KATHMANDU: Discussions began on Monday in both Houses of the Federal Parliament on the government’s policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year, presented by President Ram Chandra Poudel last week.
During the House of Representatives session at the Federal Parliament building, lawmakers raised various concerns during the zero and special hours.
The debate between CPN-UML and Maoist Center representatives grew heated, particularly on issues of corruption and governance.
Prime Minister KP Oli was also present to table the policies and programs for deliberation. Upon his arrival, UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula greeted him outside the Parliament building. However, what followed was an unexpected exchange.
As PM Oli stepped out of his vehicle with a smile, a journalist posed a pointed question: “Have relations with the Maoists improved after the visit of the BJP’s Foreign Affairs Chief, Vijay Chauthaiwale?”
The question visibly irritated the Prime Minister. “Go the other way,” PM Oli responded sharply, motioning toward the meeting hall. “You have your own way.”
Despite this tense moment, what unfolded inside the chamber painted a different picture.
Prime Minister Oli was seen chatting and even shaking hands with Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ as he made his way to table the document.
Oli’s secretariat later shared a photograph of this exchange with the press—an image reminiscent of similar publicized moments when relations between the two leaders were reportedly warming.
Behind-the-Scenes Dialogue on TRC
This cordiality came shortly after Oli and Dahal held separate talks on Transitional Justice (TJ) under the pretext of discussing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Previously, TRC talks had involved the top three leaders—Oli, Dahal, and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba. But on Sunday, Oli held one-on-one talks with Dahal at Singha Durbar, notably excluding Deuba and other Nepali Congress leaders.
Prime Minister Oli was accompanied by UML leader and human rights advisor Agni Kharel, while Dahal brought along Maoist Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun, a known advocate for unity among leftist forces.
The exclusion of Congress from this meeting has drawn political interest, hinting at a possible realignment or at least a strategic recalibration among key parties.
Chauthaiwale’s visit sparks speculation
The journalist’s question that irked Oli referred to BJP Foreign Affairs Department chief Chauthaiwale, who visited Nepal last week. His visit added fuel to the political speculation.
During his trip, Chauthaiwale met with Prime Minister KP Oli, former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. In total, he held meetings with 19 political figures from across the spectrum—excluding only pro-monarchist leaders.
His itinerary included talks with UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, Maoist Deputy General Secretaries Barshaman Pun and Janardan Sharma, as well as RSP acting president DP Aryal and Vice Chair Swarnim Wagle.
From the Nepali Congress, he met with Shekhar Koirala, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, former foreign ministers NP Saud and Uday Shumsher Rana, and current ministers Ramesh Lekhak (Home) and Dr. Arzu Deuba Rana (Foreign). He also met Loktantrik Samajwadi Party Chair Mahant Thakur and Janamat Party President Dr. CK Raut.
Interestingly, Chauthaiwale avoided any meetings with monarchist leaders, despite rising pro-monarchy rallies across Nepal.
His snub of royalist figures—including former King Gyanendra Shah and his supporters—has been widely interpreted as India distancing itself from the monarchy restoration campaign.
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