Lockdown drags on but no relief package for the urban poor, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/06/2021)

Is Nepal still a democratic state?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 19/06/2021

Crime against Humanity : Instead of making genuine efforts toward vaccine procurement, the PM urged the public to gargle with guava leaves and drink turmeric-infused water to prevent COVID, saying even the vaccine does not guarantee total immunity. This was the time when cases had started increasing by 100%, by Sambridh Ghimire (rep 19/06/2021)

Nepal talks about vaccines from China. And the Chinese are not happyConcerns from Sinopharm and Chinese Embassy forced Health Ministry to ‘refute’ media reports. But everyone, including prime minister, is giving statements on the jabs, by Anil Giri (kp 19/06/2021) [The people's basic right to correct information is not exactly what Oli and his government are aiming for!]

Hunger for governance : Childhood malnutrition in Nepal has its roots in political failure, the same reason more children are going hungry during the pandemic. (nt 18/06/2021), Nepal’s epidemic of hunger : Malnutrition among Nepali children pre-dates Covid-19, but the pandemic has made it worse, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 18/06/2021)

Bhandari, Oli defend House dissolution, Sapkota calls it unconstitutional : In their responses, the President claims her action cannot be tested by judiciary, prime minister argues court cannot give a prime minister and Speaker says both are wrong, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 18/06/2021) [What kind of argument is this? No one is above the constitution. The duties of the president and prime minister are clearly defined there. If they violate them, they become a case for the judiciary!], Court cannot appoint a Prime Minister, PM Oli says in his written response to SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 18/06/2021) [This confused and idiosyncratic interpretation of the constitution and democracy suggests a basic suspicion of mental confusion! Important votes in parliament, such as the vote of confidence, should be held in secret, if only to protect the MPs. In a democratic state, how a member of parliament votes is his or her personal decision of conscience!]

This is not fair, Prime Minister Oli!, by Kunga Hyolmo (rep 18/06/2021)

SC issues interim order to halt govt’s plan of exporting river products (kh 18/06/2021), Supreme Court puts brakes on government’s plan to extract aggregates for export : Extracting the Chure resources in the name of decreasing trade deficit would degrade the environment, critics say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 19/06/2021)

Parliamentarians cannot breach party discipline: PM Oli claims in his written response to Supreme Court (rep 17/06/2021) [MPs are the elected representatives of the people, not of the Prime Minister or his party faction, Mr Oli! It is a feature of democracy that they must follow only their conscience and the constitution in doing so! Anything else would be party dictatorship.], Oli says government formation a political process and it cannot be decided by the court : In his response to the Supreme Court, Oli argues he dissolved the House after it could not give a new government (kp 17/06/2021) [Hopefully, not even this reality denier and ignorant of the constitution himself believes in this!]

Elections will be held during COVID-19 pandemic, claims PM Oli (kh 17/06/2021) [???]

The way to environmental degradation : The decision to extract sand, stones and soil for export to reduce the deficit is unwise, by Shyam Mainali (kp 17/06/2021)

Oli’s attempts to rule by dicta : Since coming to power, Prime Minister Oli has attempted numerous times — via ordinances — to bypass the legislation and vest the powers to make laws within himself, by Robin Sharma (rec 16/06/2021)

Decentralise SEE and honour statute, experts advise government : Education experts say the government with a centralised mindset doesn’t want to lose any of its authority, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/06/2021)

Is Oli government’s new Nepal map more about optics than substance? As India continues to expand the road via Lipulekh, Nepal has yet to make any diplomatic response. Foreign Ministry says it has asked Home Ministry to look into the matter, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/06/2021) [Oli's statements are empty slogans without content! Or does he want to build a road on Indian territory in response?]

Nepal to purchase 4 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine from China : Officials say procurement will be under a non-disclosure agreement. Price is not disclosed yet but is said to be around $10 per dose. No other details are available, by Anil Giri (kp 16/06/2021) [In a democratic state, people have a right to information (see Article 27 of the Constitution). There is no law that makes the purchase of vaccine a confidential matter!], Lack of response to President’s letters for vaccines a diplomatic failure, observers say : There has not even been ‘reciprocal response’ to the President’s letters requesting for vaccine support, by Anil Giri (kp 16/06/2021)

Covid-19 pandemic, snap polls cast a shadow of uncertainty over census : Central Bureau of Statistics wants to conduct the 12th national census from July 30 to October 1, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 15/06/2021) [Another consequence of PM Oli's destruction of the state and the nation guided by greed for power!]

Pressure from all sides for jabs, but there is no sign of vaccine arrival : Officials say there has been pressure on health workers across the country to  give the Covid-19 jabs to friends and family members of influential people, by Atjun Poudel (kp 15/06/2021)

Paddy transplantation begins amid fertiliser shortage fears : Officials at Agriculture Inputs Company say that sales resumed last week but stockswould not last long at any depot or cooperative due to panic buying, Sangam Prasain, Bhawani Bhatta and Mohan Budhaair (kp 15/06/2021) [This surprises the Oli government every year!]

Hunger & Scarcity Hit Badi Community, by Mahesh Nepali (Badi) (rn 15/6/2021)

Government says it has plan to tackle monsoon disasters, but local units are not assured : With rainfall expected to be above normal this year, authorities say they are better prepared than last year. But experts say rather than anticipatory plans, focus is on post disaster response, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 15/06/2021), Saptari stares at flooding season with no concrete plans : Most of the settlements in the district are prone to floods and inundation in the  absence of proper embankment along the rivers and a lack of water outlets, by Abdhesh Kumar Jha (kp 15/06/2021), River management project announces inability to control floods as monsoon arrives (kh 15/06/2021) [This is the reality, Mr Oli!]

Authorities appear clueless about how to ease or lift lockdown : Prohibitory orders currently in place in the Valley have been extended by a week and the rest of country follows the model. Little else is being done to check virus spread, by Arjun Poudel (kp 14/06/2021) [The Oli government is finding it difficult to deal rationally with the pandemic. Oli himself is only interested in staying in power, may the country go down the drain.],
Daily earners hit hardest by prohibitory orders in Lumbini : The workers have no source of income and have received no relief from the authorities and social organisations during the ongoing second coronavirus wave, by Sanju Paudel and Mohan Budhaair (kp 14/06/2021), Petty traders selling non-essential goods getting wiped out : Preventing the spread of the virus is essential, but the rules unfairly impact small businesses over large businesses, insiders say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 14/06/2021), “Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed,” says AI in new briefing (kh 14/06/2021) [see Amnesty International report (14/01/2021)], Oxygen, vaccines, essential medical supplies urgently needed, says Amnesty International (ht 14/06/2021)

Quo Vadis? Given the state of affairs since  December 20, 2020 - the date of the first dissolution of the House of Representatives - the lack of constitutional norms and political morality and the character of leadership to bypass everything that becomes inconvenient for power grab, where is the leadership taking the country?, by Dinesh Bhattarai (rep 13/06/2021)

Citizens’ movement condemns threat on medical education commission executive : Brihat Nagarik Andolan alleges that the prime minister and ministers have been exerting undue pressure on Dr Giri to approve affiliation to B&C College (kp) 13/06/2021)

Government agrees to grant affiliation to B&C Medical College : Despite protests against affiliation, the prime minister-headed commission has asked for the necessary paperwork to be completed within a week, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/06/2021) [Nepotism at the highest level!], Former VCs condemn PM's pressure tactics (ht 16/06/2021) [This is a particularly serious form of nepotism and corruption, as it was initiated by the Prime Minister who is still in office!]

International condemnation for HoR dissolution (ht 12/06/2021) [see statement by IBARI (10/06/2021)]

Supreme Court orders government not to enforce citizenship ordinance : Constitutional Bench says legal complications could arise if the ordinance fails to get through Parliament, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/06/2021) [Extreme complications and costs will also arise if the Supreme Court declares the renewed dissolution of parliament and cabinet reshuffle by caretaker Prime Minister Oli unconstitutional, which is to be expected given the clear wording of the constitution!]

3 health ministers in 1 year : Prime Minister K P Oli has switched health ministers five times since he assumed office in 2018 (nt 11/06/2021) [This shows the value Oli places on the health sector in the pandemic. All ministerial posts were primarily to satisfy his ambitions for power!]

A Case of Two Cartoons, by Manjeet Mishra (rp 11/06/2021)

While he has yet to clarify his June 4 Cabinet expansion, Oli does it again : Seven more ministers appointed to curry favour with his supporters and  an eye on the elections, by Anil Giri (kp 11/06/2021) [A completely unconstitutional government policy by Oli!]

Chure is not just environment, but a political issue, experts say : Degradation of the hills, a crucial zone balancing Nepal’s fragile ecosystem, should be a top political agenda, as it can have a profound impact on the generations to come, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 11/06/2021)

Ruling UML to go on vacate against the SC order (kh) [When a court rebukes Oli for his undemocratic and unconstitutional measures, it amounts to lese majeste!]

PM Oli not to attend all-party meet called by Speaker Sapkota (kh 11/06/2021)

PM Oli picks Pahadi as minister from Nepal-Khanal faction (kh 10/06/2021), PM Oli appointing 8 ministers including one state minister today : Adhikari to be appointed as Home Minister (kh 10/06/2021), Oli expands Cabinet Prime minister appoints seven new ministers (kp 10/06/2021), PM Oli expands Cabinet, Khagaraj appointed Home Minister (kh 10/06/2021), Newly-appointed ministers sworn in (kh 10/06/2021), PM rewards Badal by appointing his wife Nainkala as Minister (kh 10/06/2021)

President, PM hold talks on show case notice  at Shital Niwas (kh 10/06/2021)

Walking two hours daily for a free mealHundreds of families in the Capital are struggling to manage two square meals after they lost their means of livelihood, by Anup Ojha (kp 10/06/2021)

Paradoxical powerlessness of the Supremo : The anti-Maoist elements of civil society have made Oli an icon of Khas-Arya  ethnonationalism, by CK Lal (kp 09/06/2021) [It belongs to Oli's duries to help these people!]

Nepal's caretaker government : A total embarrassment, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 09/06/2021)

Bench-hunting sets a bad precedent for the judiciary, according to experts : Crucial time of the Supreme Court is being wasted on unnecessary things, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/06/2021) [This is intentional on the part of Oli and other politicians!]

That’s the way to do it : Court order unbanning online delivery  services is a relief (kp 09/06/2021) [This extremely incompetent government needs a court ruling for everything!]

PM Oli pushing country into perpetual abyss under cover of nationalism: JSP leader Bhattarai (kh 08/06/2021)

Raghubir Mahaseth as pick for deputy prime minister and foreign minister surprises many : His choice is for UML to gain influence in the Madhes and for his potential ability to procure Russian vaccines, observers say, by Anil Giri(kp 07/06/2021)

Oli's proposal aimed at weakening parliament dissolution case in Supreme Court: Panta (rep 07/06/2021)

Impoverished family hit hard by prohibition order struggling to survive (kh 07/06/2021) [Thanks to Oli's short-sighted and completely ill-conceived policy!]

Few convinced as government body defends plan to export construction materials : The government’s plan to export construction materials from mines in order to reduce trade deficit has been criticised as an environmentally disastrous idea, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 07/06/2021)

SC receives writ petition seeking reversal of cabinet reshuffle (kh 06/06/2021)

Change in criteria to appoint ambassadors meets with widespread criticism : The share of political appointees among envoys has grown and if the candidate is a former minister a high school degree would qualify them for the role, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp 06/06/2021), Govt amends eligibility criteria for ambassadors to make space for ‘relatives’ (kh 06/06/2021)

Leadership of task force formed to fight the pandemic comes into question : Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre needs to be led by experts, not ministers or security personnel, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/06/2021)

Migrant workers return to India in search of jobs, by Mohan Budhaair (kp 06/06/2021) [A follow-up to the highly successful employment programme of Oli!]

How we bungled vaccine procurement : We have only ourselves to blame for not being able to get enough Covid-19 vaccines, by Kiran Raj Pandey (kp 06/06/2021)

Civil society, environmentalists against Chure exploitation (ht 06/06/2021)

For Oli, power—not governance—is priority, as country fights virus wave : Thakur-Mahato faction joins government, inviting questions for themselves of being complicit with someone who they once opposed for his loathing for the Madhes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/06/2021) [Another serious breach of the constitution by KP Oli: He now only heads a caretaker government. Such a government is supposed to remain in office until the election of a new prime minister, but according to Article 77 (3) of the constitution it may not be changed!], Oli reshuffles Cabinet, appoints Mahato deputy prime minister, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 05/06/2021)

Health workers at Bheri Hospital call probe committee’s report unfairMedical fraternity in Banke says the committee failed to provide a fair investigation into all aspects of the incident since it has not addressed the issue of violence against women, by Thakur Singh Tharu, Rupa Gahatraj and Madhu Shahin (kp 05/06/2021)

Friday Cabinet reshuffle: All but four incumbent ministers sacked : DPM Ishwor Pokhrel, and ministers Pradeep Gyawali and Hridayesh Tripathi among others sacked (kh 04/006/2021) [The most urgent dismissal is missing; that of KP Oli!], New ministers to be sworn in at 8 pm today (kh 04/06/2021), PM Oli reshuffles cabinet; inducts 8 new faces : New ministers sworn-in (kh 04/06/2021), PM Oli brings massive reshuffle in his cabinet, Paudel, Mahato and Mahaseth sworn in as Deputy Prime Ministers (rep 05/06/2021)

A yam between two Indias : Nepal does not just need to balance India and China now, it has to keep out of India’s polarised politics (nt 04/0/2021)

A budget without economic objectives : Every government has tried to launch schemes to stir up the public for election gains, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp 04/06/2021) [Criminal procedure!]

Community forest user groups lambast government for not addressing concerns : They had hoped the government would resolve their outstanding issues of tax and PAN through new budget, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 04/06/2021) [What deviant expectations of the Oli government interested only in its hold on power!]

JSP likely to join government today (kh 04/06/2021), Five JSP leaders including Mahato likely to take oath as ministers today (kh 04/06/2021)

Fact Check: Is this elderly woman applauding the increase in old-age allowance? (kh 04/06/2021)

Non-implementation of Cabinet decision halts distribution of relief funds to families of COVID-19 victims (rep 03/06/2021)

Farmers face getting wiped out for lack of market access : Vegetable growers are forced to destroy their produce due to lack of transportation, by Krishana Pasain (kp 03/06/2021) [Bravo Mr Oli, you really are the greatest!]

Fertilisers not on ‘essential commodity’ list as paddy farmers wait anxiously : Decision to block supply can have an overarching effect, as it may hit paddy crop, and slash economic growth in turn, by Sangam Prasain (kp 03/06/2021), Always a shortage : There is something seriously wrong when farmers face a lack of fertiliser every year (kp 04/06/2021)

JSP Thakur-Mahato faction holding talks with PM Oli (kh 03/06/2021)

Licence to plunder : The outrageous announcement erodes years of conservation efforts at the stroke of a pen (kp 02/06/2021)

Five parties active in Bhaktapur present 11-point memo to government (kh 02/06/2021)

Nepal’s Failed Governance and Unemployment Problem : The government is least concerned about the chaos in the country created by the unemployment problem. Instead, the Oli government’s every move shows that Oli is only worried about saving his chair, by Prakash Pokhrel (rep 02/06/2021)

Judiciary in the dock as justices come into question : Never in the past has the Supreme Court faced a crisis  of such immense proportions where it has to fight to  justify the composition of a bench, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 01/06/2021) [Oli's state-destroying policies continue to work just fine!], JSP Yadav faction expels four leaders, including Thakur and Mahato (kh 01/06/2021) [Oli continues to succeed in dividing parties!]

PM Oli slams legal eagles for creating ruckus at SC (kh 31/05/2021) [And what is Oli doing with the SC? The court's decision on 23 February that it was not Oli's place to dissolve the House of Representatives could not have been clearer. Yet he has done it again, in clear contempt of court. Oli says what he wants, but at the same time forbids other people, such as the former Chief Justices, to use their constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right to free speech and express their well-reasoned opinions!]

The country be damned  : No one seems to be able to stop Oli’s whimsical actions, even if it ends up destroying the country, by Deepak Thapa (kp 31/05/2021)

In a pandemic-hit economy, state offers little hope for creating jobs : The budget for the upcoming fiscal year aims to create around 350,000 new jobs whereas  500,000 youths enter the labour market every year, by the government’s own estimates, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 31/05/2021)

Small business owners say they never see budget funds : Allocations are announced for cottage, small and medium entrepreneurs every year but nobody knows where the money goes, insiders say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 31/05/2021)

Ban on roadside vending  disrupts livelihoods of Kathmandu’s poor : Over 6,000 vegetables and fruits hawkers have been robbed of their incomes, by Anup Ojha (kp 31/05/2021)

Thakur and Mahato holding talks with PM Oli : Likely to join government soon (kh 31/05/2021)

Indifference is not an option : We must challenge the politicians and expose their treachery, by Naresh Koirala (kp 30/05/2021)

Taplejung folks disapprove proposal for renaming Suketar Airport (kh 30/05/2021) [Wouldn't it be time to name everything after KP Oli? After all, he won't be in power for much longer!]

A bloated budget of Rs1.64 trillion through ordinance : With some focus on fighting the coronavirus, the financial plan of Oli administration carries lofty promises which observers say are aimed at the uncertain elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Sangam Prasain (kp 30/05/2021), Incentives and tax rebates galore in new federal budget with focus on midterm elections : Incentives include deduction of value added tax on diesel and cooking gas for businesses and on payments through electronic mode, by Krishana Prasain (kp 30/05/2021), Opposition parties term budget as “populist” (kh 30/05/2021), Opposition parties warn government to refrain from making decisions having long-term impact (kh 30/05/2021), All bark and no bite : Reflecting on the government that announced it, Budget 2021-22 is bound to be unimplementable (kp 31/05/2021)

Govt reiterates to build petroleum storage capacity for 90 days, a plan that has remained in limbo for years (rep 29/05/2021)

HoR dissolved after reinstated House failed to ensure political stability: PM Oli (kh 28/05/2021) [This is your personal assessment, which plays no role at all at this point, Mr Oli! Nepal has a constitution, which the Prime Minister and the President also have to abide by. And the constitution is very clear in Article 76, with paragraph after paragraph building on each other. Moreover, your current statement is full of lies. You should have reconvened Parliament immediately after the 23 February court ruling and asked for a vote of confidence. You should have personally appeared in parliament and put the ordinances to discussion and vote. Without taking these steps, you should not have ended the parliamentary session. You only dissolved the House of Representatives a second time when it became apparent that you would definitely not get a majority in the necessary second vote of confidence and would thus be voted out. And you made the second parliamentary dissolution at the very moment when the majority of the opposition had spoken out in favour of an alternative prime minister. Your actions are highly reprehensible!], Oli addresses the nation, but reads out what looks like policies and programmes : In his 46-minute address, he covered the pressing issues of the country entirely, including the fight against  the pandemic, vaccine shortage, political confrontation, and dissolution of Parliament, by Anil Girio (kp 29/05/2021)

Four former chief justices warn of mockery being made against rule of law : In a statement, they say the dissolution of the House of Representatives is against the letter and spirit of the constitution and democratic values (kp 28/02/2021)

Oli following in Modi’s footsteps (ae 27/05/2021) [Both are oriented towards Hindu political thinking!]

Do not bring budget through ordinance: Nine former NPC vice-chairmen (kh 27/05/2021)

Bending constitutional provisions for government formation, the KP Oli way : Constitution drafters failed to foresee that prime minister elected under 76 (1) would dissolve the House after three years at the helm, as that article clearly ensures full term, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/05/2021)

Stop intimidating journos: Amnesty International (ht 27/05/2021)

What about the poor? Officials cannot continue to evade responsibility even as people go to bed hungry (kp 27/05/2021)

Lockdown disrupts dairy sector as sales suffer, feed becomes scarce : With hotels and restaurants shut, farmers can’t sell their milk because there are no buyers. Residents also do not want to come out of their houses to buy milk due to risk of infection, by Chandani kathayat, LP Devkota and Biplab Bhattarai (kp 27/05/2021)

Decision to close groceries triggers panic buying : Experts fear virus surge, call decision short-sighted, by Anup Ojha (kp 27/05/2021)

PM Oli says government effortful to save lives of people in pandemic (kh 27/05/2021) [It's just slimy! Drawing the masses into the streets in the middle of a pandemic to celebrate you and calling new elections are exactly the opposite of effective efforts to protect human lives!]

Nepal Public Health Association demands to annul mid-term elections (kh 26/05/2021), HoR dissolution is unconstitutional and undemocratic: Nepal Bar Association (kh 26/05/2021)

JSP on verge of split with both factions taking action against each other (kh 26/05/2021) [Oli is again successful in using the Hindu political means of bheda by division, betrayal, sowing discord among opponents!]

Dissolution at midnight : Yet another travesty of the constitution, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 26/05/2021)

“Immediate rescue plan needed for Nepalis stuck abroad” (rep 26/05/2021) [As in 2020, the oh-so-competent Oli government refuses to honour its responsibilities!]

Preparation to file contempt of court writ against PM Oli (kh 25/05/2021)

PM-CJ meeting at night in Baluwatar does not bode well: JSP leader Bhattarai (kh 25/05/2021) [The Chief Justice should not meet people who are the focus of a serious case in the making!]

Chain of injustice : The perpetrators of the caste killings in Rukum West are yet to face justice (kp 25/05/2021) [Crimes based on caste discrimination do not interest Oli at all!]

