Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties.&nbsp;

In a meeting, CPN-UML led by K P Sharma Oli along with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), CPN-Maoist Centre and other smaller parties decided to form the country's new government under Prachanda's leadership.&nbsp;

CPN-MC General Secretary Dev&nbsp;Gurung said that the CPN-MC, CPN-UML, and other parties&nbsp;staked their&nbsp;claim on the premiership of Prachanda at the President's Office ‘Sheetalniwas’ by submitting 165 lawmakers' signatures under the Constitution's Article 76 (2).&nbsp;

"He has been appointed and commands the support of a big majority of parliament," said Tika Dhakal, an aide to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. The oath taking ceremony is likely to be held on Monday at 4 pm.

Along with Prachanda, Rastriya Prajatantra Party president Rajendra Lingden, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Ravi Lamichhane and Janata Samajwadi Party president Upendra Yadav had reached the residence of Oli, where they decided to appoint Prachanda as the next prime minister.&nbsp;

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In the meeting, Prachanda and Oli reached an understanding that they will lead the new government on a rotational basis and the latter then agreed to give Prachanda the first chance to become the prime minister as per his demand.

"This is the understanding. Remaining work of distribution of key other posts and ministries is still to be worked out," said Gurung after the meeting.

The new ruling alliance received the support of 165 lawmakers in the House of Representatives' 275 members which includes CPN-UML with 78, CPN-MC with 32, RSP with 20, RPP with 14, JSP with 12, Janamat with 6 and Nagarik Unmukti Party with three.

"As the largest party, the Nepali Congress failed to form a government under its leadership as per Article 76(2) of the Constitution within the president's deadline. Now, the CPN-UML has taken the initiative to form the new government under the leadership of Prachanda with the support of 165 lawmakers," said CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel, after the meeting.

WATCH| Nepal: Ruling coalition leaders to hold meeting, deadline to name new Prime Minister

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Ruling alliance breaks

On Sunday, Nepal's ruling alliance broke after Nepali Congress president and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba failed to finalise a power-sharing deal with CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Prachanda.&nbsp;

The talks held over the power-sharing deal failed at the prime minister's residence at Baluwatar after Prachanda's offer of becoming the country's next prime minister in the first two and half years of the five-year term was rejected by PM Deuba, said CPN-MC Secretary Ganesh Shah.

Earlier, Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to a tacit understanding that they would become the prime minister of the new government on a rotational basis.

In the talks held on Sunday morning with Prachanda, Nepali Congress had tried to claim the two key posts of the government – the prime minister and president, which Prachanda had refused, leading to the failure of the talks, stated Maoist sources.

The speaker's post was offered by the Nepali Congress to the Maoist Party, which Prachanda immediately rejected. “Now the alliance has broken as the last-minute talks between Deuba and Prachanda failed to strike a deal,” said Shah.

After failing to reach the power-sharing deal with PM Deuba, Prachanda visited CPN-UML chairman Oli at his residence to seek his support for becoming the country's next prime minister.&nbsp;

After the elections, Nepali Congress had emerged as the House of Representatives' largest party with 89 seats, while CPN-UML and CPN-MC were able to clinch 78 and 32 seats, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties.

Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties. In a meeting, CPN-UML led by K P Sharma Oli along with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), CPN-Maoist Centre and other smaller parties decided to form the country's new government under Prachanda's leadership. CPN-MC General Secretary Dev Gurung said that the CPN-MC, CPN-UML, and other parties staked their claim on the premiership of Prachanda at the President's Office ‘Sheetalniwas’ by submitting 165 lawmakers' signatures under the Constitution's Article 76 (2). "He has been appointed and commands the support of a big majority of parliament," said Tika Dhakal, an aide to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. The oath taking ceremony is likely to be held on Monday at 4 pm. Along with Prachanda, Rastriya Prajatantra Party president Rajendra Lingden, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Ravi Lamichhane and Janata Samajwadi Party president Upendra Yadav had reached the residence of Oli, where they decided to appoint Prachanda as the next prime minister. ALSO READ | Nepal president grants one-week time to parties for forming new government In the meeting, Prachanda and Oli reached an understanding that they will lead the new government on a rotational basis and the latter then agreed to give Prachanda the first chance to become the prime minister as per his demand. "This is the understanding. Remaining work of distribution of key other posts and ministries is still to be worked out," said Gurung after the meeting. The new ruling alliance received the support of 165 lawmakers in the House of Representatives' 275 members which includes CPN-UML with 78, CPN-MC with 32, RSP with 20, RPP with 14, JSP with 12, Janamat with 6 and Nagarik Unmukti Party with three. "As the largest party, the Nepali Congress failed to form a government under its leadership as per Article 76(2) of the Constitution within the president's deadline. Now, the CPN-UML has taken the initiative to form the new government under the leadership of Prachanda with the support of 165 lawmakers," said CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel, after the meeting. WATCH| Nepal: Ruling coalition leaders to hold meeting, deadline to name new Prime Minister Ruling alliance breaks On Sunday, Nepal's ruling alliance broke after Nepali Congress president and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba failed to finalise a power-sharing deal with CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Prachanda. The talks held over the power-sharing deal failed at the prime minister's residence at Baluwatar after Prachanda's offer of becoming the country's next prime minister in the first two and half years of the five-year term was rejected by PM Deuba, said CPN-MC Secretary Ganesh Shah. Earlier, Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to a tacit understanding that they would become the prime minister of the new government on a rotational basis. In the talks held on Sunday morning with Prachanda, Nepali Congress had tried to claim the two key posts of the government – the prime minister and president, which Prachanda had refused, leading to the failure of the talks, stated Maoist sources. The speaker's post was offered by the Nepali Congress to the Maoist Party, which Prachanda immediately rejected. “Now the alliance has broken as the last-minute talks between Deuba and Prachanda failed to strike a deal,” said Shah. After failing to reach the power-sharing deal with PM Deuba, Prachanda visited CPN-UML chairman Oli at his residence to seek his support for becoming the country's next prime minister. After the elections, Nepali Congress had emerged as the House of Representatives' largest party with 89 seats, while CPN-UML and CPN-MC were able to clinch 78 and 32 seats, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' appointed as Nepal’s PM with Oli-led CPN-UML’s support

A week-long 8th General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded, selecting 236 Central Committee (CC) members and endorsing a political document tabled by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.&nbsp;

The document says the&nbsp;Millennium Challenge Corporation&nbsp;(MCC) compact will be approved only after amendments and only on the basis of broad political consensus.

The closed session of the party endorsed the names proposed by Prachanda. The size of the Central Committee is 299 and Prachanda will nominate the rest of the&nbsp;members.

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The Central Committee will select the party’s 15-member office bearer. The convention was held to elect the Maoist party chairman, 15 office bearers, and a 299-member Central Committee.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, Dahal presented his political report titled&nbsp;“The Path to Socialism in the 21st Century”&nbsp;before the seven-member closed-session that includes Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Ganesh Shah, Parshuram Tamang, Parshuram Ramtel, Purna Kumari Subedi, and Rupa Shrestha Maharjan.

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Dahal in his document has outlined the Nepali way to achieve socialism in the 21st century. He added that the party should strive to ensure identity-based federalism from three fronts - street, parliament, and the government.

“The document includes reviews of where we went wrong in the past in terms of ideas, organization, structure building, and strategy,” Dahal had said on Sunday.&nbsp;

“The document will start the process of formation of revolutionary ideas of the party, lead the party in a revolutionary direction and initiate a great debate for the synthesis of ideas,” he further added.&nbsp;

In the Maoist party, the political document presented by the chairman defines the course for the organisation.&nbsp;

Political leadership from other political parties made notable remarks on issues ranging from the much-contested MCC to social and transitional justice to Maoist reunification.

Prime Minister Deuba, recently re-elected party leader at his own&nbsp;Nepali Congress&nbsp;general convention, maintained that the MCC would be ratified in&nbsp;Parliament soon, with forging consensus among political alliance and urged people to “actually read and be informed on the terms of the MCC before branding it as anti-national, traitorous, and against the interest of the country”.&nbsp;

The Maoist party was formed in 1995, and has all along followed Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. It launched “people’s war” in February 1996. In 2006, the party laid down arms following a peace deal and joined mainstream politics.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A week-long 8th General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded, selecting 236 Central Committee (CC) members and endorsing a political document tabled by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

A week-long 8th General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded, selecting 236 Central Committee (CC) members and endorsing a political document tabled by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. The document says the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact will be approved only after amendments and only on the basis of broad political consensus. The closed session of the party endorsed the names proposed by Prachanda. The size of the Central Committee is 299 and Prachanda will nominate the rest of the members. Also read | Preparations for Nepal National Assembly elections have now begun The Central Committee will select the party’s 15-member office bearer. The convention was held to elect the Maoist party chairman, 15 office bearers, and a 299-member Central Committee. Earlier on Monday, Dahal presented his political report titled “The Path to Socialism in the 21st Century” before the seven-member closed-session that includes Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Ganesh Shah, Parshuram Tamang, Parshuram Ramtel, Purna Kumari Subedi, and Rupa Shrestha Maharjan. Also see | Nepal's historic Boudhanath Stupa swaps synthetic prayer flags with biodegradable ones Dahal in his document has outlined the Nepali way to achieve socialism in the 21st century. He added that the party should strive to ensure identity-based federalism from three fronts - street, parliament, and the government. “The document includes reviews of where we went wrong in the past in terms of ideas, organization, structure building, and strategy,” Dahal had said on Sunday. “The document will start the process of formation of revolutionary ideas of the party, lead the party in a revolutionary direction and initiate a great debate for the synthesis of ideas,” he further added. In the Maoist party, the political document presented by the chairman defines the course for the organisation. Political leadership from other political parties made notable remarks on issues ranging from the much-contested MCC to social and transitional justice to Maoist reunification. Prime Minister Deuba, recently re-elected party leader at his own Nepali Congress general convention, maintained that the MCC would be ratified in Parliament soon, with forging consensus among political alliance and urged people to “actually read and be informed on the terms of the MCC before branding it as anti-national, traitorous, and against the interest of the country”. The Maoist party was formed in 1995, and has all along followed Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. It launched “people’s war” in February 1996. In 2006, the party laid down arms following a peace deal and joined mainstream politics.

Nepal’s Maoist party concludes convention, demands amendments in MCC

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Sunday asked its ministers in Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's government to resign en masse for breaching party discipline, amid their reluctance to quit the Cabinet. 
 
This is the second time the the splinter faction of the Nepal Communist Party has instructed its ministers in the Oli government to resign from their posts. 
 
The Central Committee meeting of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) on Sunday asked Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and Energy Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi to resign en masse for breaching party discipline, My Republica newspaper reported. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, the party recalled its ministers from the Cabinet and directed all its leaders nominated at the CPN-UML Central Committee to make their positions clear within 24 hours. 
 
However, all ministers belonging to the CPN (MC) including Home Minister Thapa and Energy Minister Rayamajhi seem non-committal to the party's decision as of now, the paper said. 
 
As the ministers belonging to the party are seen reluctant to tender their resignations, the party will now write to them in person to do so, said Ganesh Shah, a central committee member of the CPN (MC). 
 
Sunday's meeting also discussed taking action against its cabinet ministers in the government, according to party leaders. 
 
Industry Minister Lekhraj Bhatta, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Sah and Labor Minister Gaurishankar Chaudhari are parliamentarians belonging to the CPN (MC), while Water Supply Minister Mani Thapa and Youth Minister Dawa Lama are central leaders of the party. 
 
