KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that gas reserves have already been discovered in Nepal and stressed the need to utilize them effectively by supplying gas directly to households through pipeline networks.
Speaking during an interaction with local voters in Gauriganj, Jhapa, on Monday, Oli said proper use of domestic energy resources is essential for the country’s long-term development and for improving people’s living standards. He added that Nepal should move away from traditional fuel use and adopt modern, sustainable energy solutions.
Oli remarked that development means progressing from burning cow dung and firewood to using electricity and gas in daily life. He complained that his comments on this issue had been misinterpreted and deliberately distorted by some groups for political reasons.
During the interaction, Oli also addressed allegations levelled against him over past protests. He claimed that criminal elements had infiltrated the Gen-Z protest and carried out vandalism, and were now falsely accusing him of ordering police firing and causing deaths.
Reiterating that he never instructed security forces to use lethal force, Oli said attempts were made to burn the Parliament building and Singha Durbar, creating a violent environment engineered by criminal groups. He added that after he resigned as prime minister, 54 people were killed on September 9 alone.
Oli further claimed that the CPN-UML had contributed the most to Nepal’s development compared to other political parties. He argued that energy development, infrastructure expansion and economic growth should be central issues in the upcoming elections.
Oli is contesting the House of Representatives election from Jhapa constituency No. 5 and has recently intensified interactions with voters across the district as part of his election campaign.
Comment