Nepal woefully short on human resources for Covid-19 treatment : An expert group says it had sent a list of health workers trained in critical care before the first wave but there was no response from the Health Ministry, by Arjun Poudel (kp 25/05/2021), Doctors in Dolpa warn of halting Covid-19 treatment : The health workers have been deprived of allowances and facilities due to them for the treatment of Covid-19 patients since the last fiscal year, by Hari Gautam (kp 25/05/2021) [Oli has all the time in the world for violating the constitution and laws or destroying parties, but he has absolutely no time or interest for his duties as Prime Minister like fighting and containing the pandemic!]

PM Oli likely to expand cabinet today, induct 10 JSP leaders from Thakur-Mahato group (kh 24/05/2021)

Democracy’s gravediggers : KP Sharma Oli proved that you may win elections and still be a loser (kp 24/05/2021)

No complaint can be filed against president’s discretionary rights: PM Oli (rep 23/05/2021) [Oli dreams of infallibility of PM and President! The problem is that Article 76 (5) is not a right of application of the President. This paragraph of Article 76 only applies automatically after a PM elected under Article 76 (3 and 4) has his confidence withdrawn by Parliament after 30 days. Your vote of confidence, which is required for this, is still pending, Mr Oli! Consequently, Article 76 (5 - 7) may not yet be applied at all on the basis of the Constitution and the House of Representatives may not be dissolved at all. To disregard this is a serious breach of the constitution!]

Budget will be introduced through ordinance on May 29: PM Oli (rep 23/05/2021) [Oli needs neither constitution nor parliament, in fact no cabinet either. He only needs his president to sign his ordinances! What was it said about the power of the King in the Panchayat Constitution? Yes, the sovereignty of Nepal is vested in His Majesty and all powers - executive, legislative and judicial - emanate from Him! Nothing to add to that!]

Prez Bhandari issues ordinance on citizenship (rep 23/05/2021) [In order to manipulate the JSP!], President issues Citizenship Ordinance : The ordinance addresses concerns of Madhes-centric parties (kh 23/05/2021), Oli attempts to use citizenship ordinance for his political gains : Timing raises questions over intentions as bill had been pending in Parliament for years, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/05/2021), Attorney General Badal addresses concerns on citizenship ordinance (kh 24/05/2021)

Elections in the time of a raging pandemic, a recipe for disaster : In India campaigning for assembly polls in states in April contributed to a deadly second wave. In Nepal elections are scheduled during a potential third wave, experts say, by Atjun Poudel (kp 23/05/2021)

Thakur-Mahato faction of Janata Samajbadi to join government : An observer of Madhes politics says the party will split  if the faction joins the Oli Cabinet amid polarisation, by Anil Giri (kp 23/05/2021)

Oli calls emergency cabinet meeting at midnight; decides to dissolve house, announces snap elections (ht 22/05/2021) [Again, although the Supreme Court has made it unmistakably clear to him that he is not empowered to do so and must follow the steps provided by the Constitution. This is a gross disregard of the court and, in view of the extreme pandemic situation, a serious crime against the people of Nepal!], President dissolves House, calls snap polls for November 12 and 19 : After a day-long political drama, through a midnight Cabinet meeting, Oli, as he failed to get reappointed, takes the country towards elections amid a raging Covid-19 pandemic, by Anil Giri, Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 22/05/2021), President dissolves Parliament; declares elections on Nov 12 & 19 (kh 22/05/2021), Social media awash with criticisms against President’s move to announce mid-term polls (kh 22/05/2021), Before heading to prez, Oli urged opposition to let him lead national govt (ht 22/05/2021) [This proves that Oli is only concerned with maintaining his personal power in everything he does, even if the country is destroyed in the process!], I Paved The Way For Alternative Govt: PM (rn 22/05/2021) [This person must be completely insane to claim that he knows better what would be useful than the Constitution!], PM directs Election Commission to gear up for election (kh) [Just like Oli's forced election preparations after the first unconstitutional parliamentary dissolution, those of the present one will mean a lot of wasted money for which Oli and Bhandari will have to be held personally accountable once they are out of office!], The devil on one side and a pandemic on the other, by Pranaya SJB Rana (Record), Opposition alliance calls house dissolution and call for snap polls unconstitutional and regressive : In a statement three parties, a faction of the ruling party and a faction of Janata Samajbadi have accused the prime minister of announcing the polls with the ill-intention of prolonging his autocratic regime as it cannot be held (kp 22/05/2021)

Govt can now impose state of emergency to curb COVID-19,  if necessary (rep 22/05/2021)

With President’s complicity, Oli hammers another nail in the coffin of the constitution : Bhandari’s call to form a new government in less than 24 hours at the request of the incumbent one bypassing  the due parliamentary process is unconstitutional, experts and political parties say, by Anil Giri (kp 21/05/2021)

Rules apply to all : When the head of the government doesn't follow rules and regulations, it gives others ample reason to do likewise (ht 21/05/2021)

PM Oli-Thakur agree to form task force to amend constitution (kh 21/05/2021) [Oli promised the same in 2018 when he was elected prime minister, but later he would not hear of it. He belongs to the circle of those male Tagadharis, especially  Bahuns, who pushed through the constitution in this very form to ensure their dominance!]

President calls on HoR members to form govt as per Article 76 (5) by 5pm Friday : PM Oli opted to pave way to form new government as he did not see possibility of him gaining parliament's trust (kh 20/05/2021)

Khim Lal Devkota defeats Ram Bahadur Thapa in National Assembly election : Devkota, an independent candidate backed by Nepal-Khanal faction of the UML, had the support of Congress and Maoist Centre. Thapa was fielded by the UML (kp 20/05/2021) [Both Oli and Thapa really deserve this!], Supreme Court scraps appointment of seven ministers who are not lawmakers : Chief Justice Rana’s bench says their appointment and oath, on May 14, prima facie, against constitutional provisions. All of them had joined the CPN-UML after deserting the Maoist Centre (kp 20/05/2021) [Oli as well as Thapa and the other deserters really deserve this! Finally respect the constitution, the laws and the parliamentary defeats, Mr Oli, and resign!], SC scraps appointment of non-MP ministers, seven including Home Min Thapa relieved (ht 20/05/2021), C Orders Seven Ministers To Stop Works (rn 20/05/2021), Reappointment of former Maoist leaders as ministers unconstitutional: SC (rep 20/0572021)

PM Oli directs to include popular packages in budget (kh 19/05/2021) [In the hope of re-election? Hopefully the voters will think better! Oli's actions are a form of political corruption!]

Afno manche, all over again in Nepal : If any of you wants a government/bureaucratic job in the next two years, profess your loyalty to the UML, then join a clique, then prove your loyalty to your leader, by Trailokya Raj Aryal (ae 19/05/2021)

PM Oli violates election code of conduct, EC warns of action (rep 19/05/2021), PM Oli urges to cast votes for Thapa in NA by-elections (kh 19/05/2021)

Morality and policy and the means (upaya) of Hindu politics, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 18/05/2021), Leaders underplay spectre of split hovering over JSP-N (ht 18/05/2021) [The dissent within the JSP is also a result of PM Oli's use of the Hindu political device bheda (sowing discord among opponents)]

SC seeks written response from PM on swearing-in (kh 18/05/2021), C seeks written response from PM on swearing-in (kh 18/05/2021), SC refuses interim order, seeks written response from defendants within 15 days (rep 18/05/2021) [Why not for 28 days? Then this would at least be a very clear statement by the SC that they are not thinking of reprimanding the PM for his misconduct at all?]

Send oxygen, not circulars : Oli’s prime ministership has been riddled with a lethal combination of ignorance and arrogance (kp 18/05/2021)

Oli mulling budget through ordinance as his vote of confidence in Parliament remains pending : The federal budget for the next fiscal year must be presented on May 29. Parliament session is yet to be called for presenting policies and programmes and pre-budget discussions, by Anil Giri (kp 18/05/2021) [Oli needs no parliament, just a president who willingly signs his every ordinance!]

Minister Shrestha is ignoring most pressing issues facing education sector, experts say : While schools remain closed and key exams have become uncertain due to the pandemic, the education minister hasn’t announced any measures to address the problem, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/05/2021) [That alone qualifies him to be a minister in the Oli government!]

Daily wage earners struggling to meet survival needs (kh 17/05/2021) [Thank you Mr Oli! The same problem as last year when you also didn't care!]

Vegetables rot in fields as lockdown paralyses market : Groceries are allowed to open briefly in the morning and sales are at minimum level, traders say, by Pratap Bista and Krishana Prasain (kp 17/05/2021) [This is an expected consequence of the totally ill-conceived pandemic policy of the incompetent Oli government!], COVID-19 hits dairy industry: 1.9 million liters of milk wasted daily, by Sabina Karki (kh 17/05/2021)

Authorities continue to fumble around amid Covid-19 surge : With pandemic showing signs of sliding into a devastating crisis, authorities mull a new law to streamline response, as they ignore the basics like tracing, testing and isolating, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 17/05/2021)

Controversy over PM's swearing-in snowballs : Petition filed in the Supreme Court demanding that Oli be sworn in again, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 17/05/2021)

Writ filed at SC seeking dismissal of 7 ministers sans parliamentary memberships (kh 17/05/2021)

Nepali politics: Testing waters of democracy, by Geeta Kochhar (ht 17/05/2021)

Do we have a government?, by Kamal Subedi (rep 16/05/2021)

Former PM Bhattarai bats for national government (kh 16/05/2021)

Despite increase in health budget, preparations for crisis were sorely lacking : Plans to set up enough oxygen plants, ICU beds and to  procure equipment remained only on paper. Less than  4 percent of Covid-19 capital budget has been spent, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 16/05/2021)

Contact tracing yet to take off as ministry assigns job to local level : Cases won’t come under control unless they are checked at the source but whether local governments have the capacity to do the task is another question, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 16/05/2021)

How govt lied about Chinese oxygen cylinders : They are brought by businessmen, not donation (kh 16/05/2021)

An oath of office when people are gasping for breath as well as answers : As Oli has been sworn in as prime minister again, he now must focus on fighting the pandemic and saving lives, leaving his political games aside, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 15/05/2021)

Flimsy huts set up in lieu of holding centre at Gaddachauki border point : Kanchanpur authorities are yet to set up a holding centre for people returning from India, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 15/05/2021) [Unlike the completely superfluous power struggles, this would have belonged to the real tasks of a competent and morally oriented prime minister!]

Government preaches but does not act, political analysts and local units say : Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum alleges that the central government has just been issuing instructions while doing little to address the Covid-19 crisis, by Anup Ojha (kp 15/05/2021)

People can’t go out, and they can’t get home delivery : Online stores are confused about providing service due to lack of clear guidelines from the government regarding ecommerce, by Krishana Prasain (kp 15/05/2021)

Cabinet recommends 11 envoys for various countries : Of the recommendations, nine are political appointees while only two are from the foreign service (kp 15/05/2021) [This is nepotism in its purest form! Only those who have the Oli party book shall be appointed to representative foreign posts for which only top diplomats are qualified!], Oli’s envoy appointments could erode country’s credibility, experts warn : Only two out of eleven ambassadorial nominees are career diplomats, by Anil Giri (kp 16/05/2021)

Lawmakers get second dose of vaccine while citizens are still waiting for theirs : They didn’t pressure the government to ensure vaccines for all as they knew they wouldn’t be deprived of the second dose, says a former general secretary at Parliament Secretariat. Around 1.3m people are still waiting for second jabs, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/05/2021) [!!!!]

Losing trust in the republic : As citizens scramble for oxygen and a hospital bed, our state has disappeared, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 14/05/2021) [It is not the republic, the top politicians have failed. The monarchy was no better. The party-political oligarchs behave like the monarchy once did, without conscience, without morals, oriented only towards their own power interests!]

PM Oli spouts outrage against opposition alliance (kh 14/05/2021) [Oli proves once again that he knows no morals and refuses to deal politely with political opponents! He forgets that he is only the prime minister of a minority government. Within the next 30 days he has to win a majority in the House of Representatives, otherwise that's it at last!]

A tale of two Nepals : As the country reported 8,842 new Covid-19 cases and 214 deaths, Nepali politicians had but one number in mind—136, the figure that could secure them power; Oli reappointed prime minister, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 14/05/2021) [There must be a way to get rid of these failed and totally irresponsible politicians! Unfortunately, even possible elections are hardly hopeful, as only these self-declared masters of Nepal decide on the selection of candidates and will never change their undemocratic party structures!]

Daily infection count hovers around 9,000 mark but deaths could continue to rise : As hospitals are not admitting patients due to oxygen shortages, many infected are in home isolation. Without timely and sufficient care, they are at high risk, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 14/05/2021) [Thank you Mr Oli, you have all the time in the world for your power struggles but no time to fulfil your obligations as Prime Minister and care for the people in their need!], We need a functioning govt (rep 14/05/2021), KP Oli sworn in again as PM, no new faces in new cabinet (rep 14/05/2021), JSP Chair Thakur rejects PM Oli’s offer to join government (kh 14/05/2021)

Ill-timed trust vote may scupper pre-budget session : Avoiding the pre-budget discussion is like barring people from participating in the budget process, a former Parliament Secretariat official says, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/05/2021) [PM Oli does not need a budget. He can rule without one and also without parliament! The money earmarked for the country's development is never spent as planned anyway!]

Defeat of confidence motion : Herculean challenge for new govt, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 14/05/2021)

End of the Oli show : Oli’s departure from the scene will not and should not be lamented, by Deepak Thapa (kp 13/05/2021)

UML revokes suspension of four leaders including Madhav Kumar Nepal (rep 13/05/2021), Rawal urges CPN-UML lawmakers to quit (ht 13/05/2021), Oli, Nepal hold telephone conversation as dissident UML lawmakers prepare to resign en masse (rep 13/05/2021) [Oli is obviously panicking, but to the detriment of Nepal and its people, he still does not have the morale to resign immediately!], UML’s Nepal faction issues ultimatum till 4:30 PM today to address their demands (rep 13/05/2021)

Oh, what a fall it was : Oli will be remembered in Nepali politics and society for all the wrong reasons (kp 12/05/2021), It’s time to go, El Supremo : Oli considers the amoral pragmatism of Marxism-Leninism and Maoism to be the guiding principle of his political life, by CK Lal (kp 12/05/2021)

Housemaids and elderly hit hard by  prohibitory orders in Kathmandu  : The lockdown has not just put many domestic helps out of their jobs, elderly people have also lost their caregivers, by Anup Ojha (kp 12/05/2021) [The Oli government again fails to realise that countless other things need to be considered and thought through in a lockdown. Anyone who even makes the remotest power play in such a situation is completely out of place.]

Country faces political crisis on top of a deepening virus crisis : With political turmoil ignited by Oli, parties are now in the number games, which look like a futile exercise, given their strengths and internal feuds in UML and Janata Samajbadi, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/05/2021)

Noxious politics hits the nadir : We need a wholly new approach to regain the sanctity, independence and efficacy of our institutions, by Achyut Wagle (kp 11/05/2021), Public policy implementation : Ways to upending barriers, by Madhav Shrestha (ht 11/05/2021) [No prime minister after 1990 could build on such a stable majority government as Oli, but his delivery was the worst Nepal has seen since!], Regaining Lost Credibility, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn 11/05/2021), Oli loses vote of confidence : Parties have until Thursday to form a new government, but the process appears to be tricky. Congress and Maoist Centre look to Janata Samajbadi as they lack numbers, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/05/2021), As things stand, Oli is likely to be PM again under Article 76 (3) (kh 11/05/2021) [This is definitely the last thing Nepal needs at this critical hour!], Oratorical genius Oli missed a golden opportunity, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 11/05/2021)

Oli appeals to stop anti-party activities : Says it’s a crime to attempt to pull down the party (ht 10/05/2021) [The one who has been misbehaving in this way for months is above all you personally, Mr Oli: sowing discord among political opponents, dividing your own and other parties, destroying democracy and the constitution, disregarding numerous laws, pretending false facts, neglecting urgent measures to contain the pandemic, suppressing fundamental rights, neglecting any moral responsibility, etc.], NC President Deuba accuses govt of disregarding law, constitution (kh 10/05/2021), Ridiculous for a PM to seek vote of confidence from HoR which he dissolved earlier: Upendra Yadav (kh 10/05/2021), High time we all moved together on the basis of consensus, unity and mutual understanding: PM Oli (kh 10/05/2021) [?????????]

No immediate plan to evacuate workers affected by flight suspension : Officials say the government will repatriate the affected workers if the flight suspension remains for an extended period, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 10/05/2021)) [A similar lack of interest from the Oli government as during the first lockdown!]

Out of control : It is the coronavirus pandemic, and not the media narrative, that should be under control (kp 10/05/2021)

Oli’s virus ‘situation under control’ remark meets with criticism : Crisis continues to deepen with over 8,000 new cases  and 53 deaths. Many from Oli’s orbit and over two dozen lawmakers test positive ahead of May 10 House session, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 09/05/2021) [??? Bring Mr Oli under control immediately!], Government mobilises its missions seeking aid to fight pandemic : Foreign Ministry has written to all Nepali missions abroad, asking them to find help from the host countries. A diplomat in Delhi says India will resume supply of vaccines to Nepal from June-July, by Anil Giri (kp 09/05/2021) [Why, if everything is under control?]

Constitutional Council recommends appointments to various Constitutional Commissions (kh 09/05/2021) [Last manipulated appointments before Oli is finally dumped?], Can’t give a vote of confidence: Mahanta tells PM Oli (kh 09/05/2021)

Oli’s preference for politics to virus crisis is an affront to people, analysts say : The UML chair and prime minister is paying no attention to soaring coronavirus cases, as he busies himself with political schemings ahead of his May 10 trust vote, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 07/05/2021)

Pandemic is getting out of hand, as government has its focus misplaced  : Officials fail to heed fundamentals like increasing contact tracing and testing as they see lockdowns as only option, by Arjun Poudel (kp 07/05/2021)

PM summons Constitutional Council meeting on Sunday (kh 07/05/2021) [Oli continues to try to prove that a Prime Minister, no matter how incompetent, has the right to govern without respect for the Constitution and the rule of law!]

Oli reaches out to Deuba as opposition forces band together : Meeting follows talks between Congress, Maoist Centre and a section of Janata Samajbadi leaders, by Anil Giri (kp 06/05/2021)

PM Oli asks JSP lawmakers to stay neutral : I won't ask you to vote for me: PM tells JSP leaders (kh 05/05/2021) [Why should the JSP support a coup leader who brutally cracked down on the legitimate demands of the Madhesis in 2015 and never kept his coalition promises even after that?]

UML leaders, including PM Oli at Deuba’s residence to hold talks (kh 05/05/2021) [Putschists among themselves!], PM Oli seeks NC support, Deuba rejects : NC, as the main opposition, cannot vote in favor of PM: NC President Deuba (kh 05/05/2021)

Lawmaker Jhankri warns PM Oli to face consequences (kh 05/05/2021)

Complacency, miscalculation and missteps : Country records highest daily coronavirus death toll and new cases. Oli’s chest-thumping and false claims  continue as vaccine supply is nowhere in sight. 47 percent of total tests return positive results, by Arjun Poudel and Binod Ghimire (kp 05/05/2021)

Will Oli’s confidence vote plan shake up political landscape? Maoists withdraw support and Nepal-Khanal supporters are mulling resigning as lawmakers. Congress party eyes  government and Janata Samajbadi is still a divided house, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/05/2021)

Sick and tired : The monkey business that is called democratic politics (kp 04/05/2021)

As if there’s no pandemic : Oli and his clique’s seeming indifference to the raging coronavirus and unfolding tragedy is stark. Even as virus cases hit a new record of 7,137 and death toll clocks 3,325, political games continue, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 03/05/2021)

Govt sacks Sudur Pashchim, Gandaki province governors close to Maoist Center, Paudel and Yadav to succeed them (rep 03/05/2021)

After Health Ministry bows out, municipal officials bear the brunt of Covid-19 crisis : Ward chiefs say they’re flooded with phone calls from people asking for hospital beds. Kathmandu lacks isolation or quarantine facilities, infected persons can’t access bottled oxygen, by Anup Ojha (kp 03/05/2021)

Pupils in limbo : The cabinet needs to reconsider its  decision to conduct in-person exams (kp 03/05/2021)

PM Oli sees need for paperless government service system (kh 02/05/2021) [Is that all he sees? But the little insight comes too late!]

NHRC urges govt to handle health crisis effectively (ht 02/05/2021)

‘We give up’ : Health Ministry asks people to be ‘sensible’, saying the health system cannot cope, as hospitals have run out of beds with new cases crossing the 5,000 mark, by Arjun Poudel (kp 01/05/2021) [Since Oli and other top politicians are largely to blame for this situation, this is a declaration of bankruptcy by the government and party political circles!]

