KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli held a one-on-one meeting for more than three hours on Thursday, with the upcoming elections as the main agenda.
Oli arrived at Baluwatar from Gundu at around 11 a.m. on Thursday, initially to inquire about the health condition of the Prime Minister’s husband, Durga Subedi. However, the meeting soon turned into an extended political dialogue between the two leaders.
According to Prime Minister’s Press Coordinator Ram Bahadur Rawal, the talks began at around 11:30 a.m. and continued until about 2:30 p.m. Rawal said the discussion focused primarily on the March 5 elections and helped reduce doubts and uncertainties over whether the polls would be held as scheduled.
“The two leaders held a one-on-one discussion for more than three hours, centered on the March 5 elections,” Rawal told Khabarhub. “The dialogue has helped build an atmosphere of trust between the two sides.”
During the talks, Oli assured the Prime Minister that the UML would not create obstacles to the elections. “Oli assured the government that there would be no obstruction or violence from the UML during the elections,” Rawal said, adding that Oli also expressed the party’s commitment to participate in the polls and engage in healthy competition.
Rawal also said that Oli inquired about the health of Prime Minister Karki’s husband during the meeting. Oli further raised concerns about election preparations and security arrangements, while Prime Minister Karki assured him that the government had made all necessary arrangements and encouraged the UML to participate confidently in the electoral process.
Prime Minister Karki also thanked Oli for the UML’s decision to take part in the elections and expressed appreciation for the party moving forward with its political activities after holding its 11th general convention.
Oli, for his part, assured the Prime Minister that the UML would fully participate in the elections if the government ensured peace, security, and a fair electoral environment.
Following the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9 that led to Oli’s removal from power and Karki’s appointment as Prime Minister on September 12, there had been a prolonged lack of direct communication between the two leaders. Although Prime Minister Karki began dialogue with political parties two months after assuming office and has met top leaders, this was the first time she held a one-on-one meeting exclusively with Oli.
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