As per the legal provision, lawmakers will lose their seats in the upper house and the lower house of Parliament if they choose to leave the party or their party decides to expel them from the party. 
 
On Friday, the Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) led by Prime Minister Oli had nominated 23 leaders of Maoist Centre, including the ministers to the party's central committee which the faction opposing him has said is against the norms of the party. 
 
Nepal's Election Commission on Tuesday asked the CPN (UML) led by Oli and the CPN (Maoist Center) led by Prachanda to come up with a new name and election symbol of the party if they decide to merge their parties again after the Supreme Court quashed the 2018 unification of the two parties. 
 
The CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following the victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections.

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Sunday asked its ministers in Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's government to resign en masse for breaching party discipline, amid their reluctance to quit the Cabinet.

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Sunday asked its ministers in Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's government to resign en masse for breaching party discipline, amid their reluctance to quit the Cabinet. This is the second time the the splinter faction of the Nepal Communist Party has instructed its ministers in the Oli government to resign from their posts. The Central Committee meeting of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) on Sunday asked Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and Energy Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi to resign en masse for breaching party discipline, My Republica newspaper reported. Earlier on Saturday, the party recalled its ministers from the Cabinet and directed all its leaders nominated at the CPN-UML Central Committee to make their positions clear within 24 hours. However, all ministers belonging to the CPN (MC) including Home Minister Thapa and Energy Minister Rayamajhi seem non-committal to the party's decision as of now, the paper said. As the ministers belonging to the party are seen reluctant to tender their resignations, the party will now write to them in person to do so, said Ganesh Shah, a central committee member of the CPN (MC). Sunday's meeting also discussed taking action against its cabinet ministers in the government, according to party leaders. Industry Minister Lekhraj Bhatta, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Sah and Labor Minister Gaurishankar Chaudhari are parliamentarians belonging to the CPN (MC), while Water Supply Minister Mani Thapa and Youth Minister Dawa Lama are central leaders of the party. As per the legal provision, lawmakers will lose their seats in the upper house and the lower house of Parliament if they choose to leave the party or their party decides to expel them from the party. On Friday, the Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) led by Prime Minister Oli had nominated 23 leaders of Maoist Centre, including the ministers to the party's central committee which the faction opposing him has said is against the norms of the party. Nepal's Election Commission on Tuesday asked the CPN (UML) led by Oli and the CPN (Maoist Center) led by Prachanda to come up with a new name and election symbol of the party if they decide to merge their parties again after the Supreme Court quashed the 2018 unification of the two parties. The CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following the victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections.

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) asks its ministers in Oli-led govt to resign en-masse

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Saturday recalled its ministers from the Cabinet led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and directed all its leaders nominated at the CPN-UML Central Committee to make their positions clear within 24 hours, intensifying the rift between the two factions.&nbsp;

Among the ministers called back are Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Minister for Water Supply Mani Chandra Thapa, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Shah, Minister for Youth and Sports Dawa Lama Tamang and Minister for Labour Gauri Shankar Chaudhary, the Kathmandu Post reported.&nbsp;

The decision was taken by the standing committee meeting of the CPN-MC held this morning at Paris Danda, the Centre's party office here.&nbsp;

"Our Standing Committee meeting has decided to call back all our ministers in the federal government and told the leaders nominated by UML to make their position clear within 24 hours," Devendra Poudel, a Standing Committee member, was quoted as saying by the daily.&nbsp;

"We will begin action against those failing to abide by the party's decisions, he said.&nbsp;

As per the legal provision, lawmakers will lose their seats in the upper house and the lower house of Parliament if they choose to leave the party or their party decides to expel them from the party.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) led by Prime Minister Oli had nominated 23 leaders of Maoist Centre, including the ministers to the party's central committee which the faction opposing him has said is against the norms of the party.&nbsp;

Since the Supreme Court invalidated the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) merger and revived its constituents CPN-UML and Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre) on Sunday last, Oli has been keeping at bay the faction led by Madhav Kumar Nepal that had opposed him and tightening his hold on the party by relieving leaders close to Nepal from party positions, the daily said.&nbsp;

Nepal's Election Commission on Tuesday asked the CPN (UML) led by Oli and the CPN (Maoist Center) led by Prachanda to come up with a new name and election symbol of the party if they decide to merge their parties again after the Supreme Court quashed the 2018 unification of the two parties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Saturday recalled its ministers from the Cabinet led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and directed all its leaders nominated at the CPN-UML Central Committee to make their positions clear within 24 hours, intensifying the rift between the two factions.

Nepal's CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Saturday recalled its ministers from the Cabinet led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and directed all its leaders nominated at the CPN-UML Central Committee to make their positions clear within 24 hours, intensifying the rift between the two factions. Among the ministers called back are Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Minister for Water Supply Mani Chandra Thapa, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Shah, Minister for Youth and Sports Dawa Lama Tamang and Minister for Labour Gauri Shankar Chaudhary, the Kathmandu Post reported. The decision was taken by the standing committee meeting of the CPN-MC held this morning at Paris Danda, the Centre's party office here. "Our Standing Committee meeting has decided to call back all our ministers in the federal government and told the leaders nominated by UML to make their position clear within 24 hours," Devendra Poudel, a Standing Committee member, was quoted as saying by the daily. "We will begin action against those failing to abide by the party's decisions, he said. As per the legal provision, lawmakers will lose their seats in the upper house and the lower house of Parliament if they choose to leave the party or their party decides to expel them from the party. On Friday, the Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) led by Prime Minister Oli had nominated 23 leaders of Maoist Centre, including the ministers to the party's central committee which the faction opposing him has said is against the norms of the party. Since the Supreme Court invalidated the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) merger and revived its constituents CPN-UML and Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre) on Sunday last, Oli has been keeping at bay the faction led by Madhav Kumar Nepal that had opposed him and tightening his hold on the party by relieving leaders close to Nepal from party positions, the daily said. Nepal's Election Commission on Tuesday asked the CPN (UML) led by Oli and the CPN (Maoist Center) led by Prachanda to come up with a new name and election symbol of the party if they decide to merge their parties again after the Supreme Court quashed the 2018 unification of the two parties. (With inputs from agencies)

Prachanda-led Maoist Centre recalls its ministers from Oli's Cabinet 

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.&nbsp;

Passing a verdict on legitimacy of Nepal Communist Party challenged by veteran Communist leader Rishiram Kattel in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the original Nepal Communist Party or NCP is headed by Kattel and not Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or the faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal or 'Prachanda'. The Supreme Court decided to award the Nepal Communist Party leadership to Kattel.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court's decision has pushed Nepal’s ruling party into a state of confusion and disarray.&nbsp;

Quashing the Election Commission’s decision to award the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leadership to Oli and Dahal, the top court has said the then CPN-UML and then CPN (Maoist Centre) would return to the pre-merger stage and if they were to merge, they should apply to the Election Commission as per the Political Parties Act. Oli's CPN-UML and Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) had announced their merger in May 2018.&nbsp;

"The Supreme Court's ruling came beyond our expectations," Prachanda said, adding that "we cannot comment on it without going through the detailed text of the verdict." The Prachanda-led faction also held an emergency meeting after the verdict.&nbsp;

But the Oli faction is happy with the verdict. Oli's CPN-UML was the largest party in 2017 election. Later it merged with Prachanda-led CPN (Maoist Centre) and formed the Nepal Communist Party in 2018 and became the largest party in the Parliament with almost two-third seats.&nbsp;

"We respect the verdict, we believe in the independence of the judiciary," party secretary general and Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel said.&nbsp;

Both Oli and Prachanda factions are functioning as two parties though they have not technically split after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House on December 20 and declared snap polls. Oli's decision has created a furor and opposition inside the ruling party.&nbsp;

The Prachanda-led faction has already claimed legitimacy with the Elections Commission saying it has a majority of the central committee members. But the Election Commission could not take a decision on the party split because Oli is also claiming the same.&nbsp;

Kattel had challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal in May 2018.&nbsp;

The bench has said that the new party cannot be registered with the Election Commission when it already has a party registered with a similar name.&nbsp;

The decision came just hours before the scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives where the two factions of the Nepal Communist Party are battling to show their majority.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties.

In a surprise and unexpected decision, Nepal's Supreme Court on Sunday annulled the unification of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's factions and paved the way for them to be divided into two separate parties. Passing a verdict on legitimacy of Nepal Communist Party challenged by veteran Communist leader Rishiram Kattel in 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the original Nepal Communist Party or NCP is headed by Kattel and not Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or the faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal or 'Prachanda'. The Supreme Court decided to award the Nepal Communist Party leadership to Kattel. The Supreme Court's decision has pushed Nepal’s ruling party into a state of confusion and disarray. Quashing the Election Commission’s decision to award the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leadership to Oli and Dahal, the top court has said the then CPN-UML and then CPN (Maoist Centre) would return to the pre-merger stage and if they were to merge, they should apply to the Election Commission as per the Political Parties Act. Oli's CPN-UML and Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) had announced their merger in May 2018. "The Supreme Court's ruling came beyond our expectations," Prachanda said, adding that "we cannot comment on it without going through the detailed text of the verdict." The Prachanda-led faction also held an emergency meeting after the verdict. But the Oli faction is happy with the verdict. Oli's CPN-UML was the largest party in 2017 election. Later it merged with Prachanda-led CPN (Maoist Centre) and formed the Nepal Communist Party in 2018 and became the largest party in the Parliament with almost two-third seats. "We respect the verdict, we believe in the independence of the judiciary," party secretary general and Finance Minister, Bishnu Poudel said. Both Oli and Prachanda factions are functioning as two parties though they have not technically split after Prime Minister Oli dissolved the House on December 20 and declared snap polls. Oli's decision has created a furor and opposition inside the ruling party. The Prachanda-led faction has already claimed legitimacy with the Elections Commission saying it has a majority of the central committee members. But the Election Commission could not take a decision on the party split because Oli is also claiming the same. Kattel had challenged the Election Commission's decision to register Nepal Communist Party (NCP) under Oli and Dahal in May 2018. The bench has said that the new party cannot be registered with the Election Commission when it already has a party registered with a similar name. The decision came just hours before the scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives where the two factions of the Nepal Communist Party are battling to show their majority. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal’s Supreme Court annuls unification of NCP factions

The Nepal Communist Party's splinter faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Sunday announced a fresh agitation programme against the dissolution of the House of Representatives by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, in a surprise move, recommended dissolving the 275-member House, amidst a tussle for power with the chairman of the Nepal Communist Party's (NCP) splinter faction led by Prachanda.

Acting on the prime minister's recommendation, President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party.

The faction led by Prachanda&nbsp;and Madhav Kumar Nepal announced fresh agitations against the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

During a press conference on Sunday, the struggle committee led by the leader of the faction Narayan Kaji Shrestha said a human chain will be formed on February 19 around Tundikhel Open Ground in Kathmandu as a symbolic protest against the House dissolution&nbsp;and corruption.

The protest rallies will be staged in various districts across the country including capital city Kathmandu from February 17 to 24. The party will also launch a campaign to collect signatures against the dissolution from February 19 to 27 at various public places.

The agitating faction had earlier staged protests from January 26 to February 10 under the third phase of protests against the dissolution of the House.

Defending his move to dissolve Parliament, Oli recently said some leaders tried to obstruct the functioning of his government and he had no other alternative other than seeking a fresh mandate.

?As some leaders tried to make Parliament defunct and obstruct the government's functioning, I was compelled to go for the fresh mandate. Such a situation was created in which the government was unable to move forward, which prompted us to go for elections,? he said on February 5.

