KATHMANDU: Last week in Nepal witnessed several political events, prominently marked by the swearing-in of Prime Minister KP Oli following his appointment by President Ram Chandra Paudel.
The oath ceremony, held at Sheetal Niwas last Monday, formalized Oli’s leadership under Article 76, Clause (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.
His assumption of office was backed by Members of Parliament from the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, constituting the largest party in the House of Representatives.
This coalition has been instrumental in finalizing the list of ministers, which includes representatives from Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Janata Samajwadi Party, and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party. Notably, Nepali Congress nominated 9 ministers, UML nominated 8, JSP 2, and LSP 1, reflecting a diverse coalition government poised to address national priorities.
Prime Minister Oli also received a 99-point recommendation letter from his party, CPN-UML, emphasizing constructive support for national aspirations of a ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’.
Oli underscored his commitment to economic reforms and good governance, pledging to implement the recommendations across relevant ministries, thus setting the stage for collaborative governance amidst challenging political dynamics.
Controversies and Legal Actions
The week wasn’t without controversy, as Deputy Speaker Indira Rana faced scrutiny over a contentious letter to the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
Originally intended to facilitate visas for Nepali youths attending the NGO CSW67 Forum in New York, the letter sparked allegations of involvement in adoption irregularities and overseas placements.
Despite Rana’s denial of direct visa requests, the incident drew significant public attention and criticism, highlighting ongoing transparency issues within political circles.
In a separate development, the Narcotics Control Bureau made headlines with the arrest of two individuals on charges of smuggling cocaine into Nepal.
The apprehension, involving an Indian and a Nigerian national, underscored law enforcement efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking, reflecting Nepal’s ongoing challenges in managing border security and narcotics trade.
Social and Infrastructural Developments
Local tensions emerged in Kathmandu’s New Road area, where residents obstructed a footpath expansion project initially halted by administrative challenges.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s (KMC) initiative, recently authorized by the Patan High Court, aims to enhance urban infrastructure despite local resistance, illustrating ongoing urban development challenges amid community engagement efforts.
Meanwhile, on a positive note, Nepal celebrated a successful start in the Women’s Asia Cup cricket tournament, securing a victory over the UAE in the opening match.
Led by standout performances from Samjhana Khadka, who scored an unbeaten 72 runs, Nepal’s triumph underscored its growing prominence in regional cricket, providing a morale boost for women’s sports and national pride.
Additionally, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) announced a hike in fuel prices due to adjustments in India’s price list, raising concerns about inflationary pressures and the impact on consumer livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued a landmark order mandating the eviction of squatters from government land along riverbanks in Kathmandu, emphasizing legal measures to restore public property and provide equitable resettlement solutions.
Last week, in governmental appointments, Senior Advocate Ramesh Badal was appointed as the Attorney General by President Ramchandra Paudel on Prime Minister Oli’s recommendation, reaffirming legal leadership amidst transitions in governance.
Additionally, cultural circles mourned the passing of Ambika Shrestha, owner of Heritage Hotel Dwarika’s, a pioneer in Kathmandu’s hospitality sector, underscoring her legacy in preserving cultural heritage and community development.
In summary, last week in Nepal was defined by a mix of political transitions, legal challenges, cultural milestones, and economic adjustments.
These events reflect Nepal’s dynamic socio-political landscape, characterized by resilience in governance, ongoing socio-economic reforms, and challenges in maintaining public trust and infrastructure development.
As Nepal navigates these complexities, the coming weeks will likely see further developments shaping the nation’s trajectory in regional affairs and global engagements.
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