Nepal prime minister K P Oli kicked up a diplomatic firestorm and unleashed a wave of anti-India sentiment. 
 
However, Oli’s campaign to stay in office has taken a turn for the worse and his government could be headed for a collapse.

According to a report published in the Kathmandu Post, Oli’s position as prime minister is on shaky ground and his own&nbsp;party wants him to quit.

Now, the Nepal Communist Party is actually a coalition of two communist parties - one headed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known as Prachanda, and the other by K P Sharma Oli.

Prachanda has served as prime minister of Nepal twice. His supporters accuse the prime minister Oli of failing the party and the government.&nbsp;

To stay in office, Oli took a tough position against India to prove his territorial nationalism. But, the wind is blowing in a different direction now. 
 
<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/after-india-nepal-risks-severing-ties-with-us-for-china-305468">Also Read: After India, Nepal risks severing ties with US for China</a>

This week, Oli’s government faced a series of setbacks - first, the opposition moved a resolution in parliament, saying that China has encroached more than 64 hectares of Nepal's land.

On Wednesday, the Standing Committee of the Nepal Communist Party began its meeting and it was combative. According to the reports, only 11 out of the 44 committee members were on Oli's&nbsp;side.

The Standing Committee was supposed to continue its meeting on Thursday, but prime minister Oli decided to skip it.

In the past, the Chinese ambassador to Nepal has openly intervened in such matters, she held meetings with the ruling party members&nbsp;to sort out differences and keep the government afloat.

Prime minister Oli is clearly caught between a rock and a hard place. He picked China over India, surrendered his sovereignty and the move boomeranged.

Oli's downfall has been a long time coming, Prachand has been at it for a while. Oli is losing Nepal's land to China, he's losing India's sympathy, he's losing his people's confidence, and now he's also losing the support of his own party members.

Nepal prime minister K P Oli kicked up a diplomatic firestorm and unleashed a wave of anti-India sentiment. However, Oli’s campaign to stay in office has taken a turn for the worse and his government could be headed for a collapse.

Nepal prime minister K P Oli kicked up a diplomatic firestorm and unleashed a wave of anti-India sentiment. However, Oli’s campaign to stay in office has taken a turn for the worse and his government could be headed for a collapse. According to a report published in the Kathmandu Post, Oli’s position as prime minister is on shaky ground and his own party wants him to quit. Now, the Nepal Communist Party is actually a coalition of two communist parties - one headed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known as Prachanda, and the other by K P Sharma Oli. Prachanda has served as prime minister of Nepal twice. His supporters accuse the prime minister Oli of failing the party and the government. To stay in office, Oli took a tough position against India to prove his territorial nationalism. But, the wind is blowing in a different direction now. Also Read: After India, Nepal risks severing ties with US for China This week, Oli’s government faced a series of setbacks - first, the opposition moved a resolution in parliament, saying that China has encroached more than 64 hectares of Nepal's land. On Wednesday, the Standing Committee of the Nepal Communist Party began its meeting and it was combative. According to the reports, only 11 out of the 44 committee members were on Oli's side. The Standing Committee was supposed to continue its meeting on Thursday, but prime minister Oli decided to skip it. In the past, the Chinese ambassador to Nepal has openly intervened in such matters, she held meetings with the ruling party members to sort out differences and keep the government afloat. Prime minister Oli is clearly caught between a rock and a hard place. He picked China over India, surrendered his sovereignty and the move boomeranged. Oli's downfall has been a long time coming, Prachand has been at it for a while. Oli is losing Nepal's land to China, he's losing India's sympathy, he's losing his people's confidence, and now he's also losing the support of his own party members.

Will infighting within Nepal's ruling party bring down the KP Oli government?

Nepali journalists will intensify their agitation against a controversial bill targeting the media and demand its immediate withdrawal, a media organisation has announced.

According to the fresh protest programme unveiled on Tuesday by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the media professionals will take part in whistle and lantern marches, organise a cartoon exhibition and collect signatures from prominent personalities from all walks of life against the Media Council Bill.

The bill which aims at imposing a hefty fine of up to Rs 1 million on media outlets found guilty of damaging anyone's reputation has raised an alarm among journalists who say the government seeks to punish the press in the name of the regulation.