Following the House dissolution, both the factions of the party, one led by Prachanda and the other by Oli have been staging public meetings and mass rallies across Nepal to show their strength.

Both Oli and the rival group claim to control the Nepal Communist Party and the issue is being disputed at the Election Commission. The rival faction even announced that it had ousted Oli from the party at a meeting last month.

Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following the victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections.

The Nepal Communist Party's splinter faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Sunday announced a fresh agitation programme against the dissolution of the House of Representatives by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The Nepal Communist Party's splinter faction led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Sunday announced a fresh agitation programme against the dissolution of the House of Representatives by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, in a surprise move, recommended dissolving the 275-member House, amidst a tussle for power with the chairman of the Nepal Communist Party's (NCP) splinter faction led by Prachanda. Acting on the prime minister's recommendation, President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. The faction led by Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal announced fresh agitations against the dissolution of the House of Representatives. During a press conference on Sunday, the struggle committee led by the leader of the faction Narayan Kaji Shrestha said a human chain will be formed on February 19 around Tundikhel Open Ground in Kathmandu as a symbolic protest against the House dissolution and corruption. The protest rallies will be staged in various districts across the country including capital city Kathmandu from February 17 to 24. The party will also launch a campaign to collect signatures against the dissolution from February 19 to 27 at various public places. The agitating faction had earlier staged protests from January 26 to February 10 under the third phase of protests against the dissolution of the House. Defending his move to dissolve Parliament, Oli recently said some leaders tried to obstruct the functioning of his government and he had no other alternative other than seeking a fresh mandate. ?As some leaders tried to make Parliament defunct and obstruct the government's functioning, I was compelled to go for the fresh mandate. Such a situation was created in which the government was unable to move forward, which prompted us to go for elections,? he said on February 5. Following the House dissolution, both the factions of the party, one led by Prachanda and the other by Oli have been staging public meetings and mass rallies across Nepal to show their strength. Both Oli and the rival group claim to control the Nepal Communist Party and the issue is being disputed at the Election Commission. The rival faction even announced that it had ousted Oli from the party at a meeting last month. Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following the victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections.

Prachanda-led group announces fresh agitation against House dissolution in Nepal

The Nepal political crisis continues to deepen as Prime Minister K.P. Oli's communist rival Prachanda is protesting against him. Prachanda calls dissolution unconstitutional.

KP Oli vs Prachanda: Communist rival Prachanda protests against PM Oli

Prominent Nepali Communist Prachanda, a leading opponent within the ruling party of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's decision to call for an early election, said on Wednesday the premier should resign and repent over the move.

Nepal was plunged into crisis on December&nbsp;20 when Oli declared he could no longer work with rivals in his Nepal Communist Party (NCP), dissolved parliament and called for a fresh election more than a year ahead of schedule.

Tens of thousands of people have since joined protests for or against the move.

"K.P.Oli if you want some political space, there is still time for you to resign and express repentance publicly," Prachanda told an anti-Oli rally.

Prachanda, a former prime minister who still goes by the nom de guerre he used while leading a decade-long Maoist insurgency that ended in 2006, said protests to oppose Oli's "unconstitutional" move would rage across Nepal.

"Oli is not interested in the election ... don't be misled by his talks about elections, they can't be held as planned," Prachanda told the cheering and whistle-blowing crowds, near Oli's office in the capital Kathmandu.

Oli blames Prachanda and other opponents in the party for a lack of cooperation he says has stymied effective government as the Himalayan nation seeks to navigate a pandemic-induced economic crisis.

The Supreme Court is hearing more than a dozen petitions challenging the dissolution of parliament. Judges are expected to give their verdict this month.

If the verdict is in Oli's favour then Nepal faces an election in two phases, on April 30 and May 10.

Last week, addressing a rally of supporters in Kathmandu, Oli said the dissolution of parliament was his prerogative and pledged that the vote would be held on schedule.

Nepal, a country of 30 million people, has seen vital remittances and tourism revenue hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected 272,349 people in the country, with 2,047 deaths.

Prominent Nepali Communist Prachanda, a leading opponent within the ruling party of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's decision to call for an early election, said on Wednesday the premier should resign and repent over the move.

Prominent Nepali Communist Prachanda, a leading opponent within the ruling party of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's decision to call for an early election, said on Wednesday the premier should resign and repent over the move. Nepal was plunged into crisis on December 20 when Oli declared he could no longer work with rivals in his Nepal Communist Party (NCP), dissolved parliament and called for a fresh election more than a year ahead of schedule. Tens of thousands of people have since joined protests for or against the move. "K.P.Oli if you want some political space, there is still time for you to resign and express repentance publicly," Prachanda told an anti-Oli rally. Prachanda, a former prime minister who still goes by the nom de guerre he used while leading a decade-long Maoist insurgency that ended in 2006, said protests to oppose Oli's "unconstitutional" move would rage across Nepal. "Oli is not interested in the election ... don't be misled by his talks about elections, they can't be held as planned," Prachanda told the cheering and whistle-blowing crowds, near Oli's office in the capital Kathmandu. Oli blames Prachanda and other opponents in the party for a lack of cooperation he says has stymied effective government as the Himalayan nation seeks to navigate a pandemic-induced economic crisis. The Supreme Court is hearing more than a dozen petitions challenging the dissolution of parliament. Judges are expected to give their verdict this month. If the verdict is in Oli's favour then Nepal faces an election in two phases, on April 30 and May 10. Last week, addressing a rally of supporters in Kathmandu, Oli said the dissolution of parliament was his prerogative and pledged that the vote would be held on schedule. Nepal, a country of 30 million people, has seen vital remittances and tourism revenue hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected 272,349 people in the country, with 2,047 deaths.

Communist rival says Nepal PM Oli should resign and repent

The Prachanda faction of the Nepal Communist Party has taken disciplinary action against Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and removed him from the party's general membership.

Prachanda faction expels PM Oli from Nepal Communist Party's general membership

Nepal's Election Commission has refused to recognise any of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) as the official party, saying both failed to adopt due procedures to gain the legitimate status.

The election commission in its decision on Sunday stated that since both the groups — one led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and other by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — failed to adopt due procedures, they would not gain any recognition.

With the latest decision of the election commission, Oli and Prachanda remain the chairpersons despite a vertical split in the party.

The Prachanda-led faction had earlier removed Oli from the post of Chairman and picked Madhav Kumar Nepal in his place. The faction on Sunday decided to strip Oli of even the party's general membership.

The Prachanda-led faction claimed that they should be recognised as the official NCP as they command the majority in the party's Secretariat, Standing Committee, and Central Committee.

EC officials said it is difficult to bring any amendments, changes, or reshuffle in the record as demanded by both the factions of the NCP as per the party's statute.

The ruling NCP saw a vertical split across the party's committees after Prime Minister Oli decided to dissolve the House of Representatives and announced midterm elections for April 30 and May 10.

Both Oli and Prachanda factions have been holding mass gatherings and other party activities to show their strength.&nbsp;

Nepal's Election Commission has refused to recognise any of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) as the official party, saying both failed to adopt due procedures to gain the legitimate status.

Nepal's Election Commission has refused to recognise any of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) as the official party, saying both failed to adopt due procedures to gain the legitimate status. The election commission in its decision on Sunday stated that since both the groups — one led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" and other by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — failed to adopt due procedures, they would not gain any recognition. With the latest decision of the election commission, Oli and Prachanda remain the chairpersons despite a vertical split in the party. The Prachanda-led faction had earlier removed Oli from the post of Chairman and picked Madhav Kumar Nepal in his place. The faction on Sunday decided to strip Oli of even the party's general membership. The Prachanda-led faction claimed that they should be recognised as the official NCP as they command the majority in the party's Secretariat, Standing Committee, and Central Committee. EC officials said it is difficult to bring any amendments, changes, or reshuffle in the record as demanded by both the factions of the NCP as per the party's statute. The ruling NCP saw a vertical split across the party's committees after Prime Minister Oli decided to dissolve the House of Representatives and announced midterm elections for April 30 and May 10. Both Oli and Prachanda factions have been holding mass gatherings and other party activities to show their strength.

Nepal EC refuses to recognise either faction of ruling NCP as official party

The Prachanda faction of the Nepal Communist Party has taken a disciplinary action against Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and removed him from the party's general membership.

A Standing Committee meeting of the faction held on Sunday decided to expel Oli from the party, its spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha told the media.

The dissident faction has alleged Oli breached the party discipline and is liable to expulsion from the party. It had earlier relieved him from the post of party Chairman.

The Nepal Communist Party, which has not split formally but has virtually fallen apart after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli unilaterally decided to dissolve the House of Representatives on December 20 without the party's consent.

Since then, the Nepal Communist Party is acting like two parties — one headed by Oli himself and the other led by former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal. Both sides are running separate programmes across the country under the same banner as they await official recognition from the Election Commission.

The latest political development came two days after the NCP's splinter faction led a massive anti-government rally, saying the "unconstitutional" dissolution of the Parliament by Prime Minister Oli has posed serious threats to the country's hard-earned federal democratic republic system.

Prachanda last week said that by dissolving the House, Oli has given a blow to the Constitution as well as the democratic republic system which has been established in the country through seven decades of struggle by the people.

Madhav Nepal, who last month replaced Oli as the chairman of the party by Prachanda-led faction, said that the Constitution has not given rights to the prime minister to dissolve Parliament.

Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, known for his pro-China leanings, in a surprise move dissolved Parliament, amidst a tussle for power with Prachanda.

His move to dissolve the 275-member House, sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party.

Oli, who is the chairperson of a faction of the NCP, has said he was forced to dissolve the House after knowing that the Prachanda-led faction was planning to file a no-confidence motion against him and introduce an impeachment motion against President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following the victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections.

After a vertical split in the ruling party following the dissolution of the House, both the factions, one led by Oli and another led by Prachanda, have submitted separate applications at the Election Commission claiming that their faction is the genuine party and asked to provide them the election symbol of the party.

However, the Election Commission is yet to decide the matter.

In December, China sent a four-member high-level delegation to Nepal to prevent a split within the NCP.

The team - led by a Vice-minister of the Chinese Communist Party, Guo Yezhou - held separate meetings with several top NCP leaders before returning home without much success in its mission.

India has described Oli's sudden decision to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh elections as an "internal matter" that is for the country to decide as per its democratic processes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Prachanda faction of the Nepal Communist Party has taken a disciplinary action against Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and removed him from the party's general membership.