JSP-N to back no-confidence motion : Opposition to the move by Thakur, Mahato might split the party, by Ram Kumar kamat (ht 01/05/2021) [This is all a consequence of Oli's policy of sowing discord among his political opponents, one of the traditional means (upaya) of Hindu politics to maintain a ruler's power!], To Prime Minister Oli’s relief, Deuba rules out no-confidence motion : With Janata Samajbadi Party not wholly supportive of  such a motion, the numbers would not be enough to  oust Oli, the opposition leader says., by Anil Giri (kp 01/05/2021), Oli caused formation of Janata Samajbadi Party. Now he is prompting its split : Cracks have emerged in the party which was formed in April last year through the merger between Rastriya Janata Party Nepal and Samajbadi Party Nepal, by Anil Giri (kp 02/02/2021)

NC lawmaker Thapa raps PM for not prioritizing COVID-19 (kh 01/05/2021)

Kathmandu Valley’s daily wage earners worry about survival : For many daily-wage earners and squatters living in Kathmandu, they have nowhere to go to escape the brunt of the pandemic, by Anup Ojha (kp 30/04/2021) [The problem repeats itself from the first lockdown, as the Oli government is not at all interested in these people and once again believes it can solve all problems with a lockdown!], Modern-day Neros : Our political leadership’s abdication of responsibility borders on criminality, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 30/04/2021) [Today's party leaders will go down in history as the great destroyers of the country!], Nepal: A victim of party politics and power games, by Niranjan Mani Dixit (rep 30/04/2021), Ugly face of Nepali politics : Ruling party engaged in ugly horse-trading as opposition parties mount effort to oust it from power in provinces (rep 30/04/2021)

Two ministers test COVID-19 positive (kh 30/04/2021)

Lash of a lockdown : It’s the decline in the moral foundation of Nepali politicians that is causing this situation (kp 30/04/2021) [Once again the Oli government is neglecting its duties!]

Online sellers demand clear operating rules : The government should also revise the definition of essential items as it has become obsolete, ecommerce entrepreneurs said, by Krishana Prasain (kp 30/04/2021)

Politics in the midst of a pandemic as people suffer : At a time when politicians should have demonstrated unity to fight the virus, they are busy in their petty political games, which represents a betrayal of citizens’ trust, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/04/2021)

How government’s effort to diversify vaccine procurement has fallen flat : Delivery of vaccines from India remains uncertain. Officials  say funding is no issue but are hesitating to go for Chinese and Russian vaccines because of their high prices, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Arjun Poudel (kp 28/04/2021)

Govt decides to withdraw 15 cases filed against 120 people (with list) (rep 28/04/2021) [This is part of Oli's desperate efforts to maintain his power. Just to remind you, during the Madhesh Movement, his attitude was totally adamant!]

PM and other senior leaders in contact-tracing as three central leaders of ruling CPN-UML test positive for COVID-19 (rep 28/04/2021)

United Nations special rapporteurs urge Nepal to rectify the appointments in the National Human Rights Commission : They have pointed out the appointments were not in line with international practices and undermines the independence, integrity and legitimacy of the rights body (kp 27/04/2021)

Back to square one, or even worse : No contact tracing even as the number of active cases crosses the 20,000 mark. Country reports 3,442 new cases and 12 deaths, by Arjun Poudel (kp 27/04/2021), Set up soup kitchens : With yet another lockdown, we are back to square one. Are we better prepared this time? (kp 27/04/2021) [Definitely not! The Oli government has been busy all along with power struggles, breaking the constitution and laws and suppressing basic human rights! There was no time to deal with such trivial things as the pandemic!]

A system that failed in the fight against pandemic : Failure to empower sub-national governments and political games in Kathmandu impacted provinces, thereby  deepening the coronavirus crisis, experts say, by Anil Giri (kp 26/04/2021), What is wrong with Nepal govt's COVID response, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 26/04/2021) [What response? The Oli government is irresponsible in every respect and only interested in prolonging the power it no longer has anyway!]

Police defy court to arrest journalist, media manager: Anil Tamang and DL Tamang of ujyaalonetwork.com were detained for publishing document bearing purported signatures of KP Oli and Samant Goel, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/04/2021) [Authoritarian rulers do not have to abide by laws or court decisions, believes Oli!], Ujyalo Network editor, publisher arrested for crime against state (ht 26/04/2021) [Oli ist nicht der Staat! Außerdem eine solche Regierungsmaßnahme gerichtlich untersagt untersagt!], FNJ demands immediate release of journalists (ht 26/04/2021)

Phallic fallacies : The Dharahara inauguration drama amidst the coronavirus crisis was in bad taste (kp 26/04/2021)

People ignoring social distancing measures despite spike in infections : When government officials and politicians themselves have been organising functions and rallies in defiance of Covid-19 restrictions, ordinary people have stopped taking precautions, experts say, by Shuvam Dhungana (kp 25/04/2021) [This criminal behaviour of Oli and the other so-called top politicians was a deliberate part of their ruthless and self-serving power struggles!]

Nepal seeks support in virus fight from crisis-hit India : The request for oxygen, antiviral drug and intensive care beds exposes the government’s inaction despite warnings of a looming crisis, experts say, by Anil Giri (kp 24/04/2021) [All oxygen available in the country should be used exclusively for Covid-19 patients and not for mountaineers! This is one of your primary responsibilities, Mr. Oli!]], A second wave prompting  a new exodus : Fearing lockdown, people are moving out to avoid the trouble they faced last year, by Anup Ojha (kp 24/04/2021)

When governance took a backseat, second wave took hold : At border points, authorities are failing to conduct tests and quarantine people, just as health facilities are on the verge of buckling under the caseload, by Arjun Poudel (kp 23/04/2021) [The Oli government is behaving almost more incompetently and irresponsibly than during the first Corona wave!]

Billions spent on Dharahara but school reconstruction suffering in lack of funds : Reconstruction of college buildings damaged in the 2015 earthquakes is yet to begin as the government only recently decided to take Indian loan despite stringent conditions, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/04/2021)

Government issues a slew of orders  amid threat of a second wave : More than 25 people cannot gather at one place; schools and places of worship among others closed till May 14. Testing and treatment made free, by Arjun Poudel (kp 20/04/2021) [This is not only much too late, but also far from sufficient!], Schools close again but there have been no preparation for virtual learning : Distance learning was not effective last year and as the virus may not go away soon, a long-term policy is required rather than seeking ad-hoc solutions, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/04/2021)

Poorly performing local governments may see federal grant slashed : The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has introduced a working procedure to evaluate performance of local governments, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 20/04/2021) [In a federal state, the local level must be able to draw on its own sources of finance and not be exclusively dependent on allocations from the central government!]

President Bhandari ends winter session of HoR (ht 19/04/2021) [This means that all ordinances ipso facto cease to be effective according to article 114 (2) of the constitution since they have not been tabled at the session of parliament held after their promulgation!Is Oli about pushing MCC through without Parliament?]

The elusive no-confidence motion : What are the options to replace Oli and restore sanity in Nepal’s politics?, by Naresh Koirala (kp 19/04/2021) [The endless infighting of the failed and incompetent top politicians results in the morally reprehensible Oli government remaining in power and continuing to play its manipulative games!]

Govt decides to withdraw cases filed against JSP cadres (kh 19/04/2021) [Part of Oli's policy to win over the divided JSP? Not to forget: Already in 2018, Oli had promised the party all sorts of things without ever delivering!]

In MCC, Oli sees a chance to play domestic and geopolitical games : The prime minister is using the American aid not only to rein in opponents in his party but also to curry favour with international power centres, analysts and insiders say, by Anil Giri and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/04/2021)

‘Strategic plan’ hints federal civil service law will be delayed by around two years In the absence of the law, provinces have been unable to recruit staff since 2017; The Bill faced delays after Oli prorogued the House on July 2, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/04/2021) [Oli and many other central leaders are not interested in federalism!]

Thunderbolts getting deadlier each year as country remains unprepared : The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology admits it has not been able to fully utilise the only weather radar to its potential, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 19/04/2021) [Oli government not interested?[

Officials forgot duty, public dropped masks; now second wave is here : New variants of the coronavirus are more transmissible and deadlier, but people are not taking precautions and there is not enough testing and monitoring of those in home isolation, by Arjun Poudel (kp 18/04/2021) [It would have been an outstanding task of the Oli government to prevent this!]

PM Oli warns of seeking Speaker’s alternative if MCC not presented in HoR (kh 18/04/2021) [Mr. Oli should finally get to grips with the constitution. The replacement of the Speaker of Parliament is not a matter for the executive, but requires the support of a two-thirds majority of MPs (Article 91 (6) (c)). Much more important would be the election of a Deputy Speaker of Parliament who has been pending for more than a year! In the current constellation, this post would belong to a woman!]

Home Min Thapa loses ministership after being removed from National Assembly; reappointment likely today (ht 18/04/2021), Leader Badal Re-Appointed As Home Minister (rn 18/04/2021)

To open, or not to open : Contradicting messages from government about running schools amid the coronavirus scare confuse guardians, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/04/2021)

Parliament barred govt from carrying out day-to-day activities: PM Oli (kh 17/04/2021) [Says the greatest destroyer of the rule of law and democracy, who for months has prevented Parliament from fulfilling its duties!]

Discriminatory citizenship laws continue to disenfranchise Nepalis : Despite constitutional provisions, inaction on supporting laws has meant that individuals are routinely denied citizenship through their mothers, by Bimita GC (Record 16/04/2021) [Thanks to Oli and all the other patriarchal so-called leaders!]

Wildfires result in loss of forests and pollution, but what about wildlife : Nepal, which lacks a clear policy to deal with forest fires, has no mechanism to monitor how wild animals are dying and losing their habitats from fires, officials say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 16/04/2021) [One of the many failures of the oh so competent and successful Oli government!]

Why Nepal is not on the list of invitees for climate summit called by Joe Biden : The country has failed to demonstrate its actions to mitigate impacts and make concerted efforts to show its vulnerabilities before the world despite bearing the brunt, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Anil Giri (kp 15/04/2021)

Ominous 2078 : As the Oli government battles for its very survival, it has been badly distracted from the growing virus menace (ae 15/04/2021)

Oli counts success of government while Covid-19 gradually grips the country : Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi has publicly admitted that the government hasn’t succeeded in securing a deal to procure additional vaccines, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/04/2021)

Government has failed on employment front (ht 14/04/2021)

Experts warn against lapses and complacency as virus cases surge : As Nepal reports 13 new deaths with a daily count of  496, concerns grow over a repeat of last year’s cycle if  authorities fail to ramp up measures to contain the spread, by Arjun Poudel (kp 13/04/2021)

Accountability? What? The Baskota case shows how little politicians care about public opinion (kp 13/04/2021) [KP Oli stands out in a particularly negative way. He can be bluntly described as a protector of corruption!], Performance contract blues : Such contracts have failed due to the lack of ownership and concrete incentives, by Achyut Wagle (kp 13/04/2021)

A third of Oli’s Cabinet ministers are not members of federal parliament : Analysts say the prime minister is showing utter disregard for constitutional provisions for his political gains, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/04/2021) [Oli should one day be held accountable for his continued destruction of the state and democracy, but his opponents are also to blame! The drama would end if the CPN-MC finally officially ended the coalition with the CPN-UML!]

Ghode Jatra draws huge crowd at Tundikhel amid Covid-19 risk : People are not following simplest of advice like wearing masks in public, by Anup Ojha (kp 12/04/2021) [And the Oli government supports this criminal madness by doing nothing to stop it!]

Baskota’s recommendation to House committee raises concern about conflict of interest : The ex-minister, who was embroiled in a Rs700 million bribery scandal, has been recommended as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 12/04/2021) [This is probably part of Oli's way of fighting corruption!]

NC lawmaker Thapa lambasts govt indifference towards unemployment issues (kh 12/04/2021)

Maoist Center suspends National Assembly membership of Home Minister Thapa, seeks clarification from lawmaker Khadka (rep 09/04/2021)

NC leader Gagan Thapa invites PM Oli to HoR (kh 08/04/2021)

Maoist Center taking action against its Ministers in Oli-govt (kh 06/04/2021), Four Maoist Center lawmakers lose their posts (kh 08/04/2021), PM Oli to reappoint four former Maoist Center ministers, oath-taking later today (rep 09/04/2021)

Poverty Alleviation Fund was scrapped, but it still exists. What does it do? The fund created at the height of insurgency has lost its relevance with local governments in place, officials admit, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/04/2021) [????]

Three years have passed, but no consumer court in sight : Consumer rights activists accuse the government of deliberately delaying the implementation of the law, by Krishana Prasain (kp 06/04/2021) [This is one of countless non-performance of duties by the Oli government!]

Oli capitalises on other parties’ lack of heft to act against him : Experts say the prime minister needs to seek  a vote of confidence by Tuesday, but there is  no answer to what happens if he refuses to do so, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/04/2021)

Oli rushes to inaugurate 165 road projects without their preparatory works complete : Observers term prime minister’s move a populist ploy aimed at securing his political position, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/04/2021), On the campaign trail : Oli is on an inauguration spree with an eye on elections (kp 05/04/2021)

Freed haliyas in Bajura still remain victims of state apathy (ht 04/04/2021)

Fire victims in Tehrathum await rehabilitation : Thirty-five people have been staying in makeshift tents since their houses were destroyed in March 26 fire, by Chandra Karki (kp 04/04/2021)

Former PM Bhattarai calls PM Oli ‘Bhasmasur’ (kh 03/04/221)

Govt appoints Chairman, officials of President Chure Terai Madhesh Conservation Development Board (kh 02/04/2021) [As usual, all 6 functionaries belong to the traditional hill castes: 5 Brahmins, 1 Chhetri. This is how Oli makes the state democratic and socially inclusive!]

Reinstated HoR has become dysfunctional: PM Oli (kh) [Yes, this has been your intention for months!]

Disregard of constitutional norms : Manifestation of hubris syndrome, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 01/04/2021)

Nothing is being done to curb local pollution, environmentalists say : Vehicle emissions, industries, brick kilns and construction are major sources of air pollution, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 01/04/2021) [This is exactly what KP Oli likes to call extremely competent and far-sighted!!!]

Whatever happened to equity and inclusion? That one group should progress so disproportionately talks about the failure of the state-society compact, by Deepak Thapa (kp 01/04/2021)

Worsening wildfires a reminder that the country lacks clear policies : Despite their frequency, in which lives, wildlife and hundreds of thousands of hectares of green cover are lost, forest fire disasters have been largely ignored by authorities, experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 31/03/2021)

PM Oli should gain vote of confidence from parliament by April 5: CPN (Maoist Center) leader Gurung (rep 31/03/2021), Govt’s constitutional validity ends on Apr 5 if vote of confidence not taken: Maoist Center (kh 31/03/2021) [KP Oli was elected prime minister by the CPN-UML and CPN-MC MPs under Article 76 (2), i.e. he was prime minister of a coalition government whose two components only later merged to form the NCP. Article 100 (2) is not very clear on the situation at hand. The NCP is again divided into the original parties by the SC decision; however, it was in principle already divided into the Oli and Dahal/Nepal factions before the ruling. At that time, therefore, Oli should already have asked for a vote of confidence under Article 100 (2). Formally, however, it is also the case today that Oli was elected by the two aforementioned parties in 2018 and the CPN-ML has not withdrawn its confidence in Oli to date.]

Take the initiative to form new govt: Prachanda urges Deuba (kh 31/03/2021)

Flood-displaced families await relocation : It’s been almost a year since the disaster but the displaced families in Myagdi are still living in temporary huts, by Ghanshyam Khadka (kp 29/03/2021) [The Oli government can be relied upon. It really takes care of the country's citizens in need in a touching and prompt manner!]

Gasping for air : The government’s response to the ongoing air pollution emergency is grossly inadequate (kp 29/03/2021), Nepal govt shuts schools, colleges for four days owing to pollution (ht 29/03/2021), Education institutions ordered shut for four days, stakeholders criticise delayed response, by Anup Ojha (kp 30/03/2021)

Government holds first round of dialogue with Tharu agitators (rep 30/03/2021)

Investing in youth : Big employment generating programs must be carefully evaluated while small innovative pilots should be supported, by Simone Galimberti (rep 28/03/2021) [PM Oli is not interested in such really important things!]

Only 217 migrant workers availed of government’s pandemic repatriation scheme : Poor implementation of the programme led to low numbers, labour rights experts say, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 27/03/2021) [One of numerous cases of complete failure by the Oli government!]

UML and JSP discuss constitution amendment, government formation (kh 23/03/2021) [This is exactly what Oli had already promised the JSPN once in 2018. After their entry into his government, he no longer wanted to know anything about it! But even with the participation of the JSPN, the Oli government would not have a majority in parliament!]

Oli wants to prove House irrelevant, critics say : The prime minister neither attends meetings, nor does his government provide any business to the House of Representatives, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/03/2021)

CPN-UML’s PP statute endorsed (rep 20/03/2021) [Meetings of a party faction should not take place in the official PM's residence!]

COVID-19 Crisis Management Center is ‘nonfunctional’ : The CCMC sat for a meeting after a gap of three months on Thursday (rep 20/03/2021) [?????]

Govt to provide Rs 1 million for NC leader Joshi’s treatment (kh 19/03/2021) [It is fine for the government to provide financial support to sick politicians, but only as long as poor ordinary citizens, such as the ailing Dalit Aause Kami from Bajura, are helped in the same way. Or is this part of the Oli government's wooing of the NC?]

Govt, despite losing both cases, did not criticize the court: Minister Gyawali (kh 19/03/2021) [You know very well that PM Oli has expressed himself differently, Mr Gyawali! He continues to rule out the only correct step from the verdicts, namely his resignation.]

Why KP Oli must go : Failing to sack Oli out of power is tantamount to breeding a situation of impunity at the highest level of executive authority, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 18/03/2021) [After his dismissal, additional judicial steps should be considered.]

Budget delay hampers reconstruction of houses destroyed last monsoon : Displaced families wonder how long they will have  to live without proper roof above their heads, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 18/03/2021)

President’s all-party meeting comes into question over intent : Oli proposing House dissolution and fresh elections makes the event look like Sheetal Niwas dancing to Baluwatar’s tune, leaders attending the meeting and analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 17/03/2021) [Bidya Devi Bhandari is a president by Oli's grace. Since then, she has therefore been a compliant tool in support of her Prime Minister's ambitions for power, forgetting her constitutional duties!]

My house dissolution move is being justified: PM KP Oli (rep 16/03/2021) [This man still refuses to accept the court ruling on his constitutional violation!]

Endless wait for Korea jobs frustrates youths as they question Nepal’s commitment : Thousands of Nepalis who have passed the tests and got jobs blame government inaction while experts say it could be proactive rather than wait to hear from the Koreans, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 13/03/2021)

CPN-Maoist Centre calls back its members from the Cabinet (ht 13/03/2021), CPN (Maoist Center) decides to recall its minister including Home Minister Thapa from cabinet : The party asks to Maoist lawmakers joining UML to choose either the party or the position of lawmaker within 24 hours (rep 13/03/2021)

Rebuttal to international rights concerns draws flak : The National Human Rights Commission’s response to statements by Human Rights Watch and others is unprincipled, unwarranted, ex-officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/03/2021) [This is part of the destruction of Nepal's reputation in the democratic world by the machinations of Oli!]

PM Oli was confident of the tide turning in his favor, by Ashok Dahal (ae 12/03/2021)

Fluid politics : The most likely scenario is that the NC or UML will try to form the next government with the backing of two other parties (ht 11/03/2021) [After his attempted coup, Oli has no legitimacy to play a leading political role!]

No violence of any type exists in country now: PM Oli (kh 10/03/2021) [However, the violence of the Oli-archy continues to prevail, seeking to destroy all democracy and political culture!], Eight injured, two critically, in a blast at a government office in SirahaThe explosion, for which Jaya Krishna Goit-led group has taken responsibility, shows radical forces continue to exist and they should be brought to the talks table, analysts say, by Bharat Jarghamagar and Tika R Pradhan (kp 15/03/2021) [Only a few days ago, PM Oli claimed that there was no militancy left in Nepal, except for the one he had started. That was probably a false statement!]

PM Oli in mood to split JSP for new power sharing (kh 10/03/10) [A person without any morals and political culture, who destroys the entire state if necessary to safeguard his personal power interests!]

Global bodies' statements against country's sovereignty, says NHRC (ht 09/03/2021) [The allegations of the NHRC prove that this commission in its present composition, fabricated by PM Oli, has lost all independence and is in thrall to the Oli government!]

People of Limi and Yari in Humla deprived of immunisation against Covid-19 : Public health experts say the government has failed to ensure equal health care rights to all people, by Arjun Poudel (kp 08/03/2021)

Dip in per capita income challenge to Nepal’s graduation to developing country status, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 08/03/2021)

As chief ministers go troubleshooting for Oli, provincial governance takes hit : Every time prime minister faces trouble in the Nepal Communist Party, Pokharel and Gurung rush to Kathmandu. They are now at the forefront of efforts to save the party, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/03/2021) [Federalism Oli's way! Centralism to keep the Prime Minister in power!]

Many Nepalis deprived of citizenship certificate (ht 07/03/2021)

Memories of house demolition haunt us every day, Balaju Bypass residents say : Eviction of 39 families has left deep mental scars on members of Newa community, by Anup Ojha (kp 06/03/2021) [Court decisions do not apply to Oli and his henchmen!]

Finance minister manhandled in home district (ht 06/03/2021)

Address Badis' woes : It is the responsibility of the government to provide basic amenities to the underprivileged groups (ht 05/03/2021) [KP Oli not interested!]