"It is clear that the Media Council Bill is aimed at controlling the media instead of regulating it. FNJ has decided to continue its stringent protest until the bill is withdrawn from Parliament," FNJ General Secretary Ramesh Bista said.

He said that signatures of people from across the country will be collected against the bill and will be submitted to Prime Minister KP Oli through the district administration offices.

A central committee meeting of the FNJ has finalised the third phase of the protest programme.

The signature campaign is slated for June 18, while the collected signatures will be handed over to the district administration officers on June 21.

A cartoon exhibition will be organised on June 25 to protest the bill, said the FNJ, an umbrella organisation of the Nepali journalists.&nbsp;

Journalists will be asked to send text messages to the provincial and federal parliamentarians on June 30 to draw their attention, it said in its protest programme.

A press freedom meeting is slated for July 5, lantern march for July 9 and whistle march for July 15, it added.

Journalists and other stakeholders have been protesting against the bill which was registered at the National Assembly last month.

Besides slapping a hefty fine on journalists found violating 'media code of ethics', another provision in the bill talks about setting up of a state-controlled media watchdog by scrapping the existing one.

The drafting of the bill started last year and had generated controversy when the government quietly moved the bill to Parliament last month, bypassing a critical consultation phase with stakeholders and the public.

Nepali journalists will intensify their agitation against a controversial bill targeting the media and demand its immediate withdrawal, a media organisation has announced.

Nepali journalists will intensify their agitation against a controversial bill targeting the media and demand its immediate withdrawal, a media organisation has announced. According to the fresh protest programme unveiled on Tuesday by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), the media professionals will take part in whistle and lantern marches, organise a cartoon exhibition and collect signatures from prominent personalities from all walks of life against the Media Council Bill. The bill which aims at imposing a hefty fine of up to Rs 1 million on media outlets found guilty of damaging anyone's reputation has raised an alarm among journalists who say the government seeks to punish the press in the name of the regulation. "It is clear that the Media Council Bill is aimed at controlling the media instead of regulating it. FNJ has decided to continue its stringent protest until the bill is withdrawn from Parliament," FNJ General Secretary Ramesh Bista said. He said that signatures of people from across the country will be collected against the bill and will be submitted to Prime Minister KP Oli through the district administration offices. A central committee meeting of the FNJ has finalised the third phase of the protest programme. The signature campaign is slated for June 18, while the collected signatures will be handed over to the district administration officers on June 21. A cartoon exhibition will be organised on June 25 to protest the bill, said the FNJ, an umbrella organisation of the Nepali journalists. Journalists will be asked to send text messages to the provincial and federal parliamentarians on June 30 to draw their attention, it said in its protest programme. A press freedom meeting is slated for July 5, lantern march for July 9 and whistle march for July 15, it added. Journalists and other stakeholders have been protesting against the bill which was registered at the National Assembly last month. Besides slapping a hefty fine on journalists found violating 'media code of ethics', another provision in the bill talks about setting up of a state-controlled media watchdog by scrapping the existing one. The drafting of the bill started last year and had generated controversy when the government quietly moved the bill to Parliament last month, bypassing a critical consultation phase with stakeholders and the public.

Nepalese journalists firm on demanding scrapping of controversial media bill

By

Binod Prasad Adhikari&nbsp;

On May 6th, 2019, Nepali politics witnessed the dissolution of two parties and the birth of a new party -&nbsp;“Samajbadi Party, Nepal”.

The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal of Upendra Yadav, incumbent minister and Naya Shakti of&nbsp;former PM Baburam Bhattarai fused together to give birth to a new party with a socialist ideology. But the question arises&nbsp;-&nbsp;will they survive till the upcoming elections?

Safe landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai

Unification of FSF-N and Naya Shakti, with no surprise, is safe-landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai because of the contingency he faced during the 2017 elections.

Once a prime minister and finance minister from the then largest party in Nepal, Dr. Bhattarai formed the Naya Shakti, Nepal in 2016 and fought the election. All he got from the election was the title of “Independent Party” because of the newly introduced provision.

As Bhattarai is the only leader representing Naya Shakti Party in the lower house and sat idle, he thought of going onboard the merger process. With FSF-N recognised as a national party of Nepal with 16 seats in total, it would have been an opportunity for him to go onboard the government again and also would increase the representation in the parliament.