The Prachanda faction of the Nepal Communist Party has taken a disciplinary action against Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and removed him from the party's general membership. A Standing Committee meeting of the faction held on Sunday decided to expel Oli from the party, its spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha told the media. The dissident faction has alleged Oli breached the party discipline and is liable to expulsion from the party. It had earlier relieved him from the post of party Chairman. The Nepal Communist Party, which has not split formally but has virtually fallen apart after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli unilaterally decided to dissolve the House of Representatives on December 20 without the party's consent. Since then, the Nepal Communist Party is acting like two parties — one headed by Oli himself and the other led by former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal. Both sides are running separate programmes across the country under the same banner as they await official recognition from the Election Commission. The latest political development came two days after the NCP's splinter faction led a massive anti-government rally, saying the "unconstitutional" dissolution of the Parliament by Prime Minister Oli has posed serious threats to the country's hard-earned federal democratic republic system. Prachanda last week said that by dissolving the House, Oli has given a blow to the Constitution as well as the democratic republic system which has been established in the country through seven decades of struggle by the people. Madhav Nepal, who last month replaced Oli as the chairman of the party by Prachanda-led faction, said that the Constitution has not given rights to the prime minister to dissolve Parliament. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Oli, known for his pro-China leanings, in a surprise move dissolved Parliament, amidst a tussle for power with Prachanda. His move to dissolve the 275-member House, sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. Oli, who is the chairperson of a faction of the NCP, has said he was forced to dissolve the House after knowing that the Prachanda-led faction was planning to file a no-confidence motion against him and introduce an impeachment motion against President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Oli-led CPN-UML and Prachanda-led NCP (Maoist Centre) merged in May 2018 to form a unified Nepal Communist Party following the victory of their alliance in the 2017 general elections. After a vertical split in the ruling party following the dissolution of the House, both the factions, one led by Oli and another led by Prachanda, have submitted separate applications at the Election Commission claiming that their faction is the genuine party and asked to provide them the election symbol of the party. However, the Election Commission is yet to decide the matter. In December, China sent a four-member high-level delegation to Nepal to prevent a split within the NCP. The team - led by a Vice-minister of the Chinese Communist Party, Guo Yezhou - held separate meetings with several top NCP leaders before returning home without much success in its mission. India has described Oli's sudden decision to dissolve Parliament and call for fresh elections as an "internal matter" that is for the country to decide as per its democratic processes. (With inputs from agencies)

The four-member delegation deputed by President Xi Jinping of China and led by GuoYezhou, a Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee concluded its four days visit to Nepal (30th December). Reports at hand suggest that Guo Yezhou failed in his mission to resolve the intra-party feud in the ruling Nepal Communist Party. He also&nbsp;could not&nbsp;derive any assurances from the top leadership of the party in this context.

The current constitutional crisis and political instability in Nepal are a result of Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli’s surprise decision (20th December) to dissolve the Parliament in which his ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) enjoyed&nbsp;a two-third majority. The mid-term elections are due in April/May next year.

The crisis was in the making for the past several months due to intra-party squabbles in NCP. The feud is largely over the issue of power-sharing between the two top party leaders- former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda and current PM KP Oli. Both of them&nbsp;were elected as Co-Chairs of the Nepal Communist Party when it was formed in May 2018&nbsp;through the merger of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist), led by K.P. Oli and the Communist Party of Nepal&nbsp;(Maoist-Centre) led by Prachanda; Several agreements in the past two-and-a-half years including the one in mid-September this year have failed to resolve this key issue.&nbsp;

The failure of the Chinese&nbsp;delegation should be viewed as a setback for China and a personal humiliation for Guo Yezhou who had played an important role in the unification of the two left parties to create the largest communist party in South Asia.

There are enough reasons for China to feel concerned over the political instability in Nepal. China’s footprints in Nepal have steadily increased in recent past as reflected inter-alia in its large scale investments and pledges, particularly in energy and infrastructure and connectivity sectors, enhanced political influence and Nepal’s subscription to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative; some of this has arguably come at the expense of India.&nbsp;

A split in the NCP would reduce the combined influence of the leftists on Nepal’s political horizon and diminish the chances of the NCP returning to power as a single largest party at the mid-term elections. Further, from China’s perspective, a change in guard in Nepal could mean the loss of an important ally in South Asia and to that extent its ability to reduce India’s influence in its immediate neighbourhood.

India appears to have treaded carefully and cautiously while responding earlier to anti-India actions and utterances by PM Oli and now to the situation of political instability in Nepal. India did react through a very strongly worded statement when Nepal released a new political map in May 2020 which included some of the Indian territories e.g. Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh within its own borders.

However, India took no such measures as could be viewed even remotely as retaliatory or punitive in nature. Instead, India pursued uninterruptedly its development assistance to Nepal while continuing to engage its leadership at different levels. The visits of the R&amp;AW chief, army chief and foreign secretary to Nepal were some of the important links in this chain of sustained bilateral exchanges.

India’s studied silence on political developments in Nepal is in sharp contrast with China’s blatant interference in the internal affairs of Nepal, initially by China’s ambassador to Nepal and recently through the CPC delegation’s visit to Kathmandu and its interaction with major political parties in Nepal.

India has obviously learnt a lesson from the past that perceptions are often louder than actions. On a previous occasion when a segment of the Nepali population’s agitation against new constitution of Nepal had caused blockades at Nepal –India borders causing enormous disruptions in supplies of essential commodities to Nepal, the popular perception in Nepal was that the blockades had been engineered by India to arm-twist the Nepalese government to amend constitution to accommodate the demands by the agitating Nepalese of Indian origin residing largely along India-Nepal border areas. The erroneous perceptions had caused a certain degree of damage to the goodwill India has enjoyed all along in Nepal.

Further developments in Nepal would depend to a great extent on the much-awaited verdict of the Supreme Court of Nepal which is looking into the constitutional validity&nbsp;of the dissolution of Parliament without exploring the possibility of formation of an alternative government. Meanwhile, India’s current approach should help restore and strengthen its reputation in Nepal where a large number of people see their future in good relations with India as these relations are rooted in history, language, religion and social believes and customs.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

The four-member delegation deputed by President Xi Jinping of China and led by GuoYezhou, a Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee concluded its four days visit to Nepal (30th December).

The four-member delegation deputed by President Xi Jinping of China and led by GuoYezhou, a Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee concluded its four days visit to Nepal (30th December). Reports at hand suggest that Guo Yezhou failed in his mission to resolve the intra-party feud in the ruling Nepal Communist Party. He also could not derive any assurances from the top leadership of the party in this context. The current constitutional crisis and political instability in Nepal are a result of Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli’s surprise decision (20th December) to dissolve the Parliament in which his ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) enjoyed a two-third majority. The mid-term elections are due in April/May next year. The crisis was in the making for the past several months due to intra-party squabbles in NCP. The feud is largely over the issue of power-sharing between the two top party leaders- former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda and current PM KP Oli. Both of them were elected as Co-Chairs of the Nepal Communist Party when it was formed in May 2018 through the merger of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist), led by K.P. Oli and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre) led by Prachanda; Several agreements in the past two-and-a-half years including the one in mid-September this year have failed to resolve this key issue. The failure of the Chinese delegation should be viewed as a setback for China and a personal humiliation for Guo Yezhou who had played an important role in the unification of the two left parties to create the largest communist party in South Asia. There are enough reasons for China to feel concerned over the political instability in Nepal. China’s footprints in Nepal have steadily increased in recent past as reflected inter-alia in its large scale investments and pledges, particularly in energy and infrastructure and connectivity sectors, enhanced political influence and Nepal’s subscription to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative; some of this has arguably come at the expense of India. A split in the NCP would reduce the combined influence of the leftists on Nepal’s political horizon and diminish the chances of the NCP returning to power as a single largest party at the mid-term elections. Further, from China’s perspective, a change in guard in Nepal could mean the loss of an important ally in South Asia and to that extent its ability to reduce India’s influence in its immediate neighbourhood. India appears to have treaded carefully and cautiously while responding earlier to anti-India actions and utterances by PM Oli and now to the situation of political instability in Nepal. India did react through a very strongly worded statement when Nepal released a new political map in May 2020 which included some of the Indian territories e.g. Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh within its own borders. However, India took no such measures as could be viewed even remotely as retaliatory or punitive in nature. Instead, India pursued uninterruptedly its development assistance to Nepal while continuing to engage its leadership at different levels. The visits of the R&AW chief, army chief and foreign secretary to Nepal were some of the important links in this chain of sustained bilateral exchanges. India’s studied silence on political developments in Nepal is in sharp contrast with China’s blatant interference in the internal affairs of Nepal, initially by China’s ambassador to Nepal and recently through the CPC delegation’s visit to Kathmandu and its interaction with major political parties in Nepal. India has obviously learnt a lesson from the past that perceptions are often louder than actions. On a previous occasion when a segment of the Nepali population’s agitation against new constitution of Nepal had caused blockades at Nepal –India borders causing enormous disruptions in supplies of essential commodities to Nepal, the popular perception in Nepal was that the blockades had been engineered by India to arm-twist the Nepalese government to amend constitution to accommodate the demands by the agitating Nepalese of Indian origin residing largely along India-Nepal border areas. The erroneous perceptions had caused a certain degree of damage to the goodwill India has enjoyed all along in Nepal. Further developments in Nepal would depend to a great extent on the much-awaited verdict of the Supreme Court of Nepal which is looking into the constitutional validity of the dissolution of Parliament without exploring the possibility of formation of an alternative government. Meanwhile, India’s current approach should help restore and strengthen its reputation in Nepal where a large number of people see their future in good relations with India as these relations are rooted in history, language, religion and social believes and customs. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Opinion: What options does India have amid political instability in Nepal?

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on Friday staged an anti-government rally in the national capital, demanding the restoration of constitutional monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal.

Hundreds of supporters of the RPP started the protest march from Bhrikutimandap which converged into an assembly at Ratnapark open ground in the heart of Kathmandu.

The party leaders criticised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's act of dissolving the House of Representatives. 
Addressing the rally, RPP Chairpersons Kamal Thapa and Pashupati Shamsher Rana demanded Nepal be re-declared a Hindu state and constitutional monarchy be re-instated.

There is no alternative to reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state for protecting democracy and bringing political stability in the country, the RPP leaders said.

Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy.

The party demanded a round table conference with the inclusion of the dethroned monarchy, effective management of corona pandemic, ending corruption and employment for youths.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on Friday staged an anti-government rally in the national capital, demanding the restoration of constitutional monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on Friday staged an anti-government rally in the national capital, demanding the restoration of constitutional monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal. Hundreds of supporters of the RPP started the protest march from Bhrikutimandap which converged into an assembly at Ratnapark open ground in the heart of Kathmandu. The party leaders criticised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's act of dissolving the House of Representatives. Addressing the rally, RPP Chairpersons Kamal Thapa and Pashupati Shamsher Rana demanded Nepal be re-declared a Hindu state and constitutional monarchy be re-instated. There is no alternative to reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state for protecting democracy and bringing political stability in the country, the RPP leaders said. Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy. The party demanded a round table conference with the inclusion of the dethroned monarchy, effective management of corona pandemic, ending corruption and employment for youths.

RPP demands reinstatement of constitutional monarchy in Nepal

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Prachanda accused present PM KP Sharma Oli of murdering democracy in the country.

WION Dispatch: Prachanda accused Oli of murdering democracy in Nepal

Chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's rival faction Madhav Kumar Nepal said on Tuesday that the party could still be united if Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was willing to accept his mistakes, as thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Kathmandu against the dissolution of Parliament.

Madhav Nepal made the comments while addressing a massive protest rally organised by his faction in Kathmandu, which was attended by former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Jhala Nath Khanal.

"We are ready to forget everything if Oli accepts his mistakes," Madhav Nepal, the former prime minister who has replaced Oli as chairman of the Prachanda-led faction, told the rally.

He also accused Prime Minister Oli of practicing anti-democratic activities by making decisions against the Constitution and the general public.

"All the political parties, intellectuals, teachers, students and public are on the streets against the unconstitutional move of the Oli-led government.

"The lower house will soon be revived," Madhav Nepal was quoted as saying by My Republica newspaper.

Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Prime Minister Oli, known for his pro-Beijing leanings, in a surprise move, recommended dissolving the 275-member House, amidst a tussle for power with Prachanda.

Acting on the prime minister's recommendation, President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party.

Addressing the rally, Prachanda said that Prime Minister Oli's recent move to dissolve the House of Representatives is aimed at killing federalism and republicanism which were achieved after decades of struggle by the people.