More politician, less finance minister, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (ae 05/03/2021)

Chand party agrees to shun violence, government lifts ban : Details of the three-point pact to be made public today. It’s unclear what happens to the outfit’s political demands like scrapping of parliamentary system and a round-table meet, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/03/2021) [The question remains whether in a democratic state the government is allowed to ban another political party so easily! In Western democracies, at least, this is an extremely complicated and lengthy process in which the judiciary plays a decisive role.], Chand commits to peaceful politics but many questions remain unanswered : The three-point deal signed with the government does  not say much about arms management and addressing the Communist Party of Nepal’s political issues, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/03/2021)

The president and the prime minister : Bidya Devi Bhandari and KP Oli have ridden roughshod over accepted political norms, by Deepak Thapa (kp 04/03/2021)

PM's ire against the intelligentsia : Indicator of despotic tendencies, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 04/03/2021)

Vaccine shortage : The government must ensure there is enough to go around (kp 04/03/2021)

While focus is on vaccination, other strategies to fight pandemic ignored : The European Union had offered help to perform a seroprevalence study and strengthen surveillance and early  warning systems a year ago but the government has not taken up the offer yet, by Arjun Poudel (kp 03/03/2021) [This too is part of the utter failure and disinterest of the Oli government!]

Oli takes initiatives for talks with Chand party as he struggles to stay afloat : The government forms a team under Home Minister Thapa to hold dialogue with Communist Party of Nepal, an armed outfit led by Dahal’s one-time trusted lieutenant, by Anil Giri (kp 03/03/20021)

Plan for Oli statue reeks of feudalism, analysts say : Terming the prime minister as ‘Father of Industrial Revolution’ his statue is to be put up at the China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park in Jhapa, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/03/2021) [A case of megalomania in its terminal stage!]

Wasting waste : A near non-existent waste management system has turned our rivers into dark veins of dirt (kp 02/03/2021) [Another case of oli's disinterest!]

Oli does not want to quit on moral grounds but instead is talking of horse trading : Implying elected representatives are for sale is disrespecting the House and electorate, lawmakers and analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/03/2021), Politics becomes more complicated in ways that will exacerbate gridlock : Oli refuses to budge as the Dahal-Nepal faction explores options, only to realise that there are none as of now, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 01/03/2021)

Olitics-politics and ethics : Prime Minister Oli is very much the part of the problem. Therefore, cannot be part of the solution, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 28/02/2021) [A politician without any moral conscience!]

Oli’s unconstitutional House dissolution leads to unwanted burden on state treasury, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 28/02/2021) [Thank you, Mr Oli! Nothing is too expensive for you to maintain your power, but you, like the other top politicians, do not care about the country and its people!]

They spoke up and they are receiving threats : Harassment, death and rape threats, and bigotry against women are a silent epidemic affecting their right to speak up against issues, women activists say, by Samiksha Baral (kp 28/02/2021) [And how does the oh-so-competent Oli government react?]

Gangamaya’s health in critical condition (rep 28/02/2021)

Road upgradation continues amidst tight security (ht 28/02/2021) [What does the Oli government care about Supreme Court directives!]

Removing Oli from PM's post easier said than done (ht 27/02/2021) [Even proven coup plotters can remain in power in Nepal, what is also related to the personal power ambitions of potential successors.]

Sales of masks, sanitisers drop as people become carefree : The pandemic is not over yet, and people should take precautions even if they have been vaccinated, health experts say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 25/02/2021) [Highly responsible for this aberration are Oli, Dahal, Nepal Deuba and all the other so-called top politicians who lure the people en masse to the streets for their political power games and make them believe that there is no pandemic in Nepal!]

How KP Sharma Oli’s authoritarian politics bid boomeranged on him : House dissolution move turned out to be a trap for Oli, as he is set to lose prime minister’s post and even likely to be reduced to playing second fiddle either to Deuba or Dahal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/02/2021) [After his grave breach of the constitution, perpetrated out of pure greed for power, Oli has no legitimacy whatsoever to play any kind of fiddle anymore!]

House reinstated : Constitution has prevailed, parties and analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 24/02/2021), In landmark verdict, SC reinstates Lower House : Orders government to call new session of Parliament within 13 days, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 24/02/2021), The constitution wins : Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli must step down on moral grounds (kp 24/02/2021), Supreme Court may have brought politics on track but experts say crisis hasn’t ended : The Nepali Congress, with 63 seats in the House, will be the kingmaker. But if it chooses to stay out of the fray, Parliament may struggle to give a new government, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/02/2021), With court verdict reinstating the House, alliance talks begin : Gyawali says House meeting will be called within 13 days. Both factions of the Nepal Communist Party reach out to the Congress (kp 24/02/2021) [The Oli faction lacks any moral basis to be involved in the next government. In particular, KP Oli personally must never hold public office again!], Prime Minister Oli, resign immediately : If KP Sharma Oli has an iota of respect for the people and the democratic processes, he should resign immediately and pave the way for forming  a new government (rep 24/02/2021), PM Oli says he is not in the mood to resign soon (kh 24/02/2021)

Two petitions filed at Supreme Court against Pashupati golden jalahari case : Prime minister had pledged Rs 300 million to install a golden jalahari at the temple, by Anup Ojha (kp 24/02/2021), SC issues interim order against Jalahari installation at Pashupatinath (kh), President Bhandari reaches Pashupatinath to begin installation of golden ‘Jalahari’  (kh 24/02/2021) [???]

SC reinstates House of Representatives : Orders government to summon House session within the next 13 days (kh23/02/2021) [Happy birthday, Mr Oli!], House of Representatives reinstated with the verdict of Supreme Court on Dissolution case (ht 23/02/2021), In a landmark verdict, Supreme Court reinstates House of Representatives (Read the verdict) (rep 23/02/2021), Supreme Court scraps all appointments made by govt to various constitutional bodies after Dec 20 (rep 23/02/2021)

Initiating development projects after poll notice is abuse of resources, analysts say : Week-long plan of laying foundations of five industrial estates begins even as progress of ongoing projects is poor; Oli has warned of  agitation if  the court decides against dissolution of  Parliament, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 23/02/2021)

Addressing HR violations : Nepal Police needs to reform, by Mohna Ansari (ht 23/02/2021)

Six held for seeking justice for Nirmala (ht 23/02/2021) [It is a crime to demand justice for rape victims when His Majesty the Prime Minister is in town!]

480 million rupees spent to decorate Prime Minister’s Office (rn 23/02/2021)

Oli faction cripples provincial assemblies to save two chief ministers : The Nepal Communist Party feud is having an impact on provinces, which will be detrimental to democratic  principles and the constitution, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/02/2021) [Oli destroys the state and the constitution out of pure greed for power and calls this the preservation of democracy! The other top politicians also have little interest in the latter, but Oli's behaviour is unbelievable and should be punished most severely!]

Manifestation of misogyny : If the government really wants to ‘protect’ women it needs to make the country safe from violence, prejudices, practices and laws that harm and humiliate women, by Grishma Bista (rep 22/02/2021)

How Oli government botched COVID-19 response, by Ashim Neupane (rep 22/02/2021)

Think beyond short-term for migrant workers : Instead of providing short term aids to returnee migrants, should not Nepal create opportunities for them here in the country so that they do not have to rely on low paying jobs in foreign lands?, by Bipana Thapa (rep 22/02/2021)

What’s in a language : The government should learn from the past blunders of promoting one language (kp 22/02/2021), Bhojpuri language not developed thanks to govt apathy (ht 22/02/2021)

SC order on corrective measures for prisoners remains unimplemented, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 22/02/2021) [Supreme Court decisions are binding law, but the Oli government sees it completely differently!], Secretariat member of Chand-led CPN Bastola arrested again, despite SC order to free him (rep 22/02/2021) [!!], Execute penal code : The government should take corrective measures to make improvements in the criminal justice system (ht 23/02/2021)

Nepal needs to amend human trafficking laws to fully enforce Palermo Protocol, experts say : Existing laws define the crime in a narrow sense and fail to protect the victims, they argue, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 21/02/2021)

Wisdom of the crowds : The only definite way of gauging the will of the people is through an election, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp 21/02/2021) [There may have to be early elections in the near future, but not now. At the moment, the only question is whether Oli was allowed to dissolve parliament in order to prolong his personal power or whether he had to abide by the internationally customary democratic rules of the game: resignation or a vote of confidence in parliament. Only then, if no new government can be formed, may there be new elections!]

Deuba reluctant to organise protests against House dissolution : Some Congress leaders suspect a tacit understanding between Deuba and Oli could be the reason, by Anil Giri (kp 21/02/2021)  [Two autocratic opportunists show their anti-democratic sentiments. For Deuba, too, it is only about personal power, not about law and constitution!]

To reclaim democracy, citizens hold Tundikhel march : Brihat Nagarik Andolan vows to fight to protect the country from falling into an abyss, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 20/02/2021)

Prime minister says he hasn’t committed contempt of court : In his statement, Oli argues he has always respected the rule of law and independence  of the judiciary and has never obstructed the judicial process (kp 19/02/2021) [Exactly the opposite is the case. Violations of the Constitution and laws and disregard of Supreme Court decisions and its orders are part of the daily policy of Oli and other leaders!]

Is parliament dissolution constitutional? Prime Minister Oli has not been able to prove how exactly the House of the Representatives did not cooperate with him in carrying out his duties, by Neha Sharma (rep 18/02/2021)

Dumping federalism : The discriminatory immigration rule targeting women reflects the values of an illiberal government, by Deepak Thapa (kp 18/02/2021) [Another unconstitutional stance by the Oli government!]

How proposed immigration policy on women is deeply flawed : Limiting women’s education, employment and movement hinders their economic empowerment and freedom thereby perpetuating their dependency on men, by Tara Kanel (rep 18/02/2021)

Cases of torture declining, claims govt (kp 18/02/2021) [??? Oli's coup means torture for the whole nation!]

Even amid pandemic, government transfers dozen health experts, by Arjun Poudel (kp 18/02/2021)

In a state of confrontation : Oli’s moves, especially the ordinance on Constitutional Council Act and the House  dissolution, set off events which have created hostility among key state organs, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/02/221)

A constitutional crisis in the offing : Without some sort of settlement, Nepal cannot be rescued from the present imbroglio, by Narayan Manandhar (kp 17/02/2021) [All those responsible for this must ultimately be held legally accountable!]

Government seeks logistical support from India, China even as poll uncertainty continues : Poll body has yet to resolve dispute in Nepal Communist Party, a must for holding elections, but it has expedited other works, by Anil Giri (kp 17/02/2021)

House dissolution hearing in final leg as amicus curiae starts presenting brief : The first of the five friends of the court in his arguments wavers talking about ambiguities in the constitution rather than the legality of KP Sharma Oli’s move, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/02/2021)

Cabinet clears way to procure 2 million vaccine doses : Nepal is buying the jabs from the Serum Institute of India at $4 per dose, for which the government, changing existing guidelines, has given the nod to 80 percent advance payment—around Rs749 million—to the manufacturer, by Arjun Poudel (kp 17/02/2021)

Oli says he was not allowed to work. But he flaunts his achievements : Analysts and leaders say prime minister is making contradictory statements to justify House dissolution, by Anil Giri (kp 16/02/2021) [A prime minister who has failed across the board must be replaced by democratic means through parliament. He definitely does not have the right to stage a coup!]

Ramechhap earthquake survivors have no proper homes even six years after disaster : Three integrated settlements remain incomplete as the National Reconstruction Authority has not issued funds, by Tika Prasad Bhatta (kp 16/02/2021) [The early elections ordered by Oli, which are completely unnecessary, are certainly considerably more expensive!]

Nepal at risk from new virus variants, experts warn : The government’s focus on vaccination while ignoring importance of testing, contact tracing and genome sequencing could prove costly, they say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 16/02/2021) [The completely wrong and conceptless handling of the pandemic is undoubtedly one of the biggest areas of failure of the Oli government!]

Failure on the economic front : A thorough evaluation shows that this government has more severely failed Nepal on economic matters, by Achyut Wagle (kp 16/02/2021)

Create more jobs : The scheme of a minimum of 100 days of work is, at its best, a complementary project (kp 16/02/2021) [Another failure of the Oli government!]

He was chosen to strengthen the charter. He has left it weakened : In three years, Oli took measures to impair federalism until he dealt a blow to the constitution, throwing stability dream down the drain and inviting uncertainties, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 15/02/2021)

For a pinch of salt : The government must ensure that essential commodities reach rural areas efficiently (kp 15/02/2021) [Here, too, the Oli government has completely failed!]

Former chief justices respond to the Supreme Court, say their statement does not amount to contempt of court : The court had sought reply in writing from four former justices over their January 8 statement in which they called Oli’s House dissolution move unconstitutional (kp 15/02/2021) [But the statements of Oli and his henchmen do this in an extremely diverse way!]

Broken promise : The Nepal government has failed to live up to its commitments on transitional justice, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (kp 14/02/2021) [Oli has implemented almost nothing of what he had announced three years ago. All Nepali politicians think and act similarly, but Oli's failure is particularly extreme!]

Bardiya municipalities unite to keep memories of war victims alive : Local and provincial governments can now do their bit to  provide relief for victims of the conflict, experts say; Governments formed after the peace accord have failed to bring  justice to victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/02/2021) [This is just the second time Oli has led such a disinterested and human rights-denying government!]

Oli’s large-scale secretary transfers in lead-up to elections come into question : More transfers of bureaucrats as well as of police officers are on the cards, officials say. Past experience shows  that officials have a role in influencing elections, by Anil Giri (kp 14/02/2021)

Sugar industries are not getting sugarcane, by Rekha Bhusal (rep 14/02/2021) [Here, too, the Oli government has completely failed!]

‘Justice, justice, justice’ : Fed up with inaction, women march to demand end to impunity, by Samiksha Baral (kp 13/02/2021) [Hardly any care from the Oli government!], Hundreds rally in capital for women’s rights (ht 13/02/2021)

Constitutional Imperative Of Civic Education, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn 13/02/2021) [Please start by educating Oli, who believes that sovereignty is vested in him and not in the hands of the people!]

Draft directives to regulate social media give authorities power to define decency : Provisions of the directives, to be enforced by the Department of Information Technology, are from the controversial Information Technology Bill which is in Parliament., by Bijay Timalsina (kp 13/02/2021), New directives to control online media worry free speech proponents (ht 13/02/2021)

Two years after shortening public holiday list, government starts adding to it again : Officials are calculating potential political benefits while taking decisions on holidays, critics say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/02/2021)

KP Oli has assassinated democracy, claims Democratic Thought Society (kh 12/02/2021)

Oli’s follies : Deceit and thuggery have gone to such an extent that in one moment PM says one thing and in the next moment does opposite of what he just said, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 12/02/2021)

Is KP Oli staying on, or will the SC verdict be his final farewell?, by Ashok Dahal (ae 12/01/2021)

Proposed travel rule change may not help control women’s trafficking, experts say : Immigration official tries but fails to convince protesters that the government is not trying to curtail anyone’s rights, by Chandan Kumar Mandal and Samikshy Baral (kp 12/02/2021) [But it helps the patriarchy to control women even better! According to the thinking of Hindu fundamentalists like Oli, this is perfectly fine!]

Contractors negligent in supply and sale of rice in remote Karnali districts : People say contractors don’t transport rice in time and when they do, the grains are of inferior quality, by Chandani Kathayat and Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 11/02/2021) [Disinterest of the Oli government to control this and ensure supply to the people! This is one of the supreme duties of a head of government!]

Smash rape culture : Impunity is one of the reasons why sexual violence continues to thrive (kp 11/02/2021) [The Oli government and political parties care more about their sympathisers, even if they are perpetrators! They also regard women as inferior creatures, subordinate to men in every way!]

Children becoming victims of sexual exploitation due to internet misuse (ht 11/02/2021) [No care from the Oli government!]

Government yet to respond to Biplav group’s call for talks : Since the split in Nepal Communist Party, both factions are trying to woo leaders of the banned outfit. The ruling  faction’s efforts, however, seem half-hearted as it fears they might support the rival camp once they join the mainstream ; The government hasn’t stopped arresting cadres of  the banned party, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/02/2021)

Leader Ram Kumari Jhakri Arrested (rn 11/02/2021), Leader Ram Kumari Jhakri Arrested (rn), NCP's Dahal-Nepal faction leader Jhakri arrested from home for "committing a crime against state" (rep 11/02/2021), In Jhakri’s arrest, analysts see Oli government’s intent to curb free speech : The leader was charged with crime against the state, before she was released, for her remarks on the President, but legal experts say police stretched the law a bit too far, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/02/2021)

Is Oli right to say he dissolved the House, just the way UK prime minister did?No. In October 2019 Boris Johnson invoked the Fixed-term Parliaments Act-2011 as per which his election motion was endorsed by more than two-thirds of Members of Parliament (kp 10/02/2021)

Lactating mothers, newborns in the far-west forced to stay in cowsheds after childbirth, by Prakash Singh (ht 10/02/2021) [This crime requires immediate action by the Oli government!]

New rule requiring women under 40 to take approval from family, local ward office to go abroad draws criticism : Social media users call it a regressive move, saying the decision deprives women of their agency and limits their right to free movement (kp 10/02/2021) [Oli, the misogynist!], New directives to regulate media, social networking sites in offing (ht 10/02/2021) [Media censorship in preparation!]

Malnutrition in children serious health challenge in several Karnali districts : Poverty, food shortage and lack of awareness behind existing malnutrition crisis, say experts, by Tularam Pandey and Raj Bahadur Shahi (kp 10/02/2021) [And what has the Oli government done to prevent or at least improve this situation?]

Cabinet decides to hold Secondary Education Examinations centrally : The decision is against the spirit of federalism envisioned in the constitution, provincial officials say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/02/2021)

Oli asking poll body not to get into any party disputes raises concerns : As polls are not possible until the Nepal Communist Party issue is resolved, analysts wonder if the prime minister has a different game plan to drive his opponents into a corner, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/02/2021)

Effects of the dissolution : Two dozen bills will lapse or have their enforcement processes halted until the House resumes, by Sushrey Nepal (kp 09/02/2021) [The responsibility for this lies with the power-hungry KP Oli and the president who blindly supports him!]

Poor planning responsible for low Covid-19 vaccination rate in first phase, experts say : Studies were needed to inform policy on who to get the vaccine and when, they suggest, by Arjun Poudel (kp 09/02/2021) [Total failure of the Oli government!]

ओलीको श्रीपेच–सपना र मार्क्सवादी हिन्दुत्व : जनता र मुलुकका प्राथमिकताहरूतिर पिठ्युँ फर्काएर सोच्ने प्रत्येक अधिनायकवादी शासकको सबभन्दा स्वाभाविक आकांक्षा नै श्रीपेच लगाउने हो [Oli's Crown of a King dream and Marxist Hindutva : The most natural aspiration of every authoritarian ruler who turns his back on the priorities of the people and the country is to wear a crown], by Achyut Wagle (ka 08/02/2021)

What if polls fail to happen even if way for it were cleared : Country could face constitutional and political vacuum of an unprecedented proportion, and the constitution and hard-earned gains could unravel as a result, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 08/02/2021) [Oli has already destroyed so much with his inimitable greed for power, arrogance and incompetence that it can hardly be repaired. The rest will be done by the other top politicians, who are no better in their attitude!]

With extended vaccination deadline for frontliners over, only about half took the jabs : Lack of proper risk communication, overestimating the number of health workers and geography are the reasons, by Arjun Poudel (kp 07/02/2021) [Total failure of the Oli government!]

Human trafficking laws need to be amended, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 07/02/2021) [Total failure of the Oli government!]

How Nepali migrants suffered during the pandemic : In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, job loss created a financial hardship to low-skilled migrants. It cut off the survival lifelines of the family members back home, by Dinesh Prasad Joshi and Laxmi Kumar Parajuli (rep 07/02/2021) [In this context, the Oli goverment completely failed as well!]

25 percent startups have folded up since pandemic began : Other than the lack of proper business plan and demand, they collapsed after the government failed to provide subsidised loans, experts say, by Krishana Prasain (kp 07/02/2021) [Total failure of the Oli government!]

Government yet to fill teacher vacancies, even as decline in education quality is reported :  Around 10 percent or 13,000 teacher positions are vacant as the Teachers Service Commission has not been able to announce vacancies for the last three years, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/02/2021) [Total failure of the Oli government!]

Government has not procured essential drugs for over 18 months : The essential drugs provided for free are key to preventing deaths by non-communicable diseases, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 06/02/2021)

Speaker moves court bringing key institutions of state in confrontation : Agni Sapkota files petition against the constitutional body  appointments made by the Constitutional Council where prime minister is the chair and chief justice a member, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/02/2021)

Home minister announces ‘third people’s movement’, but many wonder what it means : In a bid to win Oli’s favour, Thapa warns his former comrade Dahal that if his agitation turns violent he, as home minister, will lock up the former rebel leader in the zoo, by Anil Giri (kp 06/02/2021) [Sick mind?? This statement alone is a proof!]

Seeking to change narrative, Oli resorts to show of force : Despite leading the government, Oli is holding a mass gathering in front of Narayanahiti, once the seat of kings, raising concerns if the communist prime minister is taking the country on a regressive path, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/02/2021), NCP’s Oli-led faction staging a mass gathering in the capital today (rep 05/02/2021) [And what is he trying to prove? Does he want to prove the constitutionality of his coup by the mass march of his cadres who blindly obey him, because he cannot find anything in the constitution?], Oli counts his achievements as if in a poll rally and defends move of dissolving the House : Addressing a mass gathering, prime minister expresses his commitment to the federal democratic republic, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/02/2021), Committed to democracy, claims Oli : 'No one can reverse republican order. Polls will decide who forms govt' (ht 06/02/2021) [No, Mr Oli, you commit yourself to a coup against democracy. Only the representatives of the sovereign people elected for five years decide who forms a government! There is no need for new elections and no right of the PM to dissolve parliament prematurely as part of his intra-party power struggles!]