Questions loom&nbsp;over the agenda of constitution amendment

Upendra Yadav, once led the Federal Alliance and went onto the streets denouncing the constitution and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai who showed his reservation on the constitution now have&nbsp;vowed to fight together.

But there is speculation over the agenda of constitution amendment, a political issue which is sure to have&nbsp;a long run with no endpoint.

“After the amendment of the constitution the Madhesh-based parties would not have any political agendas then what will they do after it? Because of it they don’t think that it is needed right away or instantly. The government on the other hand also is not in a&nbsp;condition to accept it because the spirit is lacking to fulfill any demand,” Prakash Timalsina, senior journalist in Nepal as well as Madhesh analyst has&nbsp;claimed in an interview with ANI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the leader on May 6th tried his best to convince the public over the continuation of previously made demands.

“I want to make it clear; now, issues whether concerned with Madhesh, indigenous- tribal groups, so-called-Dalits, sexually discriminated groups, minority groups or any marginalized groups, those who are discriminated and facing inequality forcefully and intentionally, to ensure their rights and authorities, their issue of identity, representation, the more powerful and stronger party than before, the Samajbadi Party, Nepal has been&nbsp;formed,” Upendra Yadav had said while addressing the function.

Increased challenge for two-third majority government?

The incumbent government with 174 seats out of 275 in the lower house of the Himalayan nation has the support of the Federal Socialist Party-Nepal which has&nbsp;16 votes. With the merger of the Naya Shakti, Nepal, the number of seats reached 17 equaling with another Madhesh-based party the Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal with the same demand of constitution amendment.

With rising criticism of the government, the new force can be an alternative power against the monopoly of the incumbent government.&nbsp;

In the case of&nbsp;RJP-N and the Socialist Party, the parties demanding the amendment in the constitution is sure to grow stronger and challenge the government.

It is also sure that the opposition Nepali Congress which&nbsp;has always been fighting with the government also join the new force in protest against the current government which also can be the supportive part for the alternative power.

Eyes on the Election lying years ahead

It’s only been about a year and a half since the new government, the very first of Federal Republic Nepal was formed under Prime Minister KP Oli. But the parties already have started preparation for elections which lies about three years away&nbsp;and has a high chance of change in the leadership of the government.

While announcing the party merger, the two communist leaders of Nepal - KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal&nbsp;- have had an agreement to go on with bi-chairman system until the general convention and both will take the turns to lead the government. (https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/uml-maoist-centre-unify-party-named-communist-party-nepal/)

As the former Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Maoist Center went into the merger process only after coming good in the local elections, parties demanding amendment in the constitution are also attempting for same.

The leaders who have now felt the essence of political unity, shared the issue on Monday (May 6th, 2019). In case of the merger between RJP-N and Socialist Party, the power of the warring party would increase but the question is&nbsp;whether the Socialist Party, Nepal would remain onboard the government or simply quit, despite its continuous threat to walk out. 
&nbsp;

Chance for Dr. Bhattarai to get onboard the cabinet?

As Dr. Baburam Bhattarai already has experience as a finance minister at the time when he was applauded for making a functional budget in 2008, he again is seen as a probable candidate for the post.

Incumbent finance minister Yubaraj Khatiwada, once the Governor of Nepal’s central bank is being criticised&nbsp;for his inability to perform. Khatiwada is&nbsp;also the member of the upper house had got only two years tenure out of which one and half years have already passed.&nbsp;He is expected to step down in the mid-year in the coming fiscal year.

Though the successor of Khatiwada is yet to be identified or announced, Bhattarai is the likely candidate for finance minister bypassing Surendra Pandey who also is in the fray.

What to expect?

It’s better to take the merger wave in Nepal witnessed now as the continuation of the power-building and lust for power of politicians.&nbsp;

Though leaders have claimed to fight for the right of the people from all sects and backgrounds, one shouldn’t forget that the Federal Alliance formed in 2015 had collapsed because of the mistrust and misunderstanding between the madhesh-based leaders who had the same issue of amendment in the constitution.

Now, with the merger of the party, the commitments thus made has expanded, demanding&nbsp;the expansion of the space and capacity to hold others. Otherwise, like the case of Federal Alliance, the Socialist Party which is being watched with keen interest also would end like that of the past.

But with the increase&nbsp;in concentration and respect for each other, the party eventually can lead&nbsp;to a&nbsp;higher position, ultimately shrinking the number of political parties as well as turning the dream of people to see an alternative force into reality.