"Oli's move to give a blow to the Constitution as well as democratic system through dissolution of the lower (house of) Parliament will be written in black pages in history," he said.

Prachanda called one and all to stand together against Oli's "unconstitutional move", underlining the need to fight collectively.

"The act of dissolving parliament is totally unconstitutional. It has taken the country toward another round of political instability.

"We did not even imagine that we would be forced to take to the streets against Oli's regressive move.

Now, we have to fight collectively against this move," said Prachanda, who claims control over the ruling party after removing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from the posts of the party's parliamentary leader and chair.

"People had given us (the NCP) the mandate to ensure political stability with social justice so that we could move toward achieving a socialism-oriented system, he said, adding that unfortunately, Oli's abrupt decision to dissolve parliament without holding any discussion in the party has only invited political chaos.

Prachanda said that Oli has attacked the Constitution and republicanism that were achieved after a great struggle.

"I had personally taken initiatives for a merger between the two Communist parties and approached Oli for the same.

At that time, he agreed to accept federalism, secularism and republicanism although I was well aware of his political ideology and the fact that he was against federalism and republicanism he started to work against the spirit, ideology, principle and norms of a communist party," he said.

Prachanda said that Oli eventually turned autocratic, imposed hegemony in the party and even did not bother to consult other leaders before blatantly dissolving Parliament.

"Oli's tyranny will not last long because the people will firmly protest against his recent political move," he said.

Prachanda said it was not Parliament but the Oli-led government that had actually been dissolved for its wrong political move.

He expressed hope that Parliament will be reinstated through the Supreme Court's verdict.

"I have faith in the court. I hope that the Supreme Court will honour the emotions of the people. I cannot even imagine that the apex court will go against the wish of the people," he said.

Nepal's Supreme Court on Friday issued a show-cause notice to the Oli-led government, asking it to submit a written clarification over its decision to abruptly dissolve Parliament.

The five-member Constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana asked the government to submit an original copy of the recommendations made by it to dissolve the House and the decision made by the President to authenticate the government's recommendations within 10 days.

Prachanda, meanwhile, also accused Oli of having made several efforts time and again to split the NCP but had failed in the past one year even as the country was battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agitation will not stop unless the regressive move taken by Oli is neutralised, he added.

The Prachanda-led faction organised protest rallies at various places, including Koteshwor, Lagankhel, Tripureshwor, Maitighar, Thamel, Chabahil, Teku, New Baneshwor, Kupandol, Lainchaur, Naxal, Bagbazar and Ratnapark.

A 2,501-member "agitation mobilisation committee" was formed to launch protests in various districts of the country.

On Monday, thousands of the Nepali Congress supporters held demonstrators in all the 165 constituencies represented in the House to protest Prime Minister Oli's move to dissolve the parliament.

Chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's rival faction Madhav Kumar Nepal said on Tuesday that the party could still be united if Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was willing to accept his mistakes, as thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Kathmandu against the dissolution of Parliament.

Chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party's rival faction Madhav Kumar Nepal said on Tuesday that the party could still be united if Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was willing to accept his mistakes, as thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Kathmandu against the dissolution of Parliament. Madhav Nepal made the comments while addressing a massive protest rally organised by his faction in Kathmandu, which was attended by former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Jhala Nath Khanal. "We are ready to forget everything if Oli accepts his mistakes," Madhav Nepal, the former prime minister who has replaced Oli as chairman of the Prachanda-led faction, told the rally. He also accused Prime Minister Oli of practicing anti-democratic activities by making decisions against the Constitution and the general public. "All the political parties, intellectuals, teachers, students and public are on the streets against the unconstitutional move of the Oli-led government. "The lower house will soon be revived," Madhav Nepal was quoted as saying by My Republica newspaper. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 after Prime Minister Oli, known for his pro-Beijing leanings, in a surprise move, recommended dissolving the 275-member House, amidst a tussle for power with Prachanda. Acting on the prime minister's recommendation, President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. Addressing the rally, Prachanda said that Prime Minister Oli's recent move to dissolve the House of Representatives is aimed at killing federalism and republicanism which were achieved after decades of struggle by the people. "Oli's move to give a blow to the Constitution as well as democratic system through dissolution of the lower (house of) Parliament will be written in black pages in history," he said. Prachanda called one and all to stand together against Oli's "unconstitutional move", underlining the need to fight collectively. "The act of dissolving parliament is totally unconstitutional. It has taken the country toward another round of political instability. "We did not even imagine that we would be forced to take to the streets against Oli's regressive move. Now, we have to fight collectively against this move," said Prachanda, who claims control over the ruling party after removing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from the posts of the party's parliamentary leader and chair. "People had given us (the NCP) the mandate to ensure political stability with social justice so that we could move toward achieving a socialism-oriented system, he said, adding that unfortunately, Oli's abrupt decision to dissolve parliament without holding any discussion in the party has only invited political chaos. Prachanda said that Oli has attacked the Constitution and republicanism that were achieved after a great struggle. "I had personally taken initiatives for a merger between the two Communist parties and approached Oli for the same. At that time, he agreed to accept federalism, secularism and republicanism although I was well aware of his political ideology and the fact that he was against federalism and republicanism he started to work against the spirit, ideology, principle and norms of a communist party," he said. Prachanda said that Oli eventually turned autocratic, imposed hegemony in the party and even did not bother to consult other leaders before blatantly dissolving Parliament. "Oli's tyranny will not last long because the people will firmly protest against his recent political move," he said. Prachanda said it was not Parliament but the Oli-led government that had actually been dissolved for its wrong political move. He expressed hope that Parliament will be reinstated through the Supreme Court's verdict. "I have faith in the court. I hope that the Supreme Court will honour the emotions of the people. I cannot even imagine that the apex court will go against the wish of the people," he said. Nepal's Supreme Court on Friday issued a show-cause notice to the Oli-led government, asking it to submit a written clarification over its decision to abruptly dissolve Parliament. The five-member Constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana asked the government to submit an original copy of the recommendations made by it to dissolve the House and the decision made by the President to authenticate the government's recommendations within 10 days. Prachanda, meanwhile, also accused Oli of having made several efforts time and again to split the NCP but had failed in the past one year even as the country was battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The agitation will not stop unless the regressive move taken by Oli is neutralised, he added. The Prachanda-led faction organised protest rallies at various places, including Koteshwor, Lagankhel, Tripureshwor, Maitighar, Thamel, Chabahil, Teku, New Baneshwor, Kupandol, Lainchaur, Naxal, Bagbazar and Ratnapark. A 2,501-member "agitation mobilisation committee" was formed to launch protests in various districts of the country. On Monday, thousands of the Nepali Congress supporters held demonstrators in all the 165 constituencies represented in the House to protest Prime Minister Oli's move to dissolve the parliament.

Will forget everything if Oli accepts mistake, says rival leader; thousands protest Parliament dissolution

A Chinese delegation team led by vice minister of the Communist Party of China met senior Nepal Communist Party leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and discussed the political situation in the country.

Nepal: Chinese delegation meets NCP leaders to avert party split

China has made moves to prevent a split in Nepal Communist Party and pacify feuding camps in Nepal Communist Party. A high-level delegation arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to "take stock" of political turmoil in Nepal. Factions within Nepal Communist Party led by current Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and party heavyweight Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' are battling with each other. The Chinese delegation is led by a vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Although no specific details about the agenda of the visit are available, the four-member delegation, led by Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guo Yezhou, will hold high-level talks during its stay in Kathmandu, My Republica newspaper reported, citing senior Nepal Communist Party leaders.

Quoting a diplomatic source, it said the visit is aimed at "taking stock of Nepal's evolving political situation after the dissolution of the House of Representatives and subsequent split in the ruling Nepal Communist Party amid already-deepened intra-party rift".

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Oli is considered to have pro-Beijing leanings. In a surprise move, he dissolved the 275-member lower house of Nepal Parliament last Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-oli-recommends-calling-parliament-winter-session-on-january-1-352535">Nepal: Oli recommends calling Parliament winter session on January 1</a> 
 
Acting on the prime minister's recommendation, President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party.

China tight-lipped about the visit

Chinese embassy in Kathmandu and Chinese foreign ministry are tight-lipped about Chinese delegation's visit to Kathmandu, said the media report in My Reporter.

Earlier this week, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, had communicated about the visit of Guo to Kathmandu during her meetings with senior NCP leaders of both the Prachanda- and Oli-led factions.

Vice Minister Guo is scheduled to hold meetings with the leaders of both factions.

Beijing appears concerned over the move of Oli to dissolve the House of Representatives and the evolving political situation that saw a vertical split in the NCP. Shortly after the dissolution of the House, the Chinese ambassador expedited her meetings with top political leadership in Nepal.

Hou has already held meetings with President Bhandari, senior NCP leaders Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal, former House speakers Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Barsha Man Pun, among others.

This is not the first time that China has intervened in Nepal's internal affairs at a time of crisis.

(With PTI inputs)

China has made moves to prevent a split in Nepal Communist Party and pacify feuding camps in Nepal Communist Party. A high-level delegation arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to "take stock" of political turmoil in Nepal.

China has made moves to prevent a split in Nepal Communist Party and pacify feuding camps in Nepal Communist Party. A high-level delegation arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to "take stock" of political turmoil in Nepal. Factions within Nepal Communist Party led by current Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and party heavyweight Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' are battling with each other. The Chinese delegation is led by a vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Although no specific details about the agenda of the visit are available, the four-member delegation, led by Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guo Yezhou, will hold high-level talks during its stay in Kathmandu, My Republica newspaper reported, citing senior Nepal Communist Party leaders. Quoting a diplomatic source, it said the visit is aimed at "taking stock of Nepal's evolving political situation after the dissolution of the House of Representatives and subsequent split in the ruling Nepal Communist Party amid already-deepened intra-party rift". × Oli is considered to have pro-Beijing leanings. In a surprise move, he dissolved the 275-member lower house of Nepal Parliament last Sunday. Also Read | Nepal: Oli recommends calling Parliament winter session on January 1 Acting on the prime minister's recommendation, President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House the same day and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10, sparking protests from a large section of the NCP led by Prachanda, also a co-chair of the ruling party. China tight-lipped about the visit Chinese embassy in Kathmandu and Chinese foreign ministry are tight-lipped about Chinese delegation's visit to Kathmandu, said the media report in My Reporter. Earlier this week, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, had communicated about the visit of Guo to Kathmandu during her meetings with senior NCP leaders of both the Prachanda- and Oli-led factions. Vice Minister Guo is scheduled to hold meetings with the leaders of both factions. Beijing appears concerned over the move of Oli to dissolve the House of Representatives and the evolving political situation that saw a vertical split in the NCP. Shortly after the dissolution of the House, the Chinese ambassador expedited her meetings with top political leadership in Nepal. Hou has already held meetings with President Bhandari, senior NCP leaders Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal, former House speakers Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Barsha Man Pun, among others. This is not the first time that China has intervened in Nepal's internal affairs at a time of crisis. (With PTI inputs)

China steps in to stop war within Nepal Communist Party

Nepal Prime Minister KP&nbsp;Sharma Oli's government on Saturday recommended the president to call winter session of upper house of Nepal's Parliament on January 1, nearly a week after the lower house was dissolved. On last Sunday, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved House of Representatives and announced dates for fresh elections. These will be mid-term elections in Nepal. The recommendation to dissolve the lower house was given by Nepal PM Oli.

The decision has sparked political protest as well as street protests as a section of Oli's own Nepal Communist Party and various opposition parties differed with the PM.