Lawmaker Pal advises PM Oli to do away with federalism (kh 05/02/2021) [One cannot simply change the fundamentals of the constitution, even if Oli would very much like to do so. Ms Pal should remember : parliamentarians who had previously sided with the coup-plotting king were expelled from parliament in 2005 when the latter was reinstalled!]

New appointments yet another Oli bid to wield control over key institutions : Analysts say Oli’s actions are making a mockery of the  rule of law, as agencies meant to keep the government  in check are being hugely compromised, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/02/2021), Appointments to constitutional bodies receive widespread flak : Questions raised over Nepali Congress’ role as party supporters feature on list of appointees, by Anil Giri (kp 04/02/2021)

Govt moves ahead with appointments in constitutional bodies despite objection from Speaker Sapkota (rep 03/02/2021), CIAA chief Rai among others take oath of office and secrecy (rep 03/02/2021), Vice President Pun, Speaker Sapkota boycott swearing-in ceremony of newly-appointed office bearers of constitutional bodies (rep 03/02/2021)

Artists, writers and cultural activists announce protest against House dissolution : PM Oli’s ‘regressive move’ undermines the achievements of the 2006 people’s movement and pushes the country towards authoritarianism, they say (kp 02/02/2021)

PM Oli calls a meeting of Constitutional Council for Wednesday (rep 02/02/2021), Constitutional Council meeting postponed sine die (rep 02/02/2021), Constitutional Council meeting postponed due to CJ’s refusal to attend (kh 02/02/2021)

Oli rules out possibility of HoR reinstatement (ht 02/02/2021) [All powers - executive, legislative and judicial - are vested in His Majesty Oli and emanate from him, just as written in the royal Panchayat Constitution of 1962!]

Provinces, Local Levels Are Government's Organs, Minister Says (rn 02/02/2021) [Nepal is and remains a centralised state. The citizens have misunderstood the idea of federalism! In general, the constitution is completely overrated!]

Assessing constitutionality of parliament dissolution : Dissolution of the House of Representatives is the last resort, only when all options mentioned in Article 76(1), (2), (3) and (5) are exhausted, by Sneha Shrestha (rep 01/02/2021)

PM elected from two-thirds majority can dissolve parliament: Attorney General Kharel (kh 01/02/2021) [Apart from the fact that there is nothing about this in the Constitution, a House of Representatives that is 100 per cent elected by the sovereign people cannot be dissolved by a Prime Minister whose power depends solely on this very Parliament!]

Electoral eyewash : With polls in mind, Prime Minister KP Oli has been crossing the moral boundaries of democratic politics (kp 01/02/2021)

Oli, despite leading caretaker Cabinet, on spree to inaugurate and award projects : Inaugurating them is an attempt to influence elections which the poll body should look into and awarding them risks future governments not owning them, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp 31/01/2021) [The minimum punishment for a coup plotter should be that he should never again be allowed to participate in elections or hold public office!]

Minister Thapa apologizes for saying ‘His Majesty’s Government’ (rep 31/01/2021) [This slip of the tongue is telling!]

PM Oli changes his statement of inoculating all citizens within three months. He now says general public will get COVID-19 vaccine ‘within 2021’ (rep 30/01/2021) [???]

Court orders Oli to be present with written reply on contempt charge : The bench has given the prime minister seven days to furnish clarification why he should not be punished for making disparaging remarks against the judiciary, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 29/01/2021)

KP Oli goes to Pashupati : Nepal has had its share of conflicts of late. The last thing it now needs is a religious strife (ae 29/01/2021)

PM Oli suffers from ‘parliament phobia’: Senior advocate Bidari (rep 29/01/2021)

The fate of elections is up in the air, but Oli already seems to be in campaign mode : Analysts say Oli’s gatherings targeting polls need scrutiny given the chances of misuse of state resources as his House dissolution move is still being tested by the court of law, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/01/2021)

Threat to Nepal’s hard-fought democratic ideals : The civil society movement not only must insist on punishing Oli, but also push for a new political culture, by Pramod Mishra (kp 28/01/2021)

Supreme Court summons Prime Minister Oli within seven days with written response in contempt of court case : The court has also summoned former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana and four former chief justices for speaking up on the House dissolution case which is being heard by the Constitutional Bench (kp 28/01/2021)

Is this the time for election? Government’s effort should have been centered on reviving the economy and protecting people from the huge financial and mental loss. Nepal cannot afford costly elections at this moment, by Bikram Thapa (rep 27/01/2021)

Campaigners decry use of force by police on peaceful civic protest against the House dissolution move : Unwarned, protesters were hit by water cannons and  beaten up as they marched towards Baluwatar. Earlier in the day, rights activists were rounded up from same area, by Anup Ojha (kp 26/01/2021), [The police action as now ordered by the Oli government is criminal and a serious violation of basic human rights. The behaviour of the police has not changed since the end of the authoritarian royal Panchayat system!]

Oli’s temple visit carries an underlying political message, leaders and observers say : Prime minister’s puja at Pashupati comes at a time when calls are growing for restoration of a Hindu state with monarchy and the country has been pushed towards uncertainty, by Anil Giri (kp 26/01/2021) [After destroying the constitution and democracy, Oli is also trying to eradicate the remnants of social harmony in the multi-ethnic state of Nepal by once again proving himself to be a Hindu fundamentalist!]

In mocking lawyers and judiciary, Oli is making a mockery of rule of law : Legal experts say ever since he dissolved the House, the prime minister has been making attempts to justify his move and in doing so he has turned the whole situation into a farce, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/01/2021), Former presidents of NBA condemn PM’s remarks (ht 25/01/2021)

PM Oli assures ex-Maoists commanders of finding solution to their problems (kh 23/01/2021) [And what about the problems of the victims of the insurgency and their families, Mr Oli??]

PM Oli makes mockery of legendary lawyer whom judicial sector respects as ‘Guru’ : ‘Calling hearing a spectacle contempt of court’ (kh 23/01/2021) [!!!???]

A scrambling Oligovernment produces gazette before court, but it’s backdated : Hiding information and distorting it have been the hallmark of the Oli government and not publishing the House dissolution notice is a major procedural lapse, experts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 23/01/2021), Lawyers spell out flaws in PM’s move, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/01/2021)

Protest against Oli’s decision draws huge response in capital (ht 23/01/2021) [The term "decision" trivializes Oli's constitutional breach!], A motley crew of people and political talk at Capital protest : Thousands attended Friday’s rally called by Dahal-Nepal faction of Nepal Communist Party against Oli’s House dissolution move. But not everyone was there to protest, by Anup Ojha (kp 23/01/2023)

Polluted politics : If driver exhalation is checked for alcohol, why not vehicle exhaust for pollutants? Governance failure. Corruption (nt 22/01/2021), Breathing is hazardous to health : Only public pressure on politicians will clean up Kathmandu’s hazardous air pollution (nt 22/01/2021)

Messing up the system : When a government elected with an overwhelming majority dissolves the House due to the failure and inability to manage intra party wrangling and discord, it could become a bane for democracy, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep 22/01/2021)

Why KP Sharma Oli is behaving as though he is the state : Ever since Oli dissolved the House of Representatives, all his statements have revolved around ‘I, me and myself’, as he has shown utter disregard for the checks and balances enshrined in the constitution, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/01/2021)

Nepal to rely mostly on foreign aid to buy Covid-19 vaccines for its people, officials say : Rs48 billion has been estimated for vaccines. Government, however, says it won’t have a resource crunch for midterm elections, which will cost it as much as Rs 20 billion, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 22/01/2021) [??????]

Oli’s legacy of shame : KP Oli put Nepal’s young democracy to the test, and the political class helped him do it, by Deepak Thapa (kp 21/01/2021)

Has Oli captured the state? Whether the Constitutional Bench upholds House  dissolution or not, Oli has his tentacles all over, by Achyut Wagle (kp 19/01/2021)

Oli should be banned from politics : The prime minister’s hunger for power is likely to push the country into political chaos, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp 18/01/2021), PM has no right to dissolve House, SC told : ‘Lawmakers even supported the prime minister’s absurd claims’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht) [And the President has to protect the constitution even if the PM wants to smash it to preserve his power!]

Has Oli accepted the constitution has flaws and it needs amendments? In his House dissolution recommendation, Oli has said snap polls are required to revise the charter. But analysts wonder if he has any other sinister motive, as there’s no  certainty that elections, if they happen, will give him such a majority , by Binod Ghimire and Tika R Pradhan (kp 17/01/2021) [Oli is constantly talking only about his critics being against elections. Yet elections are not the issue to begin with. At the beginning, there is the question of Oli's constitutional legitimacy to dissolve parliament prematurely. No such legitimacy is apparent. The Supreme Court should finally decide to redeem Nepal from this superfluous crisis!]

With a different letter than one sent by  the Cabinet, Oli adds to the confusion : While the House dissolution decision signed by the chief secretary does not cite articles, the one undersigned by Oli includes those, thereby creating grounds to suspect foul play, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 16/01/2021)

PM refutes his alleged meeting with SC Justices assigned to Constitutional Bench (rep 16/01/2021) [??????]

PM Oli recommended House dissolution “without mentioning article of the Constitution” : Petitioner questions alleged meeting between PM and Justices (kh 15/01/2021) [???]

Has Oli killed two birds with one stone - or two interviews for that matter : He has earned praise for a nationalist stance, but some say he managed to distract Nepalis from ongoing crisis while sending a message to Delhi he is ready to play along, by Anil Giri (kp 13/01/2021) [Like his great inner-party rival Dahal, the Hindu fundamentalist Oli loves to fly his flag according to the wind. He takes the truth just as seriously as his role model in the White House!], Despite rhetoric of nationalism, Oli more dependent on foreign forces : When political leaders  lack concrete ideology, they often take recourse to ideas of stability, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp 13/01/2021)

Oli resorting to vituperation turns the conversation ugly and nasty : The prime minister lately has launched acerbic attacks on his opponents and all those who criticise him, overstepping the bounds of propriety and decency, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/01/2021)

Winter session of National Assembly concludes (rep 10/01/2021), PM Oli draws flak for spitting inside NA (kh 10/01/2021)  [This illustrates Oli's disrespect for institutions of democracy such as the National Assembly. Why was it convened for only one week in the first place? Of course, the all-powerful PM can regulate laws much better by ordinance, which are then signed by the president. Democracy works in Nepal, doesn't it?]

Observers call Oli’s bid to woo Madhes with ‘dhoti rally’ a farce : If Oli, whose scorn for Madhesis is no secret, is thinking about winning over some constituencies in the plains, he has completely lost the plot, leaders and analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 10/01/2021) [A putschist must never run for public office again!]

PM Asks Former Justices To Respect Judiciary (rn 10/01/2021) [Only I, the godlike PM has every right to break the Constitution and give opinions on ongoing Supreme Court litigation, but not the extremely concerned constitutional experts of the country!]

Oli throws caution to the wind as he addresses a mass gathering : Once again ignoring the fact that his December 20 move  is sub judice in court, Oli says the House cannot be restored and urges all to prepare for elections, by Anil Giri (kp 09/01/2021)

Seven held from Oli’s event for wearing t-shirts with slogans demanding justice for Nirmala Pant : People who attended the function say they were not allowed to wear anything black, even caps or masks, by Mohan Budhaair (kp 09/01/2021) [Many authoritarian politicians are prone to such misbehaviour. Moreover, he must once again put up with the question of whether he personally is deliberately trying to prevent the crime against Nirmala Pant from being solved!]

Nepal keeps mum as world leaders condemn attack on US democracy : Foreign Ministry chose to remain silent, with officials  saying they have received no orders from ‘higher political authority’—whether to say something or not say anything, by Anil Giri (kp 08/01/2021) [Oli's attitude and self-aggrandising way of thinking resembles that of his great role model in the White House. So what is he supposed to criticise?]

Despite austerity rules, recurrent expenditure continues to surge : Financial Comptroller General Office warns of action against public offices not following austerity measures, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 08/01/2021)

Drawing a line in the sand : A year after Dilip Mahato was killed by the sand mafia, his family still seeks justice, and illegal mining continues unabated, by Bhrikuti Rai (nt 08/01/2021)

PM presents annual report of NSC to prez (ht 08/01/2021)

“Govt is apathetic toward issues raised by Nepali nurses” (rep 08/01/2021)

Oli’s claims House can’t be restored objectionable, analysts say : Since dissolving Parliament, Oli has in almost all his public appearances said it cannot be revived, even though the Supreme Court is hearing the matter, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/01/2021) [Oli continues to play little Trump!]

Ministry fails to operate suicide prevention hotline, by Arjun Poudel (kp 03/01/2021)

Non-cooperation to the government led to dissolution of HoR: PM Oli tells SC (kh 03/01/2021) [A democratic PM resigns if he has no longer the majority support in party and parliament! At least he asks for a vote of confidence!!],

Deuba eyes leading government as Oli hints at an understanding : After holding one round of protest against House dissolution, the Congress party has decided not to go for joint agitation amid talks of a power-sharing deal between Deuba and Oli, by Anil Giri (kp 03/01/2021) [The two most incompetent prime ministers in recent history among the numerous power-hungry and self-serving politicians at the helm of political parties are poised to deal a death blow to democracy, the Constitution, their parties, indeed the entire state! Deuba must take note that Oli will never give up his personal claim to power. For this he is ready for everything!]

Oli’s crime : Nobody is above the law in contemporary Nepal. Nobody ought to be, by Pramod Mishra (kp 31/12/2020), A year held hostage by the Nepal Communist Party feud : The infighting in the ruling party reached a tipping point as 2020 drew to a close. Oli dissolved the House and called snap polls resulting in the party split and forcing the country towards uncertainty, by Anil Giri (kp 31/12/2020)

Is load shedding back? What is the NEA doing? (rep 31/12/2020) [Nepal's most incompetent government ever, that of KP Oli, has gone all out to prevent an extension of the capable Kul Man Ghising's tenure as NEA Manager!], People are closely watching NEA; and warn of massive outrage if power cuts continue (rep 31/12/2020)

House Dissolved To Save Democracy: PM (rn 31/12/2020) [You claim that you had to destroy democracy and the constitution in order to save them? Are you actually still in your right mind? All your actions are geared only to your personal preservation of power!]

The year the government failed to save lives, control the Covid contagion : The government gave up key measures such as testing, contact tracing and isolating and left the people to fend for themselves amid a raging pandemic, by Arjun Poudel (kp 31/12/2020)

What next in Nepal? If the Supreme Court reinstates the House, state of emergency will be declared. Oli then may join hands with pro-monarchy forces which have been demanding constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state, by Suraj K Shrestha (rep 30/12/2020) [Oli is a Hindu fanatic either!]

The KP Sharma Oli caretaker government question : As Oli ceases to be a member of the House of Representatives, which he dissolved, he can only be a caretaker prime minister, experts say. But he did not resign despite calling snap polls, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 28/12/2020), Ordinance and constitutional body recommendations challenged in court : Writ petitioners argue that the ordinance over functioning of Constitutional Council was ‘unconstitutional’ while defenders say there was no choice but to amend the law, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 28/12/2020), Oli draws flak for appointing new ministers (ht 28/12/2020), The plot thickens : The way they have taken the fight to the provinces is an affront to political culture (kp 28/12/2020)

Experts question if caretaker prime minister can reshuffle the Cabinet : The decision is against the spirit of constitutional and political cultures, observers argue; Most of  the new ministers in the Oli Cabinet are former Maoists, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 26/12/2020), Cabinet recommends calling winter session of the upper house : The recommendation comes six days after the lower house was dissolved (kp 26/12/2020), Govt recommends parliamentary session for Jan 1 (rep 26/12/2020) [After dismissing the directly elected representatives of the sovereign people???]

Prime Minister Oli is pushing the country to precipice. Is there a way to stop him? It is necessary for all of us who want this constitution to function and who care about this country to shout out that the Prime Minister is wrong, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 25/12/2020)

Nepal’s Person of the Year: KP Oli, by Bishal Thapa (ae 25/12/2020)

PM Oli calls Cabinet meeting at 6 pm : Cabinet expansion likely (kh 25/12/2020)

Climax of Oli’s autogolpe : It is up to the judiciary now to save Nepal’s hard-earned federal republican democracy, by Achyut Wagle (kp 22/12/2020)

Democracy’s undoing : Prime Minister Oli and President Bhandari have ticked all boxes of Machiavellian treachery in Nepali politics (kp 21/12/2020), President dissolves House, calls polls for April 30 and May 10 : Oli attacks the constitution one more time as the noose tightened around him, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Gjhimire (kp 21/12/2020), This dissolution and those dissolutions: Looking for parallels to Oli’s move in history, by Anil Giri (kp 21/12/2020), Leaders close to Home Minister Thapa say they won’t stand by him if he supports PM Oli’s move (rep 21/12/2020), Dissolution of parliament was not my wish: PM Oli (rep 21/12/2020) [A no-confidence vote in parliament would have been a normal democratic procedure. Dissolving the parliament to prevent it is an attack on the fundamentals of democracy and both PM and President must stand trial for this crime!The long overdue resignation of the PM would have been another democratic option!] In address to the nation after House dissolution, Oli defends his move : He says that he was left with no choice as he was not allowed to work by some ruling party leaders and seeking a fresh mandate was the best alternative given the situation (kp 21/12/2020) [The offender declares himself to be the victim! The threat of losing power does not justify the destruction of the democratic foundations of the state and the constitution! Even the all-powerful Gyanendra had to pay bitterly for such a crime in 2006!],Oli ‘explains’ how he was ‘forced’ to dissolve House and announce midterm elections (rep 21/12/2020), Parliament dissolution was not an abrupt decision: PM Oli : "Election will strengthen party unity" (kh 21/12/2020) [What a sick mind on departure from the political stage!], Oli’s address to the nation didn’t validate dissolution of House, observers say : The ‘strongest prime minister in Nepal’s modern history’ can’t say his own comrades didn’t allow him to work, they add, by Anil Giri (kp 22/12/2020)

Government is whitewashing extent of coronavirus infection, public health experts say : Health Ministry counting test results of travellers, health workers and government staff, by Arjun Poudel (kp 21/12/2020)

Covid-19 affected businesses to protest demanding relief and rehabilitation package : Entrepreneurs say that the refinance facility has not been available to the small and medium scale enterprises, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/12/2020)

Oli sacrifices the constitution to save his skin (Record 20/12/2020)

Oli government recommends House dissolution : After being cornered in his own party, speculations had been rife that Oli could take such a measure (kp 20/12/2020) [60 years and 5 days after the coup by Mahendra : This is a putsch by a totally incompetent politician for the sole purpose of maintaining his personal power. This man should be arrested immediately and brought to justice to prevent worse from happening to his country, which has already been severely battered by the pandemic and politicians!], What does the constitution say on House dissolution : No constitutional provision for Oli to dissolve House, experts say. The House can be dissolved before its five-year term ends only in case of a hung parliament but Nepal Communist Party has nearly two-thirds majority (kp 20/12/2020), After House dissolution recommendation, prime minister for holding elections in Baisakh (April-May) : The President, however, is yet to endorse the House dissolution recommendation and she is holding consultation, an official at Sheetal Niwas says (kp 20/12/2020) [It is the President's supreme duty to uphold the Constitution and not to keep a failed Prime Minister in power!], President Bhandari Dissolves HoR, Mid-Term Election On April 30 And May 10 Next Year (rn 20/12/2020) [The President must be in a state of mental derangement with her reasoning: Article 76 (7) concerns the situation after a successful vote of no confidence in the PM. Article 85 concerns the extension of the five-year parliamentary term in times of emergency. Neither of these is a given!], Ministers close to Dahal, Nepal resign en masse after PM's controversial move to dissolve parliament (rep 20/12/2020), 7 ministers resign en masse : Term House dissolution "unconstitutional and undemocratic" (kh 20/12/2020)

Oli keeps mum on revoking ordinance, leaving all confused and guessing : A day after agreeing to withdraw the ordinance, Oli called and then cancelled the Constitutional Council meeting, later refusing to even discuss it in the Cabinet, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 18/12/2020), Prachanda-Nepal faction warns of further steps against Oli if ordinance not withdrawn (kh 18/12/2020), Over the edge, again : Prime Minister Oli’s brinkmanship bought himself time. But at what cost? (nt 18/12/2020)

Oli agrees to revoke ordinance but his actions come into question : Observers say the prime minister is making a mockery of the system by issuing ordinances and withdrawing them and losing legitimacy to govern, by Tika R Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 17/12/2020) [The PM and the President have long since lost their legitimacy. Both have numerous obligations by virtue of their office, but they hardly fulfil them° At the same time, they overestimate their rights like authoritarian rulers or monarchs!], How Baluwatar brought disgrace upon Sheetal Niwas and the high office played complicit roles : The brazen display of promptitude by the President to act as per the Oli government’s demand has eroded the image of the hallowed institution, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/12/2020), Lessons unlearned : With the recent faux pas, Oli’s legitimacy to govern has come into question (kp 17/12/2020), Supreme Court moved against controversial ordinance (ht 17/12/2020), Wrong practice : The ordinance has given the PM sweeping powers to appoint persons in the constitutional bodies without consulting others (ht17/12/2020)

In ordinance, Oli shows yet another authoritarian streak : By amending the Constitutional Council Act, the prime minister has effectively defenestrated the opposition leader and Speaker and disturbed the balance of power in a blatant attack on the spirit of the constitution, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/12/2020)

Sugarcane farmers refuse to sit for talks as the government dilly-dallies : Home and industry ministers show lukewarm response to farmers, with one promising ‘lawful action’ against mill owners and the other saying infiltration by ‘middlemen’, by Krishana Prasain (kp 16/12/2020)

Water Supply Ministry hit hard due to hand over of office, human resources (kh 14/12/2020)

Several holes in new foreign policy document, leaders and experts say : Policy should have been prepared with wider consultations to address pertinent global issues, observers point out; Senior ruling party leader says they were not aware of  the policy document, by Anil Giri (kp 10/12/2020)

Oli calls all-party meeting, expecting support, but gets vitriol instead : Leaders of the political parties represented in the federal parliament say that the failure  in governance has invited the ongoing protests against the republican system, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 09/12/2020)

All of Prime Minister job funds to go to wages : In the third year of its implementation, the programme has so far been a let-down as it fails to achieve its target, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 07/12/2020)

New austerity standard in public spending (ht 06/12/2020)

Attacking the system, one step at a time : Oli administration’s actions are against constitutional  provisions and pose a threat to democratic  principles and norms, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp 04/12/2020)

Women commission defunct as cases of violence against women continues : Since it was elevated to a constitutional body in the new constitution, it has not had full quota of commissioners, and since 2017 it hasn’t had any office bearers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/12/2020) [Politicians who fundamentally disregard the constitution in the grossest way must be removed from all offices immediately!]