(Disclaimer:&nbsp;Binod Prasad Adhikari is a Nepali Journalist. Views of the writer do not represent the views of WION&nbsp;or Zee group.)

By Binod Prasad Adhikari On May 6th, 2019, Nepali politics witnessed the dissolution of two parties and the birth of a new party - “Samajbadi Party, Nepal”. The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal of Upendra Yadav, incumbent minister and Naya Shakti of former PM Baburam Bhattarai fused together to give birth to a new party with a socialist ideology.

By Binod Prasad Adhikari On May 6th, 2019, Nepali politics witnessed the dissolution of two parties and the birth of a new party - “Samajbadi Party, Nepal”. The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal of Upendra Yadav, incumbent minister and Naya Shakti of former PM Baburam Bhattarai fused together to give birth to a new party with a socialist ideology. But the question arises - will they survive till the upcoming elections? Safe landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Unification of FSF-N and Naya Shakti, with no surprise, is safe-landing for Dr. Baburam Bhattarai because of the contingency he faced during the 2017 elections. Once a prime minister and finance minister from the then largest party in Nepal, Dr. Bhattarai formed the Naya Shakti, Nepal in 2016 and fought the election. All he got from the election was the title of “Independent Party” because of the newly introduced provision. As Bhattarai is the only leader representing Naya Shakti Party in the lower house and sat idle, he thought of going onboard the merger process. With FSF-N recognised as a national party of Nepal with 16 seats in total, it would have been an opportunity for him to go onboard the government again and also would increase the representation in the parliament. Questions loom over the agenda of constitution amendment Upendra Yadav, once led the Federal Alliance and went onto the streets denouncing the constitution and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai who showed his reservation on the constitution now have vowed to fight together. But there is speculation over the agenda of constitution amendment, a political issue which is sure to have a long run with no endpoint. “After the amendment of the constitution the Madhesh-based parties would not have any political agendas then what will they do after it? Because of it they don’t think that it is needed right away or instantly. The government on the other hand also is not in a condition to accept it because the spirit is lacking to fulfill any demand,” Prakash Timalsina, senior journalist in Nepal as well as Madhesh analyst has claimed in an interview with ANI. But the leader on May 6th tried his best to convince the public over the continuation of previously made demands. “I want to make it clear; now, issues whether concerned with Madhesh, indigenous- tribal groups, so-called-Dalits, sexually discriminated groups, minority groups or any marginalized groups, those who are discriminated and facing inequality forcefully and intentionally, to ensure their rights and authorities, their issue of identity, representation, the more powerful and stronger party than before, the Samajbadi Party, Nepal has been formed,” Upendra Yadav had said while addressing the function. Increased challenge for two-third majority government? The incumbent government with 174 seats out of 275 in the lower house of the Himalayan nation has the support of the Federal Socialist Party-Nepal which has 16 votes. With the merger of the Naya Shakti, Nepal, the number of seats reached 17 equaling with another Madhesh-based party the Rashtriya Janata Party-Nepal with the same demand of constitution amendment. With rising criticism of the government, the new force can be an alternative power against the monopoly of the incumbent government. In the case of RJP-N and the Socialist Party, the parties demanding the amendment in the constitution is sure to grow stronger and challenge the government. It is also sure that the opposition Nepali Congress which has always been fighting with the government also join the new force in protest against the current government which also can be the supportive part for the alternative power. Eyes on the Election lying years ahead It’s only been about a year and a half since the new government, the very first of Federal Republic Nepal was formed under Prime Minister KP Oli. But the parties already have started preparation for elections which lies about three years away and has a high chance of change in the leadership of the government. While announcing the party merger, the two communist leaders of Nepal - KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal - have had an agreement to go on with bi-chairman system until the general convention and both will take the turns to lead the government. (https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/uml-maoist-centre-unify-party-named-communist-party-nepal/) As the former Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Maoist Center went into the merger process only after coming good in the local elections, parties demanding amendment in the constitution are also attempting for same. The leaders who have now felt the essence of political unity, shared the issue on Monday (May 6th, 2019). In case of the merger between RJP-N and Socialist Party, the power of the warring party would increase but the question is whether the Socialist Party, Nepal would remain onboard the government or simply quit, despite its continuous threat to walk out. Chance for Dr. Bhattarai to get onboard the cabinet? As Dr. Baburam Bhattarai already has experience as a finance minister at the time when he was applauded for making a functional budget in 2008, he again is seen as a probable candidate for the post. Incumbent finance minister Yubaraj Khatiwada, once the Governor of Nepal’s central bank is being criticised for his inability to perform. Khatiwada is also the member of the upper house had got only two years tenure out of which one and half years have already passed. He is expected to step down in the mid-year in the coming fiscal year. Though the successor of Khatiwada is yet to be identified or announced, Bhattarai is the likely candidate for finance minister bypassing Surendra Pandey who also is in the fray. What to expect? It’s better to take the merger wave in Nepal witnessed now as the continuation of the power-building and lust for power of politicians. Though leaders have claimed to fight for the right of the people from all sects and backgrounds, one shouldn’t forget that the Federal Alliance formed in 2015 had collapsed because of the mistrust and misunderstanding between the madhesh-based leaders who had the same issue of amendment in the constitution. Now, with the merger of the party, the commitments thus made has expanded, demanding the expansion of the space and capacity to hold others. Otherwise, like the case of Federal Alliance, the Socialist Party which is being watched with keen interest also would end like that of the past. But with the increase in concentration and respect for each other, the party eventually can lead to a higher position, ultimately shrinking the number of political parties as well as turning the dream of people to see an alternative force into reality. (Disclaimer: Binod Prasad Adhikari is a Nepali Journalist. Views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or Zee group.)

