active politics has shattered the hopes of divisive forces. “Those who played a role in trying to split the UML party were again attempting to create division, but after the party’s unanimous decision, their dreams have turned to dust,” said Paudel. “The elements trying to create instability and division within the party have failed.”
PM Oli reaffirms zero tolerance for corruption
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday reiterated his government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and stressed plans to boost domestic employment opportunities to curb labor migration. Speaking during the question-answer session in the House of Representatives, Oli said his administration stands firm on the principle of “not committing corruption, and not allowing it.” However, he clarified that actions would only be taken based on concrete evidence. “No serious corruption case will be tolerated if backed by facts,” he said, “but we cannot take action solely on the basis of allegations.”
Prachanda responds to Janardan Sharma: I’ve let you play your game, go on as long as you want
Chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has defended his continued leadership of the party, responding to growing internal criticism over his 36-year tenure. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Wednesday to mark the 47th memorial of Pushpalal Shrestha, founder general secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal, Prachanda addressed those questioning his prolonged leadership. He said he has been willing to hand over leadership, but claimed that no leader with the required ability has emerged so far to shoulder the party’s responsibilities.
UML Central Committee endorses statute amendment proposal
The ninth meeting of the CPN-UML Central Committee has unanimously endorsed a proposal to amend the party’s statute, along with a broader eight-point political resolution addressing key national and organizational issues. The meeting was held on July 21 and 22 at the party’s central office in Chyasal under the chairmanship of UML Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The meeting featured extensive discussions on current political developments, the effectiveness of the government, the upcoming statute convention, and internal party matters. According to UML’s publicity department chief, Rajendra Gautam, a total of 264 Central Committee members took part in the deliberations.
Karna Thapa calls for new resolve after UML bars Bhandari from party politics
Following the UML central committee’s decision to block former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from re-entering active politics, senior party leader and Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa has called for a new internal resolve to uphold party values and end what he described as a culture of “hatred, humiliation, and exclusion.” Thapa, who has been a vocal supporter of Bhandari’s political re-engagement, took to Facebook on Wednesday to express discontent over the current state of internal party dynamics and called on party members to reaffirm their commitment to the core principles of Janatako Bahudaliya Janabad (People’s Multiparty Democracy), the UML’s guiding ideology. “Let us resolve to end the politics of hatred, humiliation, and prohibition, and uphold the values and spirit of People’s Multiparty Democracy,” Thapa wrote. “Let us fight anew for self-respect and freedom. I sincerely appeal to all conscious UML members.”
PM Oli’s HoR speech postponed, Q&A to go ahead
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s planned address to the Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives on Wednesday has been postponed. According to Mahesh Kumar Bartoula, Chief Whip of the Nepal Communist Party (UML) Parliamentary Party, the special address scheduled for today’s House meeting has been rescheduled to another day. However, the question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister, which was also on the agenda, will proceed as planned.
Govt forms two committees to address drinking water crisis in Tarai-Madhesh
In response to the ongoing drinking water crisis in the Tarai-Madhesh region, the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management under the Ministry of Water Supply has formed two separate committees to conduct field assessments and recommend solutions.
According to Director General Ram Kumar Shrestha, the department mobilized both committees on Wednesday with a mandate to submit detailed reports within 10 days. The initiative is aimed at identifying the root causes of the water scarcity and proposing practical, district-specific interventions.
One committee is led by Narayan Prasad Acharya, Project Director of the Co-financed Water Supply and Sanitation Project. Its members include Senior Division Engineer Mihir Chandra Acharya from the same project, Engineer Kiran Bista from the Janakpur Water Supply and Sewerage Office, and Engineer Sudhir Kumar Sah from the Central Water Supply Project, who will serve as member secretary.
Ranjita Shrestha gives statement at CIAA in Rs 7.8 million Pokhara land bribe case
Nagarik Unmukti Party chair and former minister Ranjita Shrestha appeared before the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Wednesday to record her statement in the Rs 7.8 million bribery case linked to land transfers in Pokhara’s Litchi Bagan area. Shrestha’s name surfaced in the case following leaked audio conversations that allegedly show her involvement as a middlewoman between former Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Raj Kumar Gupta and UML party cadre Sujan Lama. The recordings, which have gone viral, appear to capture negotiations related to the transfer of land and appointments of officials.
Landslide blocks Araniko Highway at Kodari, disrupting Tatopani border access
Continuous rainfall since last night has triggered a major landslide at Kodari in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2, completely blocking the Araniko Highway and cutting off access to the Tatopani border point. According to Inspector Jagat Bahadur Rai, chief of the Area Police Office in Kodari, a massive landslide occurred around 5:00 AM from the Ikhu landslide-prone area, burying the road under large volumes of debris. “The highway has been completely obstructed. All vehicular movement and cross-border travel via the Tatopani checkpoint have come to a standstill,” he said.