Transparency International report unacceptable: Government : Says it is politically motivated (kh 29/11/2020) [It is quite normal for failing governments to reject such dismantling reports!], NC urges PM Oli to read TI report (ht 30/11/2020)

PM Oli obstructing anti-graft bodies to investigate corruption cases, alleges civil society body (rep 28/11/2020)

‘Prime Minister cannot be ousted without the decision of the parliamentary party’ (rep 27/11/2020) [open letter by civil society members], Government urged to be responsible to people, nation (ht 28/11/2020)

Oli accused of undermining Parliament : The government is trying to rule on the basis of ordinance, bypassing the Parliament (ht 25/11/2020)

Govt will not tolerate gender-based discrimination, violence: PM Oli (kh 25/11/2020) [You, your govt, your party and most of the other political parties discriminate against women in almost every respect, Mr Oli!]

A  bunch of jobless people seeking to bring instability in the country sought my resignation: PM Oli, by Khagendra Adhikari (rep 23/11/2020) [Little Trump lives up to his title! Or has the high altitude air in Taplejung not been good for him?], Despite COVID-19 fears, thousands of Nepalis leave for India to earn bread and butter, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep 23/11/2020) [This is the reality of the unemployed you discredit, Mr Oli!]

Oli came to power on nationalistic plank. But he seems to be failing to adhere to the hope he sold : Despite a strong government that could keep foreign meddling in the country at bay, observers feel that instability in the ruling party could go against the national interest, by Anil Giri (kp 20/11/2020)

Lawmakers’ call to adopt calendar for Parliament goes unheeded : The Oli administration is in no hurry to convene the winter session and face questions from lawmakers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/11/2020) [Just like his great example of behaviour in Washington, Oli ignores all democratic institutions that might restrict his exercise of power!], संसद् बन्द कहिलेसम्म ? कोभिड संक्रमण उच्च रहेका अमेरिका र भारतमा हालै निर्वाचन सम्पन्न भएका छन्, यहाँ भने कोभिडलाई नै कारण बनाएर साढे चार महिनादेखि संसद् बन्द गरिएको छ । जनप्रतिनिधिमूलक संस्थालाई लामो समयसम्म निष्प्रभावी बनाइएकामा सरोकारवालाहरुले प्रश्न उठाउन थालेका छन् [Parliament closed till when? Elections have recently been held in the United States and India, where the Covid infection is high, but here Parliament has been closed for four and a half months due to Covid. Stakeholders have started questioning the ineffectiveness of the people's representative body for a long time], by Rishiram Paudyal (ka 18/11/2020)

Good riddance : Four years of the Trump administration has done enough damage, but the Nepali Trump ploughs on, by Deepak Thapa (kp 12/11/2020)

Modern helipad constructed on premises of PM’s Official Residence in Baluwatar (rep 12/11/2020)

Reversing its earlier decision, govt decides to provide free of cost treatment to COVID-19 patients in all state-owned  hospitals (rep 10/11/2020)

अधिनायकवादको बाटो पछ्याउँदै : लोकतन्त्रको स्वाद चाखिसकेका नेपाली मतदाताले सिद्धान्ततः पुरातन शैलीको कम्युनिस्टलाई स्विकार्न सक्दैनन् [Following the path of totalitarianism : Nepali voters who have tasted democracy cannot accept the old-fashioned communist in principle.], by Dharmendra Jha (np)

PM Oli adamant to this stance of not resigning (kh 08/11/2020)

Decision not to call Nepal a federal democratic republic is an attack on the system, experts say : The government’s recent decision to refer to the country just as ‘Nepal’ is unconstitutional and against the spirit of federalism, they argue, by Tika R Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 06/11/2020)

Do your job, PM Oli : The prime minister has to mend his errant ways and justify his continued government leadership (ae 06/11/2020) [PM Oli has only rights, not duties, at least he thinks!!]

Centre’s approval must for MoU between local levels, foreigners (ht 06/11/2020) [After all, the Federal Republic of Nepal is still a centralised state, says HM Oli! All power is vested in the PM and emanates from him!]

Oli rules out stepping down as PM (ht 05/11/2020), PM Oli warns of imminent crisis; instructs ministers to focus on work (kh 05/11/2020) [If Oli resigns, this will be a blessing for the country. The problem is that all conceivable alternatives are not one bit better!]

SC declines to review its verdict on free treatment for COVID-19 : Asks Health Minister as to why he should be exempted from action for contempt of court (kh 05/11/2020) [!!!]

संविधान कुल्चेर समृद्धिका खोक्रा नारा : सरकार स्वतन्त्र न्यायालयको अस्तित्व र यसले गरेका फैसलाहरूलाई पूर्णतः बेवास्ता गरेर अगाडि बढ्न उद्यत छ । विधिको शासनमाथि गरिएको यो निकै योजनाबद्ध प्रहार हो, जसले मुलुकको समृद्धिका सम्भावनामाथि प्रत्यक्ष चोट पुर्‍याउँछ, by Achyut Wagle (ka 02/11/2020)

Four Secretary posts vacant; who gets promoted? (kh 01/11/2020)

Fellow Nepalis, fear the government, fear as much for the country, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 31/10/2020)

Leaders’ centralised mindset challenge to federalism : Several laws essential for a functional federal system have still not been endorsed by the federal parliament, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/10/2020) [These so-called "leaders", as which they see themselves, have never wanted a federal system. The central state serves their personal interests based on patriarchal Hindu thinking much better!]

ओलीको हठले नेकपा विघटनको डिलमा : ओलीको सरकार इतिहासकै अन्तिम बहुमतको कम्युनिस्ट सरकार मात्र होइन, कम्युनिस्ट पार्टीको अन्तिम सरकार बन्न सक्छ, by Lokesh Dhakal (np 23/10/2020) [But the leadership of the main opposition party around Deuba and Paudel is unfortunately not a bit better!]

Karnali blues : PM Oli’s repeated attempts to prolong his tenure through internal party machinations will be costly for Nepal (ae 23/10/2020) [PM Oli should one day be held legally accountable for this. A prime minister is not immune when it comes to his power-political moves!]

Oli administration’s decision on Covid tests and treatment breaches social contract : As social media users call for not paying taxes, analysts say the government is shirking  its fundamental duty and running away from its constitutional obligations, by Anil Giri and Arjun Poudel (kp 20/10/2020), NCP leaders censure government over virus test and treatment move : It seems the government has thrown in the towel in the fight against the virus and running away from its duty which will tarnish the party’s image, insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 20/10/2020), It’s governance, stupid : Citizens are bearing the brunt of the patchwork of responses by the government (kp 20/10/2020)

Physical Infrastructure Minister Basanta Nembang too contracts Covid-19 (ht 20/10/2020)

As Oli government limits its role to counting deaths during the greatest public health crisis, people are dying at an alarming rate : Experts say the government has decided to shred the constitution (rep 19/10/2020)

Poudel as finance minister is a wrong man at wrong place at wrong time, observers say : With no background in economics, the ruling party general secretary faces a host of  challenges as finance minister in an economy ravaged by the pandemic, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/10/2020)

Step up measures or brace for the worst, experts say amid new Covid-19 projections : Health Ministry estimates 320,000 additional new cases in the worst case scenario, and 148,000 new cases in moderate conditions in the next four months, by Arjun Poudel (kp) [Oli and all the other incapable politicians are only interested in senseless power struggles, nepotism, corruption and suppression of the rule of law! Measures important for the country and the people are not to be expected!]

PM Oli directs Karnali leaders to abide by decision made by Chairmen (kh 17/10/2020) [This is federalism in its purest form! What does Lord Oli care about the fact that, according to the Constitution, such a decision lies solely with the provincial assembly?]

In Oli administration, ministers don’t even know of many of the Cabinet’s decisions : Ministers admit they rarely speak up either because they fear retribution or are hardly given a chance, as the prime minister is the one who calls the shots almost every time, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 16/10/2020) [All executive, legislative and judicial power is vested in His Majesty and emanates from him according to Article 20(2) of the Panchayat Constitution! Oli and other politicians consider themselves the rightful heirs of the former royal power!]

NCP leaders term Cabinet reshuffle an example of PM’s unilateral approach (ht 16/10/2020)

Govt transfers nearly a dozen secretaries (rep 16/10/2020)

Finance Minister Paudel faces an economy in crisis. Where does he start?, by Sagar Ghimire (rep 15/10/2020)

With a Cabinet rejig, Oli sows the seeds of conflict in the ruling party : The prime minister, who is also the party chair, ignored  calls not to reassign ministers and imposed his  unilateral decision, once again, insiders say, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp 15/10/2020)

Does Nepal await another popular revolt? There seems to be a dearth of organised public anger against the federal government’s failures, by Achyut Wagle (kp 13/10/2020) [As under the undemocratic royal system, power is in the hands of a small male elite of high-caste Hindus, characterised by a high degree of incompetence and corruption. Inclusion, the rule of law and human rights are foreign words. The only difference: under the monarchy, male Chhetris were predominant; today, authoritarian male Bahuns dominate almost exclusively!]

Oli continues to hold meetings despite his ministers and close aides testing positive for Covid-19 : The government’s health protocol is applicable to all including the prime minister and he should be in isolation, doctors say, by Tika R. Pradhan and Arjun Poudel (kp 13/10/2020) [Just like Trump: The PM is immune (he thinks) and the spreading of the virus to others does not matter!]

Honour thy farmer : Sugarcane producers are deep in debt as the government looks away (kp 13/10/2020)

No more cheating : Citizens must keep seeking answers and accountability from the government (kp 12/10/2020)

Government reaches eight-point deal with Dr KC on 27th day of his hunger strike : Both sides signed the agreement late on Saturday to address most of the demands of the agitating doctor, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/10/2020) [Nepal's dishonest politicians will also disregard this agreement, just as all governments have done in the past!]

Amid differences over appointments, Cabinet reshuffle lingers : Oli and Dahal don’t see eye to eye on ministerial changes while party reunification process remains in limbo; Appointments in constitutional  bodies, diplomatic posts also remain affected, by Anil Giri (kp 11/10/2020)

NCP Govt Must Not Miss The Boat, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 11/10/2020)

Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel catches COVID-19 (rep 11/10/2020)

Nepal’s Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai tests COVID-19 positive (kh 10/10/2020), Tourism minister, who called Nepal coronavirus-free country, tests positive for Covid-19 : Yogesh Bhattarai is first minister in the Oli Cabinet to contract the virus after  half a dozen close aides to the prime minister tested positive in recent weeks, by Tika R. Pradhan and Pawan Pandey (kp 11/10/2020)

A state of status quo : After immense pressure, the government has formed a panel to hold talks with KC, but the way it ignored him for 24 days and has failed on various  fronts including the fight against the pandemic shows the Oli administration is losing its grip on governance, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 08/10/2020)

Gagan Thapa urges PM to focus on COVID crisis not Cabinet reshuffle (kh 08/10/2020)

Given its failure, Covid-19 Crisis Management Centre’s relevance in question : The deputy prime minister-led centre’s role is limited to making recommendations to the Cabinet but they are often shot down by the prime minister, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 07/10/2020) [This has to do with the authoritarian basic attitude of KP Oli, who likes to play the little Trump, with similar incompetence!]

Former PMs urge the government to save Dr KC’s life (rep 07/10/2020)

NCP Secretariat meeting likely to induct 3 ministers today (kh 06/10/2020), Cabinet reshuffle plan put on hold as PM Oli and Chairman Dahal fail to reach a deal (rep 07/10/2020)

Baluwatar keeps mum over Oli’s status even after his close aides tested positive for Covid-19 : No information has been shared if those who have contracted the virus had been in close  contact with Oli and whether he’s quarantined himself. Instead, he met Dahal on Sunday, by Anil Giri (kp 05/10/2020)

PM Oli likely to tap Bishnu Poudel as finance minister (rep 05/10/2020)

CDOs riding roughshod over provincial governments : Even the chief minister has to seek the consent of the CDO, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 04/10/2020) [Federalism only on paper, if at all!]

Coronavirus sneaks into Baluwatar as five of Oli’s aides and 70 security personnel test positive : Concerns grow about the prime minister, given his age and his health condition. Oli, 68, underwent his second kidney transplant only in March this year, by Arjun Poudel, Tika R. Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 04/10/2020), PM Oli’s media aide Bajgain also contracts COVID-19 (rep 04/10/2020), PM Oli tests negative for COVID-19, by Tapendra Karki (rep 04/10/2020), How safe is PM Oli from COVID-19? (rep 04/10/2020)

Oli govt’s appointments are a mockery of the constitution: experts, NCP leader, by Ashim Neupane (rep 03/10/2020), PM's Chief Advisor Rimal And Press Advisor Thapa, Foreign Affairs Advisor Bhattarai Test Positive For COVID-19 (rn 03/10/2020)

PM Oli’s key advisors Bishnu Rimal and Surya Thapa catch COVID-19 (rep 03/10/2020)

Cabinet decisions invite criticism for failing to abide by the system : As decision to make crucial appointments renews party row, analysts say government is promoting favouritism, by Anil Giri (kp 02/10/2020), With Oli backtracking, truce may not last long, ruling party leaders say : He faces charges of reverting to his old unilateral style despite promising to take decisions after consultation in the party , by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/10/2020)

Bairagi replaces Regmi as chief secretary (ht 02/10/2020)

Former finance minister Khatiwada appointed as Nepal’s envoy to the US (rep 01/10/2020), Nirmal Kumar BK recommended as Nepal’s new ambassador to South Africa (rep 01/10/2020) [Once again three political nominations, all male, two of them Bahuns and one Dalitwhat is a rare exception!], Lok Dharshan Regmi recommended Ambassador to UK (kh 01/10/2020),
Nomination of envoys sparks dispute within NCP; Prachanda ‘displeased’ (kh 01/10/2020)

Cabinet reshuffle on hold as heavyweights stick to their guns (kh 30/09/2020)

Officials unaware of Russia supplying Covid-19 vaccines : Officials from state agencies, including foreign and health ministries, say they don’t know about the purported deal with a private firm on Russian vaccines arriving in Nepal, by Arjun Poudel (kp 30/09/2020) [Such a measure should not be possible at all without the knowledge and priority involvement of the government! What kind of government is this?]

Increasing the number of ministries to pacify  dissidents sets poor precedent, experts sayIt would not only go against the spirit of constitution but also federalism and provinces could follow suit in future, they say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/09/2020) [Such an unconstitutional and in any case completely superfluous procedure must be strictly prohibited by the SC. Nepal is not a playground for the pointless power struggles of politicians.]

Inaction, thy name is government : The government needs to immediately act in four  critical areas to counter the effects of Covid-19, by Achyut Wagle (kp 29/09/2020)

Factories forced to slash output due to erratic government policy amid pandemic : Most of the plants that have been affected are those producing cement, iron and steel, and construction materials, by Madhav Dhungana (kp 29/09/2020)

Welcome ordinance : The tendency on the part of the govt to bypass the parliament to bring new laws is unbecoming of a democratic norms (ht 28/09/2020)

Cabinet reshuffle: Much ado about nothing, as Oli and Dahal fail to reach a deal : The two chairmen have a lot on plate before they find a common ground. Therefore, it could take some time before a rejig in the Council of Ministers, party insiders say, by Anil Giri (kp 28/09/2020) [Since there is nothing really important to do at the moment, the irresponsible politicians have endless time for their crazy power struggles!]

In fighting the pandemic, the government has ignored other deadly health issues : Failure to envision the possible risks not only  pushed the country many years back but also lost  hard won achievements, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 27/09/2020)

Police arrest 17 supporters of Dr KC for mocking PM Oli (rep 26/09/2020)

In disparaging others, ruling party youth leaders follow their political master : Oli’s crude witticisms to fend off any attack on him are known but promising politicians taking cue from him only shows the extent of their subservient attitude, analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/09/2020)

Amid government failings, lawmakers call for House session to hold it to account : Government has failed in its fight against the pandemic and the House—not social media— is the proper place for the government to listen to people’s plight, parliamentarians say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 26/09/2020)

Cabinet reshuffle unlikely before Dashain as Oli has other pressing issues : Prime Minister Oli has other tasks at hand like picking the nominees for various constitutional bodies anduniversities and concluding the party unification, by Anil Giri (kp 24/09/2020) [And what about pandemic, economy, jobs, justice for victims, human rights, inclusion, etc.? The PM is either unwilling or he is not capable!], Oli, Prachanda discuss cabinet reshuffle, constitutional nominations (kh 24/09/2020)

Arbitrary awarding of Constitution Day honours draws widespread flak : Writers who praised the prime minister and the driver of the chief secretary among 594 awarded for contributing to national life in the past year, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 20/09/2020) [Long live the nepotistic oligarchy of Nepal!]

Government deploying police to intimidate citizens: Gagan Thapa (kh 20/09/2020)

Our most vulnerable need protection during the pandemic. We can then celebrate the constitution : First thing first, by Shreejana Pokhrel (rep 19/09/2020)

Beating Predicament Of Weak Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn 19/09/2020)

Cooperatives blame MoALD for wastage of agro products (ht 19/09/2020)

Not to reappoint Kuman Ghising a height of corruption: Mishra (kh 16/09/2020)

Government appoints Yubaraj Khatiwada as special economic advisor to Prime Minister Oli : Other Cabinet decisions include resumption of travel services from Thursday and allowing foreigners to visit Nepal for trekking and mountaineering starting October 17, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 16/09/2020) [Never-ending power games of Mr Oli's never-ending power games: he takes over the Ministry of Finance, of which he has no idea, appoints the former Minister of Finance as his economic advisor and nominates Bamdev Gautam, who was rejected by the voters, for the National Assembly in order to influence the party's power struggle in his favour!], Oli’s preferential treatment to Khatiwada may invite rift in ruling party and hit governance : As special economic adviser to the prime minister, the former finance minister is poised to have a bigger mandate, which could confuse bureaucrats, insiders and analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 17/09/2020), Special economic cost : The PM could have appointed anyone as his special economic advisor, but only after the appointment of a new finance minister, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (ae 18/09/2020)

10 major achievements of Kulman Ghising, Nepal’s ‘light man’ (rep) [PM Oli and his party/government do not like such competent persons because they make their own incompetence even more apparent!]

Foreign Minister Gyawali is new govt spokesperson (rep 15/09/2020)

Thirty months of poor governance and a weak opposition : Despite a huge mandate, the ruling Nepal Communist Party has failed to deliver on many fronts and the main opposition Nepali Congress has been a mute spectator., by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 14/09/2020)

Why is the government ignoring SC’s verdicts on pandemic?, by Ananta Raj Luitel (rep 13/09/2020)

First came candles then came Kool Man, by Jackie Taylor (ae 11/09/2020) [Incompetent Oli and his incompetent government and party do not want competent administrators to stay in office!!]

Nepalis in the Middle East fear starvation as government delays repatriation, by Rudra Khadka (rep 10/09/2020)

Tailor pandemic response : The government must devolve power to respond to the pandemic effectively (kp 08/09/2020) [But the Oli government is far too busy with power struggles. How is it supposed to take care of such trivial matters as the pandemic?]

Gautam to the Upper House and then Cabinet may invite more trouble for Oli than succour, insiders say : Prime Minister Oli is likely to delay Gautam’s appointment process until he falls into extreme crisis, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 08/09/2020)

12 years since their liberation, freed Haliyas in Kanchanpur still await resettlement : Out of 21,069 freed Haliya families in Nepal, only 16,000 are listed in government data, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 08/07/2020)

Nepali migrants in Lebanon feel forgotten : Many workers have been stranded in the crisis-ridden country as Nepal’s government has not approved a flight to bring them home, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 07/09/2020)

73 pregnant women die for lack of treatment since lockdown (kh 06/09/2020)

Can Gautam become a minister? Depends which Article gets invoked : .While Article 78 (4) bars him from going to Cabinet for losing elections, Article 76 (9) may allow him to become minister once he is sworn into  the National Assembly. But opinions among legal experts are divided, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/09/2020) [In any case, there is no qualifying reason to make him a minister!]