Merger wave in Nepal: Where is it heading?

A right-wing political party in Nepal has demanded the government reinstate the country as a Hindu state.

Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy.&nbsp;

Rastriya Prajatantra Party, led by former deputy premier Kamal Thapa, in a memorandum handed to Prime Minister K P Oli demanded that Nepal should be declared a Hindu state with complete religious freedom by revoking the provision of secularism.

The party sent the memorandum to the Prime Minister through Khotang District Administration Office on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The party also demanded a referendum on whether to continue with federalism or not.&nbsp;

Hinduism is the largest religion of Nepal.

A right-wing political party in Nepal has demanded the government reinstate the country as a Hindu state. Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy.

A right-wing political party in Nepal has demanded the government reinstate the country as a Hindu state. Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy. Rastriya Prajatantra Party, led by former deputy premier Kamal Thapa, in a memorandum handed to Prime Minister K P Oli demanded that Nepal should be declared a Hindu state with complete religious freedom by revoking the provision of secularism. The party sent the memorandum to the Prime Minister through Khotang District Administration Office on Tuesday. The party also demanded a referendum on whether to continue with federalism or not. Hinduism is the largest religion of Nepal.

Nepal party demands reinstatement of Hindu state

The Left alliance has won a majority in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls, with the CPN-UML emerging as the largest party after counting of votes of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) ended on Wednesday.

The CPN-UML led by former premier K P Oli and the CPN- Maoist led by former premier Prachanda had forged the electoral alliance for both the provincial and parliamentary elections.

The alliance bagged 116 seats out of a total 165 under the first-past-the-post system.

The CPN-UML won 80 seats, which is close to 50 per cent of the total 165 seats under the direct voting system. The CPN-Maoist and the Nepali Congress have won 36 and 23 seats respectively.

The Left alliance would form a government at the centre. CPN-UML chairman Oli is likely to lead the new government.

The combined strength of the two Madhesi parties, Rastriya Janata Party and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, has reached 21. RJP secured 11 seats whereas FSFN won 10.

The remaining four seats were divided among three fringe parties and an independent candidate.

The Left alliance also secured majority in all provincial assemblies except province No. 2.

In the provincial assembly, out of a total 330 seats, the CPN-UML secured the highest number of 168 seats followed by the Maoist Centre with 73 seats.

The Nepali Congress stood third by securing 41 seats. The RJP and FSFN have secured 16 and 24 seats respectively, and the remaining 8 seats went to the fringe parties.

Under the proportionate voting system, the CPN-UML is leading the Nepali Congress with a thin margin. The CPN-UML has so far received 2.25 million votes whereas the Nepali Congress has secured 2.16 million votes.

The house of representatives consists of 275 members, of which 165 would be elected directly under the first-past-the-post system while the remaining 110 will come through the proportional representation system.

Voting in two-phased parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were held on November 26 and December 7.