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&nbsp;

The ruling Nepal Communist Party has now been virtually divided more than two years after it was formed following the merger of CPN-UML led by Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in May 2018.

A Cabinet meeting held on Friday evening decided to recommend that the president summon the winter session of the National Assembly on January 1, Hridayesh Tripathi, who was made minister for health earlier on Friday, told Kathmandu Post.

The meeting was held after Prime Minister Oli reshuffled the Cabinet to induct eight ministers, five of them former Maoist leaders, and change the portfolio of five of his ministers.

Oli and Prachanda factions are at war within the Nepal Communist Party and Oli is understood to be on the backfoot.

On Sunday, after the dissolution of the House of Representatives, seven ministers close to Prachanda-led faction had resigned from their posts.

The budget session of Parliament was prorogued on July 2 by the president on the recommendation of the government.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/constitutional-bench-to-hear-petitions-challenging-nepal-pm-olis-move-to-dissolve-parliament-352286">Constitutional bench to hear petitions challenging Nepal PM Oli's move to dissolve Parliament</a>

According to the Constitution of Nepal, the gap between the two house sessions cannot exceed six months. 
Oli, who was increasingly under pressure from his opponents in the NCP to resign, was also facing pressure to call the winter session of Parliament.

Instead, Oli on Sunday decided to dissolve the lower house, in a move that has been widely criticised by experts on constitutional matters as unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court is hearing as many 13 writs against the house dissolution.

On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a show-cause notice to the Oli government, asking it to submit a written clarification over its decision to abruptly dissolve the 275-member House of Representatives.

(With PTI inputs)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government on Saturday recommended the president to call winter session of upper house of Nepal's Parliament on January 1, nearly a week after the lower house was dissolved.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government on Saturday recommended the president to call winter session of upper house of Nepal's Parliament on January 1, nearly a week after the lower house was dissolved. On last Sunday, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved House of Representatives and announced dates for fresh elections. These will be mid-term elections in Nepal. The recommendation to dissolve the lower house was given by Nepal PM Oli. The decision has sparked political protest as well as street protests as a section of Oli's own Nepal Communist Party and various opposition parties differed with the PM. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nepal-kp-sharma-oli-defends-decision-to-dissolve-parliament-351471 × The ruling Nepal Communist Party has now been virtually divided more than two years after it was formed following the merger of CPN-UML led by Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in May 2018. A Cabinet meeting held on Friday evening decided to recommend that the president summon the winter session of the National Assembly on January 1, Hridayesh Tripathi, who was made minister for health earlier on Friday, told Kathmandu Post. The meeting was held after Prime Minister Oli reshuffled the Cabinet to induct eight ministers, five of them former Maoist leaders, and change the portfolio of five of his ministers. Oli and Prachanda factions are at war within the Nepal Communist Party and Oli is understood to be on the backfoot. On Sunday, after the dissolution of the House of Representatives, seven ministers close to Prachanda-led faction had resigned from their posts. The budget session of Parliament was prorogued on July 2 by the president on the recommendation of the government. Also Read | Constitutional bench to hear petitions challenging Nepal PM Oli's move to dissolve Parliament According to the Constitution of Nepal, the gap between the two house sessions cannot exceed six months. Oli, who was increasingly under pressure from his opponents in the NCP to resign, was also facing pressure to call the winter session of Parliament. Instead, Oli on Sunday decided to dissolve the lower house, in a move that has been widely criticised by experts on constitutional matters as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court is hearing as many 13 writs against the house dissolution. On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a show-cause notice to the Oli government, asking it to submit a written clarification over its decision to abruptly dissolve the 275-member House of Representatives. (With PTI inputs)

Nepal: Oli recommends calling Parliament winter session on January 1

PM KP Sharma Oli sprang a surprise on his rivals and got the President to dissolve Parliament, a controversial move amidst a prolonged tussle for power between him and former premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Nepal parliament dissolved amid ruling party feud

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday skipped meeting of Nepal Communist Party's standing committee. Although the reason of busy schedule and "high risk of COVID-19 infection" was given, Oli's absence is being viewed in relation to his worsening feud with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Oli and Prachanda both are co-chairmen of the party and both factions are currently at loggerheads. Oli has categorically refused to step down.

However, Oli faction is numerically weak in the 43-member standing committee.

As per reports, the standing committee was going to discuss corruption allegations against Oli levelled by the Prachanda camp in the meeting on Sunday. This may have resulted in renewed demands for Oli's resignation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-hundreds-protest-again-in-support-of-monarchy-347897">Nepal: Hundreds protest again in support of monarchy</a>

"Oli could not attend the standing committee meeting due to a busy schedule and the high risk of COVID-19 infection," said Surya Thapa, Oli`s advisor.

On Saturday, a pro-monarch march was held in the capital Kathmandu where hundreds took to the streets with national flags demanding the reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and declare Nepal a Hindu state.

(With ANI inputs)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday skipped meeting of Nepal Communist Party's standing committee. Although the reason of busy schedule and "high risk of COVID-19 infection" was given, Oli's absence is being viewed in relation to his worsening feud with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday skipped meeting of Nepal Communist Party's standing committee. Although the reason of busy schedule and "high risk of COVID-19 infection" was given, Oli's absence is being viewed in relation to his worsening feud with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. Oli and Prachanda both are co-chairmen of the party and both factions are currently at loggerheads. Oli has categorically refused to step down. However, Oli faction is numerically weak in the 43-member standing committee. As per reports, the standing committee was going to discuss corruption allegations against Oli levelled by the Prachanda camp in the meeting on Sunday. This may have resulted in renewed demands for Oli's resignation. Also Read | Nepal: Hundreds protest again in support of monarchy "Oli could not attend the standing committee meeting due to a busy schedule and the high risk of COVID-19 infection," said Surya Thapa, Oli`s advisor. On Saturday, a pro-monarch march was held in the capital Kathmandu where hundreds took to the streets with national flags demanding the reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and declare Nepal a Hindu state. (With ANI inputs)

Amid worsening feud with Prachanda, Nepal PM Oli skips party meet

Nepal's&nbsp;Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, on Saturday, has rejected all accusations made by his rival&nbsp;Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" through an official document.

In the&nbsp;Central Secretariat meeting of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Oli submitted a 38-page long political document against the allegations made by Prachanda. This documented came after Prachanda presented a 19-page political paper in the&nbsp;Secretariat meeting on November 18 accusing Oli of taking decisions without consulting his colleagues of the political party.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-secretary-harsh-shringla-assures-nepal-on-vaccine-both-agree-to-advance-cooperation-345617">Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla assures Nepal on vaccine; both agree to advance cooperation</a>

The accusations made by Prachanda come in direct contrast with the party's due&nbsp;procedures and has also led to Oli being accused of engaging in corruption.

Oli, however, has dismissed all the allegations thrown at him and has instead accused Prachanda of non-cooperation in handling the party's affairs and trying to steer the government away from his control.

According to party Spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, the meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. The next meeting has been scheduled for December 1 at the party headquarters in Dhumbarahi on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

The matter has gained momentum after Prachanda, and a few others, have demanded Oli's resignation on the basis of the accusations made.

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These accusations have come after Oli, in June, accused Prachanda 'and his allies' of conspiring against him and taking efforts to topple the Nepal government.

The Nepal Communist Party, formed after the merger between Oli led CPN-UML and Prachanda led CPN (Maoist Centre) in May 2018, is divided along the two factions led by Oli and Prachanda. The Prachanda faction enjoys a majority in the nine-member Secretariat, the highest decision-making body of the party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, on Saturday, has rejected all accusations made by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" through an official document. In the Central Secretariat meeting of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Oli submitted a 38-page long political document against the allegations made by Prachanda.

Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, on Saturday, has rejected all accusations made by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" through an official document. In the Central Secretariat meeting of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Oli submitted a 38-page long political document against the allegations made by Prachanda. This documented came after Prachanda presented a 19-page political paper in the Secretariat meeting on November 18 accusing Oli of taking decisions without consulting his colleagues of the political party. Also read| Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla assures Nepal on vaccine; both agree to advance cooperation The accusations made by Prachanda come in direct contrast with the party's due procedures and has also led to Oli being accused of engaging in corruption. Oli, however, has dismissed all the allegations thrown at him and has instead accused Prachanda of non-cooperation in handling the party's affairs and trying to steer the government away from his control. According to party Spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, the meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. The next meeting has been scheduled for December 1 at the party headquarters in Dhumbarahi on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The matter has gained momentum after Prachanda, and a few others, have demanded Oli's resignation on the basis of the accusations made. × These accusations have come after Oli, in June, accused Prachanda 'and his allies' of conspiring against him and taking efforts to topple the Nepal government. The Nepal Communist Party, formed after the merger between Oli led CPN-UML and Prachanda led CPN (Maoist Centre) in May 2018, is divided along the two factions led by Oli and Prachanda. The Prachanda faction enjoys a majority in the nine-member Secretariat, the highest decision-making body of the party. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal PM Oli rejects Prachanda's accusations through 38-page document

Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe on Sunday began his one day visit to Kathmandu, the highest-level visit after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wei, who came with around 20-member delegation was welcomed by the Nepali Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on his arrival.

"My visit is aimed at enhancing mutual military assistance and strengthening the existing ties between the two countries. Ties between China and Nepal are strong and I am here to take this relationship to a new height. I am confident about having a result-oriented visit," he said on his arrival,&nbsp;according to local media present at the airport.

During his visit, he will call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Nepal Army Chief General Purna Chandra Thapa.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-oli-rejects-prachandas-accusations-through-38-page-document-346170" hreflang="en">Nepal PM Oli rejects Prachanda's accusations through 38-page document</a>

The visit is significant even as Chinese influence has been seen in Nepali politics. Chinese envoy to Nepal Hou Yanqi has been meeting with key stakeholder in ruling Nepal communist party, including PM KP Sharma Oli as the party faces a split. The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) faces a division with PM Oli threatening to walk away from the alliance with Prachanda.

The high profile visit comes days after India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited the country. Shringla's visit was the 3rd high-level visit from India to Nepal after the visit of Indian Army chief and intelligence chief.

While Chinese influence in Kathmandu has grown, Nepal Government's ties with India deteriorated in the back of new Nepali map that showed Indian territories as its own. India had strongly reacted to the new Nepal map issued by KP Sharma Oli government, calling it "unjustified cartographic assertion”.

Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe on Sunday began his one day visit to Kathmandu, the highest-level visit after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wei, who came with around 20-member delegation was welcomed by the Nepali Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on his arrival.

Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe on Sunday began his one day visit to Kathmandu, the highest-level visit after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wei, who came with around 20-member delegation was welcomed by the Nepali Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on his arrival. "My visit is aimed at enhancing mutual military assistance and strengthening the existing ties between the two countries. Ties between China and Nepal are strong and I am here to take this relationship to a new height. I am confident about having a result-oriented visit," he said on his arrival, according to local media present at the airport. During his visit, he will call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Nepal Army Chief General Purna Chandra Thapa. Also read| Nepal PM Oli rejects Prachanda's accusations through 38-page document The visit is significant even as Chinese influence has been seen in Nepali politics. Chinese envoy to Nepal Hou Yanqi has been meeting with key stakeholder in ruling Nepal communist party, including PM KP Sharma Oli as the party faces a split. The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) faces a division with PM Oli threatening to walk away from the alliance with Prachanda. The high profile visit comes days after India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited the country. Shringla's visit was the 3rd high-level visit from India to Nepal after the visit of Indian Army chief and intelligence chief. While Chinese influence in Kathmandu has grown, Nepal Government's ties with India deteriorated in the back of new Nepali map that showed Indian territories as its own. India had strongly reacted to the new Nepal map issued by KP Sharma Oli government, calling it "unjustified cartographic assertion”.