Relief distribution programme in Birgunj fails to cover vulnerable families : Around 150 women had reached the District Police Office on Thursday to receive relief but had to return empty-handed, by Bhusan Yadav (kp 06/09/2020)

Around 40 percent government staff haven’t received their salaries yet, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/09/2020)

How politicians’ chopper rides to disaster-hit areas flies in the face of spirit of federalism : Leaders and ministers’ penchant for flying to different parts of the country in the name of rescue and relief is reminiscent of the days when the country was under a unitary system, by Anil Giri (kp 05/09/2020) [Nepal is a federal state in name only. Central politicians and parties are doing everything to ensure that this does not change!]

Repatriation quandary persists even with funds to support migrant workers’ airfare : While Nepali embassies in labour destination countries struggle with the complicated verification  process, labour rights activists question the government’s commitment to bring citizens home, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 05/09/2020)

Race begins for new finance minister as Oli bids farewell to Khatiwada : There are at least six contenders for the post, but the appointment is likely to happen along with a Cabinet reshuffle, ruling party insiders say, by Anil Giri (kp 05/09/2020)

Finance Minister Khatiwada resigns (kh 04/09/2020), The ruling party is making a mockery of democracy, analysts say : Nepal Communist Party decides to send Bamdev Gautam, who lost parliamentary polls, to the National Assembly, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/09/2020), PM Oli rules out immediate Cabinet reshuffle (kh 04/09/2020) [This competent and extremely healthy PM can easily take over some other ministries!], The good, bad and ugly of Yubaraj Khatiwada : At the time of appointment, the technocrat brought with him the expertise to take the economy forward. But as he signed off, many say he just had a run-of-the-mill tenure, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/09/2020)

The fertiliser conundrum–governments ponder over it every paddy season and forget after harvest : An agreement with India to procure fertiliser expired in 2017. Since then farmers have been deprived of timely supply, as authorities have failed to explore other options, by Sangam Prasain and Anil Giri (kp 03/09/2020) [Nepal's politicians simply do not want to understand that they have duties and tasks to fulfil, and that they will have to leave if they do not fulfil them]

Panting of the pachyderms : Oli’s reliance on modern medicine for his ailments does not stop him from peddling turmeric to the public, by CK Lal (kp 02/09/2020)

Two killers: Cities and centralism; The federal government’s lack of support for the vulnerable is going to add to the death toll, by Achyut Wagle (kp 01/09/2020)

Work or perish: The state is morally bound to safeguard its citizens working in precarious conditions abroad (kp 01/09/2020)

How the government is failing education : The students who have been deprived of learning will look back to this time to recall how the government failed education in the name of pandemic, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 30/08/2020) [The four-time PM Sher Bahadur Deuba has immortalized himself in the history books as the most incompetent Prime Minister since 1990. In the meantime, he has long since been surpassed in incompetence by KP Oli!]

Health workers say they reuse disposable masks as hospitals don’t provide enough : More health workers not involved in treating Covid-19 patients are getting infected with the coronavirus due to the lack of enough personal protective equipment, by Arjun Poudel (kp 26/08/2020)

How government defied science and disregarded experts as Covid-19 spread: Even after 146 deaths and over 31,000 cases, there’s no specialist-led national committee as the Oli administration continues to take decisions on ad-hoc basis, by Arjun Poudel (kp 23/08/2020)

Ruling party moves forward only to take a step back again : The latest disagreement comes over Oli’s minor political nominations but opponents say he’s back to his old ways, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/08/2020) [Oli and numerous other politicians need this style of politics to cover up their great incompetence!]

Who is in charge in Nepal? The Covid-19 control committee is acting like a government within a government, by Alisha Sijapati (nt 21/08/2020)

Conflict in ruling party hits governance: Ministers busy resolving internal conflicts, officials don’t want to take risks, experts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 19/08/2020) [In view of the enormous problems Nepal is facing, the ruthless power struggles of the political elite must be classified as a criminal offense. All those involved have disqualified themselves from any political activity for the rest of their lives! This is reinforced by the fact that persons like PM Oli are not up to their difficult tasks, neither professionally nor in terms of health!], Pathology of an ultranationalist regime: Populism is enough to ensure stability in a country that takes pride in being an insecure nation-state, by CK Lal (kp 19/08/2020)

The cost of the ruling party feud: This dispute is destructive because of its disconnect from the pressing issues of national interest, by Achyut Wagle (kp 18/08/2020)

Collateral damage  The Sindhupalchok landslides have exposed the government’s failure in disaster risk reduction (kp 17/08/2020)

The morass that is Melamchi: The government must hold an inquiry into the tunnel disaster that killed two persons, by Naresh Koirala (kp 17/08/2020)

PM Oli likely to reshuffle cabinet; Secretariat meeting tomorrow (kh 16/08/2020)

Govt’s failure to ensure timely fertiliser to hit paddy yield (ht 15/08/2020)

No Ram to Nepal’s rescue: In this time of crisis, Nepal needed a strong and trustworthy leader, and PM Oli doesn’t fit the bill (ae 14/08/2020)

Another case spotlights apathy towards rights body: Ministry of Home Affairs asks the National Human Rights commission to review its recommendations on alleged extra-judicial killing of Kumar Poudel, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/08/2020) [The authoritarian Oli government continues to move forward on its path of anti-democratic and unlawful action!]

Nepal likely to face host of questions in its bid for another UN rights council term: But officials say the country is one of the best performers among the present members of the council; Various rights enshrined in the constitution have not been implemented (kp 09/08/2020) [Nepal was already not qualified for this task in 2018. This disqualification has unfortunately worsened considerably under the Oli government!]

PM Oli tells Madi delegation to Build Ram's idol and promote Ayodhyapuri as his place of birth (ht 09/08/2020) [This is really the most important task in Nepal at this critical moment, Mr Oli!]

‘I and my wife go to bed hungry to keep children fed’: Returning migrants in Sudurpaschim and Karnali face a bleak future. Government is still unclear how to provide help, by Arjun Shah, Basanta Pratap Singh and Chandani Kathayat (kp 09/08/2020) [You must understand that the politicians power struggle has absolute priority! They are completely incompetent anyway with regard to their assumed duties and tasks!], Prime Minister Employment Programme has so far proved to be a let-down for jobless citizens: The much-talked-about programme has yet again failed to provide a minimum 100 days of employment, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 09/08/2020)

During meeting with experts, Oli complains about criticism of the government: Deuba demands investigation into controversial Omni deal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/08/2020)

How the government got lost in its fight against the pandemic: After refusing to recognise the risk and failing to come up with right strategies, authorities now have few options left to contain the virus spread, experts say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 03/08/2020)

Growing arrears show bad governance: The increasing rate of arrears in the use of taxpayer money is an immense disrespect to the people, by Chandra Lal Pandey (kp 03/08/2020)

Is Lord Ram paving Oli’s path to immortality?, by Biswas Baral (ae 24/07/2020), Is religion still an effective political mobilization tool in Nepal?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 24/07/2020)

Who will save the Oli government? People are the most faithful defense of any government. They can save it from all miscreants. But PM Oli and his ministers are alienating them, mortifyingly, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 22/07/2020)

Tempest in the ruling party almost over after Dahal takes a conciliatory approach: Until a few weeks ago, Oli was cornered, but he has now managed to overpower mounting pressure to resign both as party chair and prime minister, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/07/2020)

Covid-19 results in massive decline in labour migration numbers, with no immediate hopes of recovery: The number of labour permits issued to migrant workers has slumped to a new low owing to the pandemic, but available jobs are likely to be even fewer, labour migration experts warn, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 20/07/2020) [This is just one of several serious problems that the government should take care of day and night. Instead, the incompetent PM Oli and his party colleagues have only their personal power ambitions in the visor! Nepal, quo vadis?]

Oli refuses to quit as PM, party co-chair: Leaders say problem will be resolved through consensus, but a plan to achieve it remains elusive (ht 19/07/2020) [This sounds more like a denial of consensus!], In a bid to remain in power, PM Oli proposes general convention by mid-December (rep 19/07/2020)

‘Enough is Enough’ campaigners begin hunger strike once again (ht 19/07/2020)

‘Home minister, officials misusing state fund’ (ht 19/07/2020)

Is Lord Ram paving Oli’s path to immortality?, by Biswas Baral (ae 17/07/2020)

Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli ‘claims’ real Ayodhya is in Nepal: Many remark the statement is in bad taste (ht 14/07/2020) [Is he out of his mind? The multi-ethnic and multi-religious state of Nepal does not need a fake Ayodhya nor an authoritarian Hindu fundamentalist fantasist like Oli!], India’s BJP condemns Nepal PM’s comment on ‘real’ Ayodhya (ht 14/07/2020), Amid soured Nepal-India ties, Oli is threatening relations between peoples of two countries, leaders and experts say: Foreign Ministry scrambles for damage control after the prime minister made unsubstantiated arguments about Ram’s birth and accused India of cultural aggression by creating a ‘fake’ Ayodhya, by Anil Giri (kp15/07/2020), Has Oli crossed Laxman Rekha? Ram’s birthplace and nationality can be debated endlessly. But the prime minister’s rodomontade raises serious questions (kp 15/07/2020)

Development partners’ dilemma: History is unlikely to look kindly upon donors that helped an exclusionary regime survive internal challenges, by CK Lal (kp 08/07/2020)

The Oli government’s foreign policy is lopsided and lacks coherence, say opposition parties and experts: Opposition leaders and foreign policy analysts pointed to the recent deterioration in relations with India as emblematic of the failure of the Oli government’s diplomacy, by Anil Giri (kp 08/07/2020)

How KP Oli failed the nation: The goon-like politics which he promoted throughout his political life is perhaps his greatest weakness, by Achyut Wagle (kp 07/07/2020)

Oli says plots being hatched to oust him and impeach the President: Amid feud with Dahal, the prime minister asks his ministers to pick a side–whether they are with him or with the rival faction, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 05/07/2020), Sudden move to prorogue Parliament undermines legislature, experts say: The budget session was ended saying it lacked business, but there are some crucial bills, including one related to citizenship, pending for approval, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/07/2020))

Destiny Of Nepalese Prime Ministers, bySiddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 04/07/2020)

A cornered Oli prorogues the House and considers splitting the ruling party: Party insiders say that Oli is planning to reintroduce an ordinance that will make it easier for him to split the party, and is also seeking support from the opposition, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 03/07/2020), Bow out: What does not inspire much hope is that Oli’s would-be successors are all TTFs (tried, tested, failed) from the past (nt 03/07/2020)

Factions in ruling party harden positions and devise strategies to prevail over the other: The Dahal and Oli factions both held separate meetings on Wednesday to chart out a path forward, with Oli deciding to fight until the last, by Anil Giri (kp 02/07/2020)

Leaders call for Oli’s resignation as both prime minister and party chair: Senior party leaders, including chair Dahal, ask Oli to vacate both positions as his actions have placed the ruling party and government in a difficult position, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 01/07/2020), Oli calls Cabinet ministers, some Standing Committee members to Baluwatar for consultation: The meeting comes a day after senior leaders demanded Oli's resignation both as party chair and prime minister (kp 01/07/2020), NCP leaders close to PM Oli suggest him to abide by party’s decisions (rep 01/07/2020), PM Oli finds himself in hot water; intensifies political meetings: Asks Standing Committee members to support him (kh 01/07/2020)

Top NCP leaders ask PM Oli to step down as intra-party dispute peaks (rep 30/06/2020)

Faced with criticism, Oli sees plots being hatched to unseat him in Delhi and Kathmandu: The prime minister has once again fallen back on his nationalistic rhetoric, saying certain actors are trying to remove him for adopting a new political map, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/06/2020), PM rants against India in bid to cling to power (ht 29/06/2020), ‘Anti-national’ Mahakali Treaty comes back to haunt ‘nationalist’ Oli (ht 29/(06/2020)

Ploy to oust me will be a day-dream: PM Oli (kh 28/06/2020)

Oli skipping meeting in order to avoid criticism is disgraceful, party leaders say: Oli knows that the Standing Committee is preparing to ask him to choose between the prime ministership and the party chair, Tika R. Pradhan (kp 27/06/2020)

Oli scrambles to prevent censure but Dahal is adamant: Oli realises his position in party and government is shaky, with a proposal asking him to give up party chair or prime minister likely to be endorsed by the Standing Committee, by Anil Giri (kp 26/06/2020)

Nepal: The danger within, by Bishal Thapa (ae 26/06/2020)

Mishandling the virus crisis: Even after spending Rs10 billion to control Covid-19, the situation has not improved, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp 26/06/2020)

The government has not followed most of the Supreme Court’s 23 rulings related to the pandemic: Interim orders related to proper management of quarantine facilities and the repatriation of migrant workers have all either been ignored or were belatedly followed, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/06/2020) [Nepal's leading politicians are neither interested in the fundamentals of democracy nor do they understand the aspect of the separation of powers. As soon as they are in power, they believe to possess absolute rights!]

Is Oli lying or clueless? Anyone who has heard the prime minister's speeches knows he always attempts to qualify his words with a veneer of what he thinks is science, by Deepak Thapa (kp 25/06/2020)

SC seeks PM's reply over order violation charges (rep 25/06/2020)

In anticipation of criticism at Wednesday’s Standing Committee, Oli makes overtures to other party factions: Oli has long been avoiding the Standing Committee, where he is in the minority, but he is now scrambling to garner support, especially for the MCC, insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 24/06/2020)

When Oli speaks before Parliament, there is no telling what he will say: Political commentators say the prime minister tends to address Parliament like he is speaking to his party cadres, veering off topic, cracking jokes and even ridiculing others, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/06/2020)

Seven years since the Mahakali floods, victims await compensation: Residents of Khalanga fear possible floods every monsoon, as the embankments that were damaged seven years ago are yet to be reconstructed, by Manoj Badu (kp 21/06/2020)

With the new map endorsed, Oli braces once again for challenges from within the party: Party leaders had rallied behind Oli to present a united front in the border dispute with India, but they say their patience is fast running out, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 19/06/2020)

Stop peddling pseudoscience: Prime Minister Oli is just trying to be an outlier when the country is in despair (kp 19/06/2020)

Unable to collect taxes, the government is going broke: Based on the current revenue stream, the government could soon be unable to pay salaries, pensions, social security allowances, and its bills, finance ministry officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/06/2020)

Three youth protests in a week. Observers say government needs to take note: Politically unaffiliated youths taking to the streets is not a regular occurrence in Nepali history, say analysts, as most protests are led by political parties, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 15/06/2020)

Oli, once again, cancels party’s Secretariat meeting called to discuss MCC: Prime minister’s aide says the meeting was called off as Oli was exhausted, but the party leaders are not convinced, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 15/06/2020)

Prime minister’s advisor reveals expenditure report but no one knows where it came from: Government officials have professed ignorance about a report published on social media breaking down the amount the government has spent so far in fighting Covid-19, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/06/2020)

There’s silence in ruling party as protests continue on streets. But it could be the calm before the storm, insiders say: Leaders are biding time before upping the ante against Oli, who according to them, is trying to run the government and party with an iron fist, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 13/06/2020)

Government move of forming a team to collect evidence on Nepal’s boundary runs into controversy: Experts and analysts say instead of devising a strategy for negotiations with New Delhi, Oli administration is moving a step back and putting the cart before the horse, by Anil Giri (kp 13/06/2020)

Oli must go, but what’s the alternative?, by Jagannath Lamichhane (rep 11/06/2020), Demonstration in Pokhara demanding PM’s resignation, by Sandesh Shrestha (rep 11/06/2020), People brave water cannons, teargas during protest at Baluwatar (kh 11/06/2020)

PM Oli is playing the irresponsible Trump of Nepal: All 15 did not die of COVID-19, claims PM Oli (kh 10/06/2020), Nepalis are comparatively more immue to COVID-19: PM (kh 10/06/2020), Oli peddles in mistruths and sidesteps criticism before Parliament: Responding to lawmakers on Wednesday, Oli stated that Nepalis have “stronger immune systems” and refused to furnish details of the Rs10 billion spent fighting Covid-19, by Anil Giri (kp 11/06/2020), PM Oli stirs nationalist sentiments to hide govt failure (ht11/06/2020)

Even with three committees and marathon meetings, government undecided on lifting lockdown: In response to increasing pressure, the government is looking at three models that aim to completely lift the lockdown by Dashain, by Anil Giri (kp 10/06/2020)

Nationalism has overshadowed governance: A clear disconnect between Nepal’s immediate priorities and the national budget has been exposed, by Achyut Wagle (kp 09/06/2020)

In sharp contrast to government’s ambitious 7 percent growth, World Bank forecasts a dismal 2.1 percent for next fiscal year: The 7 percent target has been deemed overly ambitious while economists call the World Bank’s forecast more realistic, by Sangam Prasain (kp 09/06/2020) [The absurd prognosis of the government without any basis is an irresponsible whitewash!]

Lockdown and new political map have come to Oli’s rescue, but he is not out of the woods yet: Demand for his resignation is on hold for now, but hasn’t subsided yet, insiders say, by Anil Giri (kp 08/06/2020)

COVID-19: Challenges and role of government: The COVID-19 has currently sparked a backlash against the global economy, by Swastik Aryal (kh 01/06/2020)

House to discuss constitutional amendment to update map after national consensus: As the issue concerns a matter of national importance, the ruling party had sought all-party consensus on the amendment to update the country’s map on the national emblem, by Anil Giri (kp 27/05/2020)  [The equal and egalitarian inclusion of the Janajatis, Madhesis, Dalits and women in general in the constitution would be of much greater importance than the territorial claims which the male politicians at the head of the state in 2015 completely ignored! Today, these same politicians are playing the nationalism card instead of trying to rationally contain the pandemic and save the people's economic base!]

Thousands of Nepalis without food or shelter await entrance at the Karnali border: Migrants arriving from India are massed at the border without basic amenities as the provincial government has sought to test them all for Covid-19 before letting them in, by Aditi Aryal (kp 27/05/2020)

In address to nation, Oli repeats misinformation and provides no concrete plans: In his third address in two months, the prime minister commended his government’s efforts to combat Covid-19, but provided little of substance even as cases continue to rise, by Anil Giri (kp 26/05/2020)

Oli avoids NCP secretariat meeting on MCC (ht 24/05/2020)

Government has failed to procure a single ventilator for Covid treatment: Public health experts say except for enforcing and extending the lockdown, authorities have done nothing substantial, by Arjun Poudel (kp 22/05/2020)

Cabinet decides to amend constitution to include new map in emblem (kh 22/05/2020) [What about an amendment that makes constitution and state more inclusive, just as promised back in 2006? All top male Bahun politicians have rejected this so far. And now same same politicians want to change the constitution for a territorial issue in which they have never been interested for decades!]

In three hours before Parliament, Oli presents problems but offers few solutions: At a time when the nation is looking for empathy, effectiveness and hope from the prime minister, Oli failed to provide any real roadmap for the days ahead, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp 20/05/2020), Failed strateg: The government seems to have forgotten why a lockdown was enforced in the first place (kp 20/05/2020)

Khanal, Rawal pen probing note to Prime Minister Oli: Seek explanation on reference to MCC in the govt’s policies and programmes (ht 19/05/2020), Parliament should decide whether to endorse MCC compact, Oli says: If political parties feel they don’t need the MCC, they can ask their lawmakers to vote against it, the prime minister says (kp 20/05/2020)

Policy And Program Of The Government For Fiscal Year 2020, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 17/05/2020)

Govt policies and programs indirectly include MCC project (kh 16/05/2020) [???]

In light of the pandemic, government’s policies and programmes target social sector: Unlike previous years’ focus on physical infrastructure, the upcoming year’s focus on the social sector will not translate immediately into high growth, analysts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 15/05/2020)

Over 400,000 Nepalis stranded abroad appeal for rescue (kh 15/05/2020) [Great, Mr Oli!]

Saving the Nepali State (ae 15/05/2020)

Cases are still rising: It’s not that lockdown measures wouldn’t have worked, it’s that the government has failed at implementing a successful regimen (kp 14/05/2020)

Nationalism, migration and the impending job crisis: Communist parties have always disliked the idea of out-migration yet have done little to help Nepalis stay back, by Deepak Thapa (kp 14/05/2020)

Maelstrom of collective narcissism: The task of tackling the challenges of governance seldom goes with neo-nationalism; Oli has found another issue to distract from his poor record, by CK Lal (kp 13/05/2020)

Nepali students in Thailand, like Nepalis stuck elsewhere, just want to come home: Twenty-five Nepalis doing an internship in Phuket are fast running out of money and want to come home but they aren’t hopeful of any help from the government in Kathmandu, by Shashwat Pant (kp 13/05/2020) [It is your responsibility to bring them back, Mr Oli!]