In the first phase, polling was held in 32 districts, mostly situated in the hilly and mountainous region, in which 65 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. In the second phase, 67 per cent voter turnout was registered.

The alliance bagged 116 seats out of a total 165 under the first-past-the-post system

The Left alliance has won a majority in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls, with the CPN-UML emerging as the largest party after counting of votes of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) ended on Wednesday. The CPN-UML led by former premier K P Oli and the CPN- Maoist led by former premier Prachanda had forged the electoral alliance for both the provincial and parliamentary elections. The alliance bagged 116 seats out of a total 165 under the first-past-the-post system. The CPN-UML won 80 seats, which is close to 50 per cent of the total 165 seats under the direct voting system. The CPN-Maoist and the Nepali Congress have won 36 and 23 seats respectively. The Left alliance would form a government at the centre. CPN-UML chairman Oli is likely to lead the new government. The combined strength of the two Madhesi parties, Rastriya Janata Party and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, has reached 21. RJP secured 11 seats whereas FSFN won 10. The remaining four seats were divided among three fringe parties and an independent candidate. The Left alliance also secured majority in all provincial assemblies except province No. 2. In the provincial assembly, out of a total 330 seats, the CPN-UML secured the highest number of 168 seats followed by the Maoist Centre with 73 seats. The Nepali Congress stood third by securing 41 seats. The RJP and FSFN have secured 16 and 24 seats respectively, and the remaining 8 seats went to the fringe parties. Under the proportionate voting system, the CPN-UML is leading the Nepali Congress with a thin margin. The CPN-UML has so far received 2.25 million votes whereas the Nepali Congress has secured 2.16 million votes. The house of representatives consists of 275 members, of which 165 would be elected directly under the first-past-the-post system while the remaining 110 will come through the proportional representation system. Voting in two-phased parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were held on November 26 and December 7. In the first phase, polling was held in 32 districts, mostly situated in the hilly and mountainous region, in which 65 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. In the second phase, 67 per cent voter turnout was registered.

Left gets 116 seats as FPTP vote count concludes in Nepal

Nepal&#39;s President held talks with leaders of three main political parties today to come up with a consensus candidate for Prime Minister and try to end revolving-door politics that has seen 23 governments in 26 years. 
 
Prime Minister KP Oli, ahead of a likely defeat in a no-confidence vote in Parliament brought by his allies,former Maoist rebels, resigned on Sunday, opening up the way for a political tussle to lead the country of 28 million people. 
 
President Vidhya Devi Bhandari had invited Oli, Maoist chief Prachanda and the leader of the Nepali Congress party, Sher Bahadur Deuba, to discuss a new government, an aide to the president said. 
 
&quot;The meeting is to tell them to move ahead unitedly,&rdquo; the aide, Bhesh Raj Adhikari, said. &ldquo;The country has many problems and all major parties must unite to resolve them.&quot; 
 
In a statement, President Bhandari called on the parties to form a consensus government within a week as per the Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. 
 
Prachanda eyes comeback&nbsp; 
 
The leader of Nepal&#39;s former Maoist rebel movement looked set today for a comeback as Prime Minister after the main opposition party gave him its backing to head a new coalition. 
 
Better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda (Nepali for &quot;the fierce one&quot;), Pushpa Kamal Dahal led a decade-long insurgency in which around 16,000 people lost their lives. 
 
In 2006, he emerged from hiding to sign a peace deal with mainstream parties that paved the way for the abolition of the world&#39;s last Hindu monarchy and his own rise to power via the ballot box. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/gettyimages-88863875-20160725025557.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
 
Pushpa Kamal Dahal&#39;s (Prachanda) decision to withdraw support for Prime Minister K P Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support.
</div>
 
Dahal became Nepal&#39;s first elected premier in August 2008 but his government collapsed nine months later in a row over the integration of former Maoist fighters into the army, a key tenet of the peace process. 
 
His decision to withdraw support for Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support. 
 
&quot;We are in consultations for the formation of a new government... Dahal will be the next prime minister, with us playing an important role,&quot; senior Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal said. 
 
There was no immediate reaction from Dahal but a Maoist spokeswoman, Pampha Bhusal, said that efforts would be made to bring others on board. 
 
&quot;The no-confidence motion began with an understanding between our party and the Nepali Congress, but we hope to work with other parties as well as we form the government,&quot; Bhusal said. 
 