Day long visit of Chinese defence minister to Nepal begins

Rift has resurfaced in Nepal's ruling Communist Party last week following a meeting between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and his opponent Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", with the premier hinting at splitting the ruling party.

Nepal’s ruling party is now divided into two camps. The Oli camp and the Prachanda camp. Both sides have launched a signature campaign to prove they are bigger than the other.

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This comes at a time when India and Nepal have managed to reach a thaw. Key members of the Indian establishment are going to Nepal.

According to the Nepali press, Nepal's prime minister discussed the border issue with the Indian army chief. Nepal is keen on the resumption of high-level visits in different sectors. Oli told general Naravane that any misunderstanding can be resolved through talks.

The army chief had travelled to Nepal last week. He has conferred the title of honorary general of Nepal army.

This is a decades-old tradition, it began in 1950. When General KM Cariappa was decorated with the title. The practise began as an effort to reflect the strong ties between the militaries of both countries.

By conferring General Naravane with the title Kathmandu sent a message, that it remains committed to its partnership with India. 
&nbsp;

Rift has resurfaced in Nepal's ruling Communist Party last week following a meeting between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and his opponent Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", with the premier hinting at splitting the ruling party.

Rift has resurfaced in Nepal's ruling Communist Party last week following a meeting between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and his opponent Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", with the premier hinting at splitting the ruling party. Nepal’s ruling party is now divided into two camps. The Oli camp and the Prachanda camp. Both sides have launched a signature campaign to prove they are bigger than the other. This comes at a time when India and Nepal have managed to reach a thaw. Key members of the Indian establishment are going to Nepal. According to the Nepali press, Nepal's prime minister discussed the border issue with the Indian army chief. Nepal is keen on the resumption of high-level visits in different sectors. Oli told general Naravane that any misunderstanding can be resolved through talks. The army chief had travelled to Nepal last week. He has conferred the title of honorary general of Nepal army. This is a decades-old tradition, it began in 1950. When General KM Cariappa was decorated with the title. The practise began as an effort to reflect the strong ties between the militaries of both countries. By conferring General Naravane with the title Kathmandu sent a message, that it remains committed to its partnership with India.

Oli-Prachanda rift resurfaces: Nepal's ruling party is now divided into two camps

Nepal’s embattled Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli, came under fresh attack -- including from three former Prime Ministers and his own party leaders -- for meeting Indian R&AW chief Samant Kumar Goel without informing them.

KP Oli government in trouble after meeting R&AW chief

WION Dispatch: KP Oli's India outreach creates rift within party?

The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) seems to be heading towards a split after "serious differences" emerged between Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and party chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda.

The speculation surrounding the split intensified after-party Secretary-General Bishnu Poudel tweeted on Sunday that the party "is facing a serious existential crisis, and confronting serious crisis".

Also, during meetings on Saturday and Sunday, Prachanda also briefed leaders close to him that PM Oli had requested him to "walk separately".

After the disagreement deepened in the party, after a hiatus, Oli and Prachanda had met on Saturday.

During the meeting, Oli requested Prachanda to "walk separately", according to the party spokesperson, Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

"It has been very difficult to work and walk together so let`s be separated," Shrestha told reporters quoting Prachanda, adding: "We are trying our best to save the party unity after the Prime Minister offered the split."

After ties between Oli and Prachanda worsened, Poudel on Sunday wrote on Twitter that the "unified existence of the NCP has witnessed a serious crisis".

"I request all party leaders, cadres and comrades to stand in favour of party unity," Poudel, who is also the Finance Minister, said.

On July, 30 out of 44 standing committee members had sought the resignation of the Prime Minister but later he managed to resolve the differences with Prachanda after both leaders reached an agreement on power-sharing.

Oli and Prachanda have had several differences over party functioning in the past.

Oli`s monopoly over the government`s functioning, unilateral decisions made by the government without discussions inside the party are among some of the reasons behind the differences that surfaced since the last two years.

The two communist parties led by Oli and Prachanda jointly contested the elections and later merged the party in May 2018.

Prachanda, however, said that Oli`s "unilateral" moves despite agreeing to take decisions on the basis of consultation and consensus, has created deep trouble in the party.

He said that the current situation in the party arose because of Oli who refused to abide by the party`s decisions.

The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) seems to be heading towards a split after "serious differences" emerged between Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and party chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda.

The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) seems to be heading towards a split after "serious differences" emerged between Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and party chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda. The speculation surrounding the split intensified after-party Secretary-General Bishnu Poudel tweeted on Sunday that the party "is facing a serious existential crisis, and confronting serious crisis". Also, during meetings on Saturday and Sunday, Prachanda also briefed leaders close to him that PM Oli had requested him to "walk separately". After the disagreement deepened in the party, after a hiatus, Oli and Prachanda had met on Saturday. During the meeting, Oli requested Prachanda to "walk separately", according to the party spokesperson, Narayan Kaji Shrestha. "It has been very difficult to work and walk together so let`s be separated," Shrestha told reporters quoting Prachanda, adding: "We are trying our best to save the party unity after the Prime Minister offered the split." After ties between Oli and Prachanda worsened, Poudel on Sunday wrote on Twitter that the "unified existence of the NCP has witnessed a serious crisis". "I request all party leaders, cadres and comrades to stand in favour of party unity," Poudel, who is also the Finance Minister, said. On July, 30 out of 44 standing committee members had sought the resignation of the Prime Minister but later he managed to resolve the differences with Prachanda after both leaders reached an agreement on power-sharing. Oli and Prachanda have had several differences over party functioning in the past. Oli`s monopoly over the government`s functioning, unilateral decisions made by the government without discussions inside the party are among some of the reasons behind the differences that surfaced since the last two years. The two communist parties led by Oli and Prachanda jointly contested the elections and later merged the party in May 2018. Prachanda, however, said that Oli`s "unilateral" moves despite agreeing to take decisions on the basis of consultation and consensus, has created deep trouble in the party. He said that the current situation in the party arose because of Oli who refused to abide by the party`s decisions.

Nepal's ruling NCP staring at split over Oli-Prachanda tiff 

The ban on an anti-India textbook in Nepal has exposed the widening divide between the camps of PM K.P. Sharma Oli and Ex-PM Prachanda.

Gravitas: Nepal anti-India textbook

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda&nbsp;has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-nepal-may-see-remittance-contraction-of-287-in-2020-says-adb-318569" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB</a>

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." The opponents of Oli are also against his autocratic style of functioning.

"Our main concern is not about gaining power, what we want is to follow the proper procedure while running the NCP. We are not focusing on gaining any position, but our fight is against the wrong trend developing in the party," Prachanda told a select group of journalists during a special briefing on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-kp-oli-prachanda-meeting-postponed-for-a-day-318442" hreflang="en">Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day</a>

The dissident group accused Oli of trying to damage the image of other senior leaders of the party, the daily reported. 
Prachanda and Nepal have claimed that the majority of the powerful Central Working Committee members have supported them while raising voice against Oli.

Prachanda also alleged that while the Standing Committee meeting was in progress, at the initiative of Prime Minister Oli a new party was registered under the name of a lesser-known person at the Election Commission with the intention to split the ruling party. 
"If one chairman (PM Oli) does not follow the proper procedure of the party then how can the unity of the party remain intact," he wondered.

Prachanda claimed that he and other senior leaders of the party were trying to save the party by creating a favourable situation. 
"We are trying for the best outcome but the communists of this country should also be prepared for the worst thing to happen," Prachanda told media persons, indicating a possible split in the ruling party.

"I had agreed to make Oli Prime Minister for a full 5 years term and enjoy the executive chairman's position in the party for creating a better environment within the party," said Prachanda.

"Oli has dragged the party towards anarchism by calling separate gatherings," Prachanda said.

During the press briefing, the senior leaders also accused Prime Oli of making political appointments on his own choice without consulting with the party.

Madhav Nepal accused Oli of working in the vested interest of a certain group and encouraging corrupt people while making appointments.

Meanwhile, PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal has slammed Shrestha.

"Don't encourage groupism in the party at a time when the country is passing through a crisis. Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter.

On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time.

While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over.

Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of an intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body.

Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight.

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight. Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Also read: COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." The opponents of Oli are also against his autocratic style of functioning. "Our main concern is not about gaining power, what we want is to follow the proper procedure while running the NCP. We are not focusing on gaining any position, but our fight is against the wrong trend developing in the party," Prachanda told a select group of journalists during a special briefing on Wednesday. Also read: Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day The dissident group accused Oli of trying to damage the image of other senior leaders of the party, the daily reported. Prachanda and Nepal have claimed that the majority of the powerful Central Working Committee members have supported them while raising voice against Oli. Prachanda also alleged that while the Standing Committee meeting was in progress, at the initiative of Prime Minister Oli a new party was registered under the name of a lesser-known person at the Election Commission with the intention to split the ruling party. "If one chairman (PM Oli) does not follow the proper procedure of the party then how can the unity of the party remain intact," he wondered. Prachanda claimed that he and other senior leaders of the party were trying to save the party by creating a favourable situation. "We are trying for the best outcome but the communists of this country should also be prepared for the worst thing to happen," Prachanda told media persons, indicating a possible split in the ruling party. "I had agreed to make Oli Prime Minister for a full 5 years term and enjoy the executive chairman's position in the party for creating a better environment within the party," said Prachanda. "Oli has dragged the party towards anarchism by calling separate gatherings," Prachanda said. During the press briefing, the senior leaders also accused Prime Oli of making political appointments on his own choice without consulting with the party. Madhav Nepal accused Oli of working in the vested interest of a certain group and encouraging corrupt people while making appointments. Meanwhile, PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal has slammed Shrestha. "Don't encourage groupism in the party at a time when the country is passing through a crisis. Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter. On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time. While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over. Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of an intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body. Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Prachanda tells party workers to prepare for worst as power tussle with PM Oli intensifies

An informal meeting between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the ruling party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to sort out their differences was postponed on Wednesday for a day, sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-should-not-be-used-to-target-government-nepal-pm-oli-318156" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak should not be used to target government: Nepal PM Oli</a>

The two top leaders, who were earlier scheduled to meet on Wednesday evening, will now hold the informal talks on Thursday morning to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sources said.

Sources close to Prachanda said that the meeting was postponed at the request of Prime Minister Oli.

The two leaders held marathon meetings on Sunday and Monday but failed to agree on a power-sharing deal.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP.

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate."

They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning.

The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

The two leaders are also engaged in tightening their grip within the party with the escalation of intra-party feud.

On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time.

While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over.

Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body after Vice Chairman Gautam stood in his favour.

Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

An informal meeting between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the ruling party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to sort out their differences was postponed on Wednesday for a day, sources said.

An informal meeting between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the ruling party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to sort out their differences was postponed on Wednesday for a day, sources said. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak should not be used to target government: Nepal PM Oli The two top leaders, who were earlier scheduled to meet on Wednesday evening, will now hold the informal talks on Thursday morning to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sources said. Sources close to Prachanda said that the meeting was postponed at the request of Prime Minister Oli. The two leaders held marathon meetings on Sunday and Monday but failed to agree on a power-sharing deal. Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP. A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning. The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. The two leaders are also engaged in tightening their grip within the party with the escalation of intra-party feud. On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time. While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over. Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body after Vice Chairman Gautam stood in his favour. Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day

Nepal's ruling communist party leaders on Tuesday once again failed to negotiate a power-sharing deal between Oli and executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who convened a meeting of the powerful Standing Committee despite the former's decision to postpone it, thus highlighting&nbsp;a widening rift in the party.