Four highways blocked due to floods and landslides
Continuous rainfall over the past several days has triggered floods and landslides across Nepal, leading to the complete obstruction of four major highways, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters. Among the blocked roads are the Koshi Corridor in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha district, the Mechi Highway sections in Phidim Municipality and Hilihang Rural Municipality of Panchthar district, the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Gosainkunda Rural Municipality of Rasuwa district, and the Jajarkot–Dolpa Bheri Corridor in Athbiskot Municipality of Rukum West. In addition to these full blockades, six other highways that were previously obstructed have been reopened partially and are now operating in a single lane.
Deputy PM Singh calls for halt to Chure exploitation to save region
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh said Chure conservation cannot be achieved unless exploitation of the Chure region is halted. Speaking at a press meeting held at the Nepali Congress Dhanusha District Committee office today, Singh highlighted that the major cause of water problems in the Terai-Madhesh region is the rampant exploitation of the Chure hills. He called for unity in protecting the Chure region. Singh assured that the government is serious about addressing the water issues in Madhesh and expressed commitment that the upcoming cabinet meeting will take concrete decisions on the matter.
Consumer Court orders compensation for faulty Yamaha motorcycle in Nuwakot
The Consumer Court has ruled in favor of Nanikaji Khadka, a resident of Bidur Municipality-13, Nuwakot, ordering GRS Two Wheelers Auto Pvt. Ltd. to pay Rs 393,000 in compensation for selling him a faulty Yamaha FZ-X BS6 motorcycle. Khadka purchased the motorcycle on October 4, 2024, from GRS Two Wheelers’ showroom in Jamal, Kathmandu, for Rs 315,000. He was assured the bike was brand new and came with an 18-month warranty. However, Khadka soon faced several issues, including the bike’s manufacture year being 2022 instead of new, frequent starting failures, battery faults, peeling paint, poor engine performance, excessive smoke, and high fuel consumption. Despite repeated requests, the dealer delayed providing official VAT and PAN bills and denied free repairs under the warranty. Khadka spent additional money on repairs, but problems persisted. When he sought warranty service, the company claimed the warranty had expired and refused assistance.
Gagan Thapa rules out future electoral alliances for Nepali Congress
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has stated that the party has already decided through its General Convention Committee that it should not enter into electoral alliances in future elections. Speaking at a discussion organized in Chitwan on Wednesday to mark the 43rd BP Memorial Day, Thapa stressed that the party must contest elections independently, upholding its identity and principles. The event was themed “BP’s Ideology and the Campaign for Transformation in the Party.”
Bishnu Paudel declares defeat of forces trying to split UML
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has stated that those seeking to divide the UML party have been thoroughly defeated. Addressing an interaction program organized by the UML in Butwal on the occasion of Pushpalal Memorial Day, Paudel said the party’s unanimous decision by the central committee to bar former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from active politics has shattered the hopes of divisive forces. “Those who played a role in trying to split the UML party were again attempting to create division, but after the party’s unanimous decision, their dreams have turned to dust,” said Paudel. “The elements trying to create instability and division within the party have failed.”
Rajendra Lingden accuses coalition govt of corruption
Rajendra Lingden, chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), on Wednesday accused the coalition government formed by major parties of being deeply involved in corruption. Speaking at the House of Representatives session, Lingden alleged that the coalition between the two major parties, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, behaves as if the country’s resources are being auctioned off for personal gain. He highlighted a competition among ministers over who earns faster and more, pointing out that at least a dozen ministers have been publicly implicated in corruption scandals, calling for thorough investigations into their conduct.
Here are the decisions made at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting
Decisions taken at the cabinet meeting held on July 22 include the acceptance of Deputy Attorney General Dr. Tek Bahadur Ghimire’s resignation, effective from July 18. Government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the council approved Dr. Ghimire’s voluntary retirement request during the meeting. The cabinet also decided to form a negotiation team, led by the Ministry of Finance’s Joint Secretary, to engage with the World Bank regarding a proposed $10 million grant for a public finance project aimed at improving development effectiveness.
RSP and RPP boycott HoR again
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) jointly boycotted the parliamentary session on Wednesday in protest. Both parties rejected the investigation committee led by former Chief Secretary Shankardas Bairagi, formed to probe the controversial visit visa scandal involving Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Since May 27, the two parties have been demanding a thorough investigation into the visit visa case and have called for Minister Lekhak’s resignation. Their boycott is a continuation of these demands.
Madhesh Province declared disaster crisis zone due to severe water shortage
The government has officially declared all eight districts of Madhesh Province as a disaster crisis zone, citing severe drought conditions and acute shortages of drinking and irrigation water. The decision was approved by the Cabinet following a proposal by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Due to prolonged dry spells, the groundwater recharge in the region has been insufficient, and over-extraction has led to the depletion of water sources, affecting both public drinking water supply and agricultural irrigation systems. Rivers and canals have also dried up, compounding the crisis.
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