&quot;We are ready for the President to take the formal process forward.&quot; 
 
The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the 595-seat Parliament, with 196 MPs. A tie-up with the Maoists, who have 80 seats, would leave them just short of a majority. 
 
If he does seal his comeback, one of Dahal&#39;s first key tasks will be to finally implement a new constitution and resolve protests in Nepal&#39;s southern plains. 
 
Nepal has been in a political crisis since September when a Constituent Assembly approved a new constitution amid a political row with minority Madhesis in the southern plains over the creation of federal states under the new system. 
 
Ethnic Madhesis, who have long complained of neglect by a ruling elite drawn from the hill region, said the creation of the states would marginalise them by dividing their homeland. 
 
More than 50 people have died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. 
 
The new charter was meant to bolster Nepal&#39;s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. 
 
But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter -- particularly over the rights of different ethnic groups -- have failed to yield agreement. 
 
Oli&#39;s communist UML party said it would not support the Maoists&#39; bid for power after they had brought down Oli&#39;s government. 
 
&quot;There is no possibility of us joining,&rdquo; senior UML official Pradip Gyawali said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll remain a strong opposition.&rdquo; 
 
(Agencies)

Nepal PM Oli's resignation has opened up way for a political tussle to lead the country of 28 million people

Nepal's President held talks with leaders of three main political parties today to come up with a consensus candidate for Prime Minister and try to end revolving-door politics that has seen 23 governments in 26 years. Prime Minister KP Oli, ahead of a likely defeat in a no-confidence vote in Parliament brought by his allies,former Maoist rebels, resigned on Sunday, opening up the way for a political tussle to lead the country of 28 million people. President Vidhya Devi Bhandari had invited Oli, Maoist chief Prachanda and the leader of the Nepali Congress party, Sher Bahadur Deuba, to discuss a new government, an aide to the president said. "The meeting is to tell them to move ahead unitedly,” the aide, Bhesh Raj Adhikari, said. “The country has many problems and all major parties must unite to resolve them." In a statement, President Bhandari called on the parties to form a consensus government within a week as per the Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Prachanda eyes comeback The leader of Nepal's former Maoist rebel movement looked set today for a comeback as Prime Minister after the main opposition party gave him its backing to head a new coalition. Better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda (Nepali for "the fierce one"), Pushpa Kamal Dahal led a decade-long insurgency in which around 16,000 people lost their lives. In 2006, he emerged from hiding to sign a peace deal with mainstream parties that paved the way for the abolition of the world's last Hindu monarchy and his own rise to power via the ballot box. Pushpa Kamal Dahal's (Prachanda) decision to withdraw support for Prime Minister K P Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support. Dahal became Nepal's first elected premier in August 2008 but his government collapsed nine months later in a row over the integration of former Maoist fighters into the army, a key tenet of the peace process. His decision to withdraw support for Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support. "We are in consultations for the formation of a new government... Dahal will be the next prime minister, with us playing an important role," senior Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal said. There was no immediate reaction from Dahal but a Maoist spokeswoman, Pampha Bhusal, said that efforts would be made to bring others on board. "The no-confidence motion began with an understanding between our party and the Nepali Congress, but we hope to work with other parties as well as we form the government," Bhusal said. "We are ready for the President to take the formal process forward." The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the 595-seat Parliament, with 196 MPs. A tie-up with the Maoists, who have 80 seats, would leave them just short of a majority. If he does seal his comeback, one of Dahal's first key tasks will be to finally implement a new constitution and resolve protests in Nepal's southern plains. Nepal has been in a political crisis since September when a Constituent Assembly approved a new constitution amid a political row with minority Madhesis in the southern plains over the creation of federal states under the new system. Ethnic Madhesis, who have long complained of neglect by a ruling elite drawn from the hill region, said the creation of the states would marginalise them by dividing their homeland. More than 50 people have died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. The new charter was meant to bolster Nepal's transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter -- particularly over the rights of different ethnic groups -- have failed to yield agreement. Oli's communist UML party said it would not support the Maoists' bid for power after they had brought down Oli's government. "There is no possibility of us joining,” senior UML official Pradip Gyawali said. “We’ll remain a strong opposition.” (Agencies)

Nepal political turmoil: President asks parties to elect PM in a week, rebel chief eyes comeback

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