Prachanda and some senior leaders barged into the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar at around 11 am for the scheduled meeting of the 45-member Standing Committee of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to iron out the differences between the two warring factions.

It appears that Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has lost all direction when it comes to his political career after he botched the map fixing under Chinese influence.

However, Prime Minister's press advisor Surya Thapa said the meeting was postponed. But Matrika Yadav, a Standing Committee member, said the meeting would be held at any cost, even if Prime Minister Oli refused to attend, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-ruling-party-leaders-fail-to-negotiate-power-sharing-deal-between-oli-and-prachanda-316589">Nepal's ruling party leaders fail to negotiate power-sharing deal between Oli and Prachanda</a>

Prachanda and senior party leader Jhalanath Khanal then went to meet Oli only to return to the meeting hall after the latter told them to do whatever they wished to, the paper said.

At the meeting hall, Prachanda briefed the Standing Committee members about his talks with Oli.&nbsp;The Standing Committee members close to Oli did not attend the unilateral meeting convened by Prachanda. However, 29 Standing Committee members and two invitees were present at the meeting, which started at around 3:00 pm and lasted for one hour, party sources said.

Standing Committee member Ganesh Shah said the meeting was postponed as the two leaders need more time for informal consultations to sort out their differences. The meetings of the Standing Committee have been postponed for nine times since June 24.

"It was against the party statute and inappropriate for PM Oli to postpone the meeting unilaterally," Party spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha told reporters.

"Today's meeting did not discuss the party's agenda but it decided to hand over the responsibility of convening another Standing Committee meeting to party chairman Prachanda after consulting with the prime minister," he said.

Those who spoke on the occasion criticised Prime Minister Oli, according to a member of the Standing Committee.&nbsp;Subsequently, the party decided to convene another meeting a week later, on July 28, to review its activities, the government's performance, finalising division of work among party's cadres and leaders, and proposed general convention among other issues.

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning.

The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

Prachanda on Monday last week said efforts were going on to resolve the intra-party differences and ruled out an early general convention of the party as proposed by embattled Prime Minister Oli.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least eight meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP.

Nepal's ruling communist party leaders on Tuesday once again failed to negotiate a power-sharing deal between Oli and executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who convened a meeting of the powerful Standing Committee despite the former's decision to postpone it, thus highlighting a widening rift in the party.

Nepal's ruling communist party leaders on Tuesday once again failed to negotiate a power-sharing deal between Oli and executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who convened a meeting of the powerful Standing Committee despite the former's decision to postpone it, thus highlighting a widening rift in the party. Prachanda and some senior leaders barged into the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar at around 11 am for the scheduled meeting of the 45-member Standing Committee of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to iron out the differences between the two warring factions. It appears that Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has lost all direction when it comes to his political career after he botched the map fixing under Chinese influence. However, Prime Minister's press advisor Surya Thapa said the meeting was postponed. But Matrika Yadav, a Standing Committee member, said the meeting would be held at any cost, even if Prime Minister Oli refused to attend, the Kathmandu Post reported. Also read: Nepal's ruling party leaders fail to negotiate power-sharing deal between Oli and Prachanda Prachanda and senior party leader Jhalanath Khanal then went to meet Oli only to return to the meeting hall after the latter told them to do whatever they wished to, the paper said. At the meeting hall, Prachanda briefed the Standing Committee members about his talks with Oli. The Standing Committee members close to Oli did not attend the unilateral meeting convened by Prachanda. However, 29 Standing Committee members and two invitees were present at the meeting, which started at around 3:00 pm and lasted for one hour, party sources said. Standing Committee member Ganesh Shah said the meeting was postponed as the two leaders need more time for informal consultations to sort out their differences. The meetings of the Standing Committee have been postponed for nine times since June 24. "It was against the party statute and inappropriate for PM Oli to postpone the meeting unilaterally," Party spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha told reporters. "Today's meeting did not discuss the party's agenda but it decided to hand over the responsibility of convening another Standing Committee meeting to party chairman Prachanda after consulting with the prime minister," he said. Those who spoke on the occasion criticised Prime Minister Oli, according to a member of the Standing Committee. Subsequently, the party decided to convene another meeting a week later, on July 28, to review its activities, the government's performance, finalising division of work among party's cadres and leaders, and proposed general convention among other issues. A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning. The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. Prachanda on Monday last week said efforts were going on to resolve the intra-party differences and ruled out an early general convention of the party as proposed by embattled Prime Minister Oli. Oli and Prachanda have held at least eight meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP.

Rift widens as Prachanda convenes Standing Committee meeting in Nepal without PM Oli

Nepal's ruling communist party leaders on Tuesday once again failed to negotiate a power-sharing deal between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who convened a meeting of the powerful Standing Committee despite the former's decision to postpone it.

Prachanda and some senior leaders reached the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar at around 11 am for the scheduled meeting of the 45-member Standing Committee of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to iron out the differences between the two warring factions.

However, Prime Minister's press advisor Surya Thapa said the meeting was postponed.

But Matrika Yadav, a Standing Committee member, said the meeting would be held at any cost, even if Prime Minister Oli refused to attend, the Kathmandu Post reported.

Prachanda and senior party leader Jhalanath Khanal then went to meet Oli only to return to the meeting hall after the latter told them to do whatever they wished to, the paper said.

At the meeting hall, Prachanda briefed the Standing Committee members about his talks with Oli.

The Standing Committee members close to Oli did not attend the unilateral meeting convened by Prachanda.

However, 29 Standing Committee members and two invitees were present at the meeting, which started at around 3:00 pm and lasted for one hour, party sources said.

Standing Committee member Ganesh Shah said the meeting was postponed as the two leaders need more time for informal consultations to sort out their differences.

The Standing Committee meetings have been postponed for nine times since June 24.

"It was against the party statute and inappropriate for PM Oli to postpone the meeting unilaterally," Party spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha told reporters.

"Today's meeting did not discuss the party's agenda but it decided to hand over the responsibility of convening another Standing Committee meeting to party chairman Prachanda after consulting with the prime minister," he said.

Those who spoke on the occasion criticised Prime Minister Oli, according to a member of the Standing Committee.

On Wednesday last, a Standing Committee meeting was briefly held at the Prime Minister's official residence.

However, the prime minister did not attend the meeting.

Subsequently, the party decided to convene another meeting a week later, on July 28, to review its activities, the government's performance, finalising division of work among party's cadres and leaders, and proposed general convention among other issues.

During Tuesday's meeting, NCP Vice Chairman Bam Dev Gautam floated a 'middle path' solution to resolve the conflict between Prime Minister Oli and Chairman Prachanda.

Gautam proposed that Oli be allowed to stay as prime minister for the remaining term of the House of Representatives (HoR), that is, two-and-a-half years, and chairman of the party until the unity general convention that Oli has proposed to hold by mid-December.

Similarly, Prachanda should be given the responsibility as the party's Chairman with all executive powers until the unity general convention of the NCP is held.

Gautam also proposed that Oli be allowed to run the government independently even though the Chairman will have all executive powers.

He, however, proposed holding consultation in the party before taking any decisions on issues of national and international importance.

The proposal also include making fixed criteria for the promotion and transfer of security officials and bureaucrats; reshuffling the Cabinet on the basis of the suggestions and consultation of the party's central secretariat; holding consultation within the party's Secretariat prior to unveiling of the government's policies and programmes and hosting party's official meeting at its central office.

Gautam also proposed holding all party meetings in its central office rather than at the official residence of the prime minister.

Chairman Prachanda on the occasion asked the members not to take any untoward step which could harm the party.

"The party has reached a crucial phase," he said.

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate."

They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning.

The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

Prachanda on Monday last week said efforts were going on to resolve the intra-party differences and ruled out an early general convention of the party as proposed by embattled Prime Minister Oli.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least eight meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them.

But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed.

Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP.

Nepal's ruling communist party leaders on Tuesday once again failed to negotiate a power-sharing deal between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who convened a meeting of the powerful Standing Committee despite the former's decision to postpone it.

Nepal's ruling communist party leaders on Tuesday once again failed to negotiate a power-sharing deal between Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and executive chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who convened a meeting of the powerful Standing Committee despite the former's decision to postpone it. Prachanda and some senior leaders reached the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar at around 11 am for the scheduled meeting of the 45-member Standing Committee of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to iron out the differences between the two warring factions. However, Prime Minister's press advisor Surya Thapa said the meeting was postponed. But Matrika Yadav, a Standing Committee member, said the meeting would be held at any cost, even if Prime Minister Oli refused to attend, the Kathmandu Post reported. Prachanda and senior party leader Jhalanath Khanal then went to meet Oli only to return to the meeting hall after the latter told them to do whatever they wished to, the paper said. At the meeting hall, Prachanda briefed the Standing Committee members about his talks with Oli. The Standing Committee members close to Oli did not attend the unilateral meeting convened by Prachanda. However, 29 Standing Committee members and two invitees were present at the meeting, which started at around 3:00 pm and lasted for one hour, party sources said. Standing Committee member Ganesh Shah said the meeting was postponed as the two leaders need more time for informal consultations to sort out their differences. The Standing Committee meetings have been postponed for nine times since June 24. "It was against the party statute and inappropriate for PM Oli to postpone the meeting unilaterally," Party spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha told reporters. "Today's meeting did not discuss the party's agenda but it decided to hand over the responsibility of convening another Standing Committee meeting to party chairman Prachanda after consulting with the prime minister," he said. Those who spoke on the occasion criticised Prime Minister Oli, according to a member of the Standing Committee. On Wednesday last, a Standing Committee meeting was briefly held at the Prime Minister's official residence. However, the prime minister did not attend the meeting. Subsequently, the party decided to convene another meeting a week later, on July 28, to review its activities, the government's performance, finalising division of work among party's cadres and leaders, and proposed general convention among other issues. During Tuesday's meeting, NCP Vice Chairman Bam Dev Gautam floated a 'middle path' solution to resolve the conflict between Prime Minister Oli and Chairman Prachanda. Gautam proposed that Oli be allowed to stay as prime minister for the remaining term of the House of Representatives (HoR), that is, two-and-a-half years, and chairman of the party until the unity general convention that Oli has proposed to hold by mid-December. Similarly, Prachanda should be given the responsibility as the party's Chairman with all executive powers until the unity general convention of the NCP is held. Gautam also proposed that Oli be allowed to run the government independently even though the Chairman will have all executive powers. He, however, proposed holding consultation in the party before taking any decisions on issues of national and international importance. The proposal also include making fixed criteria for the promotion and transfer of security officials and bureaucrats; reshuffling the Cabinet on the basis of the suggestions and consultation of the party's central secretariat; holding consultation within the party's Secretariat prior to unveiling of the government's policies and programmes and hosting party's official meeting at its central office. Gautam also proposed holding all party meetings in its central office rather than at the official residence of the prime minister. Chairman Prachanda on the occasion asked the members not to take any untoward step which could harm the party. "The party has reached a crucial phase," he said. A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning. The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. Prachanda on Monday last week said efforts were going on to resolve the intra-party differences and ruled out an early general convention of the party as proposed by embattled Prime Minister Oli. Oli and Prachanda have held at least eight meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP.

Nepal's ruling party leaders fail to negotiate power-sharing deal between Oli and Prachanda

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