Opposition demands answer from government why Oli is skipping House meetings: The prime minister has not attended a single meeting of the budget session of the House which commenced on Friday, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/05/2020)

Oli has shown no urgency to call Constitutional Council meetings to fill vacancies in constitutional bodies: Earlier, he had tried to bulldoze two ordinances—one of which he said was to prompt constitutional appointments, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/05/2020)

Government move to reopen businesses and industries leaves many scrambling: Factory workers who had gone home, mostly to their villages, are still locked down, by Krishana Prasain (kp 10/05/2020)

Oli might have avoided the Standing Committee so far but he can’t keep putting it off forever, say party leaders: According to ruling party insiders, Oli is afraid that a Standing Committee meet will lead to assessment of his government and subsequently, call for his resignation, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 08/05/2020)

When leaders go rogue: What remains of Oli is a megalomaniac besieged by his own comrades, by Avasna Pandey (kp 07/05/2020), The treason of KP Oli and civil society leaders: Is political stability really worth keeping Oli in power, even after his mafia-like manoeuvres?, by Pramod Mishra (kp 07/05/2020))

Oli’s reckless adventurism: Almost without exception, the prime minister has long staked a position that went against social and political liberalism, by Deepak Thapa (kp 04/05/2020)

How Bamdev’s hopes to make it to parliament have been dashed every time since 2017 (rep 04/05/2020)

Ensure strict implementation of lockdown: PM; 'Don't allow Nepali citizens stranded in India to enter Nepal' (kh 03/05/2020) [All Nepalese citizens have the right to retun to their country! It is the duty of the PM and his goverment to take care of their safe return! Oli tries to cover up his incompetence with authoritarian orders!]

By courting Dahal and Gautam, Oli has effectively silenced opponents’ calls for his resignation: Oli has offered to get Gautam elected to the lower house ‘at an appropriate time’, and has broken the Bhaisepati alliance—at least for now, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 03/05/2020), Oli, Dahal-Nepal camps avert crisis in NCP: Leaders engage in self-criticism, party to field Gautam for HoR polls, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 03/05/2020), How the crisis in ruling party was averted and each leader got what they wanted: A deal has been reached to allow KP Sharma Oli to continue as prime minister for the full five-year term while Pushpa Kamal Dahal gets to run the party and Bamdev Gautam to enter Parliament, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 04/05/2020)

Oli seizes May Day address to take the media to task for “promoting instability”: While Oli’s aversion to the media is nothing new, commentators say that it is worrying that the prime minister has threatened to use the ruling party to combat dissent, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/05/2020) [No one causes more instability in Nepal than Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. His threat to the media, adorned with false statements, is an authoritarian attack on basic human rights and democracy!]

Information, please! The government needs to communicate its lockdown policies better to the people, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 01/05/2020)

Not many are buying Oli’s proposal to make Bamdev Gautam prime minister: As Gautam’s road to the prime ministership is fraught with complications, party leaders believe that Oli is simply trying to buy some time, by Anil Giri (kp 01/05/2020) [It is unconstitutional to even submit to such a proposal, which is evidence of the power-hungry degeneration of Nepal's political leadership, whose predominantly male Bahuns regard control of the country as a closed shop!], Oli’s twin offer creates ripples in ruling NCP, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 01/05/2020) [PM Oli shows his Hindu-political attitude by using the main means (upaya) of politics (rajniti), which according to the rules of Arthashastra are at the disposal of a Hindu monarch to maintain his power: negotiation (saman), punishment or attack (danda), bribery (dana) and division or sowing discord (bheda). He also applies the three other upaya: deception (maya), ignoring (upeksa) and misrepresentation of the facts (indrajala)!], Hurdles in Bamdev Gautam becoming prime minister (ht 01/05/2020)

Abdication of governance: Power in a democracy has been perceived as a tool to empower the many, but in practice, it has benefitted only a few, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp 30/04/2020)

Cornered everywhere, Oli looks to Parliamentary Party for support, but even there, he’s short: As Oli’s opponents control the party Secretariat, Standing Committee, and Central Committee with sizeable majorities, the only chance he stands is in the Parliamentary Party, by Tika R. Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 30/04/2020), In a bid to buy more time, Oli dangles prime minister and party chair bait to Gautam and Nepal: Oli, whose position has become tenuous, made the surprise proposal after Secretariat members asked him to step down, by Anil Giri (kp 30/04/30) [Oli once again proves that he neither knows the Nepalese constitution nor is he interested in democratic principles and procedures: The person to be elected Prime Minister must be a member of parliament. However, Gautam has been repeatedly rejected by the electorate, a fact that also disqualifies him from a moral point of view!], PM Oli offers to make Gautam new PM in a bid to settle intra-party disputes (rep 30/04/2020)

Faced with an increasingly hostile party, Oli makes last ditch efforts to retain his position: His opponents, however, are firm in their opposition, leading Oli to warn his confidantes to prepare for consequences, including a party split, by Tika Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 29/04/2020)

House of correction: The federal government needs to work in coordination with other subgovernments (kp 29/04/2020)

Corrupting democracy: The Oli administration and the ruling party have together bulldozed the very pillars of a legitimate state (kp 28/04/2020), Oli's hara-kiri, in kamikaze style: The prime minister’s manoeuvres have taken the spotlights away from the government’s handling of the novel coronavirus, by Achyut Wagle (kp 28/04/2020)

Tough times ahead for Oli as party likely to ask him to choose between leading the country and leading the party: A majority of Secretariat and Standing Committee members have demanded a Standing Committee meeting where they plan to ask Oli to step down as prime minister, by Anil Giri (kp 27/04/2020), An unfolding tragedy: The prime minister may be down but is not out. Further conflict between claimants to power will cost us more, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp 27/04/2020), Rival NCP faction miffed at Prime Minister Oli (ht 27/04/2020)

Two Unacceptable Ordinances, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 25/04/2020)

Repealing the ordinances might quell dissent but Oli still faces moral questions: Oli needs to answer for a series of political events, including an alleged kidnapping, triggered by the two controversial ordinances, say leaders and analysts, by Anil Giri (kp 25/04/2020), Volte-face shows PM in bad light (ht 25/04/2020)

Deterred by criticisms, govt withdraws ordinances (kh 24/04/2020), PM Oli’s mission hits a snag, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 24/04/2020), How Oli aimed ordinances at splitting parties but instead led to their merger: The ordinances, introduced on Monday, culminated in a political drama that saw allegations of kidnapping and the merger of two Madhesi parties long at odds, by Tika R. Pradhan and Anil Giri (kp 24/04/2020), Cabinet decides to recommend repealment of two ordinances that were promulgated on Monday: The Oli government backtracks on ordinance decisions after widespread criticism, including from within the ruling party, by Tika R. Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 24/04/2020), Undermining Loktantra: It seems that the large electoral mandate has been misinterpreted by the prime minister (kp 24/04/2020), Our Democracy is under attack, by Akshya Aryal (ht 24/04/2020)

With hundreds of thousands of migrants predicted to return home, Nepal needs to brace for a crisis: Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis who work abroad are likely to lose their jobs in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they will come home looking for employment, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 22/04/2020) [The leading politicians in government and parties are only interested in power struggles! They do not understand their main tasks in the interest of the state and the people! PM Oli's recent actions are the best example!], Oli’s ordinance issuance draws criticism as an attack on democratic values and constitutional spirit: Leaders from his own party and the opposition as well as experts describe issuing ordinances at a time of a pandemic as the government’s misplaced priority, by Anil Giri (kp 22/05/2020), Unilateral separation: Oli’s move to ram through controversial ordinances is not a good sign for democracy and cooperation (kp 22/04/2020), Bhasmasura Or Not, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 22/04/2020)

Oli’s sudden issuance of two ordinances raises concerns of a party split in the making: One particular ordinance to amend provisions regarding new party registration has alarmed the political spectrum, especially as it comes in the middle of a pandemic, by Anil Giri and Tika R. Pradhan (kp 21/04/2020), PM plays politics in the time of pandemic: Brings ordinance to facilitate split in parties, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/04/2020), Govt issuing ‘party-split’ ordinance faces criticism from all quarters (ht 21/04/2020), Constitutional Council Act amended: Now CC can take decisions on the basis of majority (ht 21/04/2020), Prez Bhandari authenticates two ordinances (ht 21/04/2020)

PM Oli’s viral video is full of misinformation (rep 19/04/2020) [What shall we expect from an incompetent, badly educated and severely ill PM?], We will restart economic activities once the situation is under control: PM Oli (rep 20/04/2020) [interview mit RSS] [???]

Ministers in 'holiday mood' as country plunges into deeper crisis (rep 18/04/2020)

Government takes decisions unrelated to Covid-19, drawing criticism from all quarters: The government's decision to form a commission to distribute land to the landless and appoint a top official at Nepal Airlines shows its misplaced priorities, say critics, by Anil Giri (kp 17/04/2020)

We live in a false time: Our government is not only dysfunctional by design but also increasingly deceptive, by Sabin Ninglekhu (kp 16/04/2020)

The Oli administration needs to change its attitude: The government must try to make its activities as transparent as possible, and invest in emboldening institutions rather than individuals (kp 14/04/2020), Covid-19 exposes a governance crisis: On the pretext of the emergency, the government moved to procure medical supplies from a shady private company, by Achyut Wagle (kp 14/04/2020)

Comedy of errors: It was as if the government was playing prank with the people who are struggling with lockdown in Kathmandu and wish to leave for their hometowns (rep 12/04/2020)

Oli government's ad-hoc decision-making could cost the people and nation dearly, say observers: Uncoordinated decisions have long been the hallmark of the Oli administration but during a crisis, such decisions could have serious consequence, by Anil Giri (kp 11/03/2020)

Oli emerges to address the nation but questions remain regarding measures to fight the pandemic: Oli’s address was long overdue, especially at a time when his government faces allegations of corruption—which the prime minister did not address (kp 08/04/2020)

Time For Government To Take Care Of Citizens, by Birendra Madai (rn 06/04/2020)

Winter crops lie unharvested in the fields as the lockdown forces farmers indoors: There are many who say that farmers should be allowed to work in the fields, as there is little danger of contracting Covid-19 while working five or six feet apart, by Sangam Prasain (kp 06/04/2020) [Is there a need for other evidence of the government's high level of incompetence? The people may not get the virus, but anytime sooner or later they may die from hunger!], Lockdown brings the poultry industry to a standstill: Farmers in Sarlahi buried 9,000 chickens, and many other farmers were compelled to do the same, by Krishana Prasain (kp 06/04/2020)

One after another, Oli's key aides court controversy (rep 05/04/2020)

President Bhandari addresses the nation but many are saying it should’ve been Prime Minister Oli: The President’s Friday evening address to the nation was not just sudden but also defensive of the government, raising suspicions behind its intent, by Anil Giri (kp 05/04/2020) [What shall a severely ill and incompetent PM say?], Oli government’s fiascos provide opportunity for rival factions to pounce: The Madhav Nepal and Pushpa Kamal Dahal factions of the ruling party have seized the moment to criticise Oli’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis, party insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan.(kp 05/04/2020) [This must not be the time of power struggles! It's an occasion to replace the failed old leader generation of ll parties by a young, dynamic, competent and charismatic generation!], Rapid test kits to be tested for efficacy today and if found acceptable, rolled out for mass testing in Sudurpaschim: The government currently has around 75,000 rapid test kits imported from China but they haven’t been used due to concerns about their quality, by Arjun Poudel (kp 05/04/2020)

Finance Ministry asks government offices to curtail expenses (rep 04/04/2020)

We need a commander (rep 31/03/2020)

PM Oli discharged, health normal (ht 28/03/2020)

Parliament functioning more like extension of government, rather than sovereign entity, experts sayThey argue the legislative, responsible for discussing issues of public interest and holding the Cabinet to account, has been overshadowed by the executive, by Anil Giri (kp 16/03/2020)

Oli has returned to Baluwatar and he is making it look like he is back in the office: A day after being discharged, the prime minister and ruling party chair holds brief meetings with leaders, as he braces for challenges on government and party fronts, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 15/03/2020)

Prime Minister Oli discharged from hospital: Doctors advise him not to leave Baluwatar to avoid catching infections, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 14/03/2020), Prime minister discharged, advised to avoid workload, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 14/03/2020)

PM Oli to be discharged only after doctors become confident and comfortable: Visits to the prime minister will be restricted for a month to minimise infection risk, physician says, by Arjun Poudel (kp 11/03/2020) [Nepal cannot afford a government that does not even function on paper for up to a year!], PM’s long road to recovery a hurdle in governance: Docs say it will take from 6 months to one year for Oli to recover fully, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 11/03/2020), With Oli likely to be out of commission for longer, concerns about governance remain: Despite Oli and his party leaders’ assurances that he will be back to work soon, doctors have said it could take up to six months for him to recover fully, by Anil Giri (kp 12/03/2020)

The ruling party has failed in ruling: It seems that constant infighting among ruling party leaders is severely disrupting governance, by Deepak Thapa (kp 05/03/2020)

Khatiwada reappointed Minister in Oli cabinet (ht 05/03/2020), Gautam will be nominated to Upper House, party spokesperson says: Oli reappoints Yubaraj Khatiwada as minister, leaving one seat in the National Assembly vacant, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/03/2020) [This would mean the end of Khatiwada as Minister of Finance within the next six months! Besides, Gautam is a politician who has been rejected by the voters! What is the legitimacy and his merit to nominate him for the National Assembly?]

After successful kidney transplant, Oli recovers at Teaching Hospital: The transplanted kidney has started functioning and the prime minister’s health is normal, attending doctors said after the surgery, by Arjun Poudel (kp 05/03/2020)

Oli heads into surgery with no clear decision on who’s in charge in his absence. After a kidney transplant today, he is expected to be in hospital for at least a week but he has not named the officiating prime minister, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 04/03/2020)

Finance Minister Khatiwada resigns (rep 03/03/2020), Finance Minister Khatiwada Resigns (rn 03/03/2020) [The function of Minister of Finance requires the highest professional qualifications. The task cannot be performed by a poorly educated and, what is more, seriously ill party politician, even temporarily!], Finance Minister Khatiwada resigns (rep), Finance Minister Khatiwada Resigns (rn) [The function of Minister of Finance requires the highest professional qualifications. The task cannot be performed by a poorly educated and, what is more, seriously ill party politician, even temporarily!]

Take no chances: The government has been too occupied with the party’s internal politics, preventing it from tending to the problems facing the country (ht 03/03/2020))

Oli remains undecided on Gautam as he goes under the knife: A Cabinet meeting that was expected to decide on the Bamdev Gautam affair and an officiating prime minister ended with no conclusion on either, by Anil Giri (kp 02/03/2020), PM Oli to undergo second kidney transplant on Wednesday: Although Oli has assured that he will be back at work after five days, doctors say it could take up to a month for the prime minister to recover, by Tika R Pradhan and Arjun Poudel (kp 02/03/2020), PM to undergo kidney transplant for a second time on Wednesday : aide (rep 02/03/2020)

Delusion of governance: Main reason why Oli-led government has failed on basic things is because it is basically composed of a group of people who are obsessed with personal aggrandizement, by Ajit Rai (rep 01/03/2020)

Oli is cornered in the ruling party and there is no one to blame but himself: Over the last two years, Oli has ignored genuine calls for changes to his unilateral working style, which alienated many leaders who were once on his side, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/02/2020) [This has to do with incompetence and arrogance, which can also be found among most other so-called leaders of this generation of politicians!]

Finance Minister Khatiwada hints at remaining in power (rep 28/02/2020)

PM Oli weighs in to defend bribe-accused Baskota (rep 28/02/2020) [The chief of the executive should not interfere in judicial processes! In democratic states the principle of separation of powers applies!]

Here’s to you!, by Guffadi (rep 28/02/2020), PM’s lavish birthday: Need to repair damage, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 28/02/2020)

Zero Tolerance Of Corruption, by  Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 26/02/2020)

Oli must shoulder responsibility for Baskota, say party members and anti-corruption campaigners: The prime minister finds himself in a tenuous position, given that Gokul Baskota is a close aide and many believe that he cannot have acted without Oli’s approval, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/02/2020), Oli urged to make public his views on tape scandal (ht 22/02/2020)

PM should announce probe: Law experts (rep 21/02/2020)

Baskota resigns following leaked audiotape where he is heard negotiating a ‘commission’: If prosecuted and indicted, Gokul Baskota, the communication minister and Oli’s close confidante, will be liable for up to 10 years in prison, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/02/2020), Public Accounts Committee puts a halt to the security printing project: The committee was considering forming a subcommittee to advise the government on ways to move forward but a corruption scandal involving a sitting minister has put the brakes on the project, by Anil Giri (kp 21/02/2020), Fresh off the Mahara and Poudel affairs, yet another scandal engulfs the ruling party: Gokul Baskota, one of Oli’s close confidantes, negotiating a ‘commission’ on audiotape could change the existing power equation within the party, say party insiders, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 21/02/2020)

Losing Focus On Basic Services, by Mukti Rijal (rn 20/02/2020)

Heil comrade Supremo! Oli emerged as the direct beneficiary of the wave of xenophobia and jingoism sweeping over Nepal, by CK Lal (kp 19/02/2020)

Ex deputy speaker Tumbahangphe appointed law minister (rep 18/02/2020)

Oli sees a conspiracy to topple his government but it is unclear what he is referring to: Although those close to Oli insist that a conspiracy is brewing, political analysts are unsure how anyone could assail the strongest government in recent history, by Anil Giri (kp 18/02/2020) [This can only happen from within his party and the reason may be Mr Oli himself!], Two years on, the government’s promises of prosperity seem like a joke: Democratic norms are being trampled on, governance is weak and the economy is in a shambles, by Achyut Wagle (kp 18/02/2020), How to judge Oli government? The longest serving and a stable government post-2008 has failed where it should have succeeded and succeeded where it should have failed, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 18/02/2020), Fear Of Prime Minister Oli, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 18/02/2020)

Domestic, foreign forces hell-bent on weakening govt, says PM Oli (ht 17/02/2020), High on rhetoric (rep 17/02/2020)

Two years on, PM has little to boast about, by Rupak D. Sharma (ht 15/02/2020), Oli presents a rosy picture of his two years in office, but not all agree: A government with a majority could have done much more but it has been a run-of-the-mill performance, analysts say, by Binos Ghimire (kp 16/02/2020), PM terms 2nd year of govt as beginning of development (ht 16/02/2020) [What kind of magnifying glass does he use?], PM laments lack of recognition for achievements in 2 years in office (rep 16/02/2020)

PM’s website taken over for porn upload on failure to renew domain, by Ashok Dahal (rep)

With Rai resigning, bureaucrats vie for home secretary position: The home secretary is considered one of the most powerful positions in the civil service since the occupant is responsible for ensuring safety and security in the country, by Anil Giri (kp 01/02/2020)

NBA condemns govt for 'disobeying court order' (rep 01/02/2020))

Nationalists unite: Oli’s ramblings could very well have come from Trump’s mouth: Self-aggrandisation and cracking down on enemies—Trump and Oli share not the best of traits, by Deepak Thapa (kp 23/01/2020)

Palanquin bearers of the Supremo: In every conflict of interest between humane concerns and jingoism couched as nationalism, the latter always wins, by CK Lal (kp 22/01/2020)

Restoring democracy back to the default: Prime Minister Oli opened too many battlefronts, now he may be succumbing to his own ambitions, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp 20/01/2020)

Govt bodies defy apex court directives (ht 16/01/2020) [SC decisions are binding law in a democratic state!]

Conflict victims decry government’s consultations as a sham: The consultations were not aimed at ensuring justice but simply at showing the world that feedback was collected, victims say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/01/2020)

‘Government jeopardising federal republic’ (ht 14/01/2020)

Samajbadi Party exits government to little effect on the Oli administration: National politics will remain relatively unaffected, but there could be repercussions in Province 2, analysts say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/12/2019), Upendra Yadav’s party quits govt: Deputy Prime Minister Yadav, Minister Rai submit resignation (ht 25/12/2019), Yadav’s party quits govt after PM rejects panel to study amendment (rep 25/12/2019)

Doctors say Oli’s dialysis at Manmohan Centre more convenient if a machine is not installed at Baluwatar: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital is planning to procure a new dialysis machine for the centre in view of the prime minister’s health, by Arjun Poudel (kp 13/12/2019) [It is to be welcomed that the doctors care so much for the health of the sick Prime Minister. But they should be aware that every other Nepali is entitled to such health care as well!]

Youth club, youth parliament operation procedure issued (ht 12/12/2019)

Oli likely to be discharged from the hospital on Friday: Doctors involved in the prime minister’s treatment are mulling another kidney transplant, but say it will be done only after two to three months due to his health condition, by Arjun Poudel (kp 05/12/2019) [But his health is good enough to run Nepal's executive? This is absolutely irresponsible towards the country and its citizens!], PM Oli discharged from TUTH on the 10th day of appendectomy (ht 06/12/2019), PM back at Baluwatar, may need 10 days of rest (rep 06/12/2019) [No problem! The state affairs can wait, if necessary for months!]

A bold decision by Oli to exit gracefully from active politics should win him accolades: A rational decision this time will help the prime minister to restore his waning public image, by Kushal Pokharel (kp 04/12/2019)

Right to Information Act: Most ministries fail to update their information (ht 03/12/2019)

Time for goods delivery: With the by-elections over, the government must now concentrate its efforts on goods and service delivery to the people (ht 03/12/2019)

PM Oli recovering, can walk on his own: Docs; Dialysis performed for 8th time (ht 02/12/2019)

PM to remain in hospital for another week: His health is improving quicker than expected, claim doctors (ht 30/11/2019)

Amid concerns about his health, Oli undergoes appendicitis surgery: The operation was successful but the prime minister will have to remain in the hospital for the next few days, doctors said, by Arjun Poudel (kp 27/11/2019), PM to remain in hospital after surgery (ht 27/11/2019), Oli doing better after appendectomy, doctors say: The prime minister was never placed on a ventilator, according to the prime minister’s press advisor, by Arjun Poudel (kp 28/11/2019)

Prime Minister has used a cabinet reshuffle to mask his government’s incompetence: But without solving internal party anomalies, the current government is unlikely to make Nepal prosperous and Nepalis happy, by Achyut Wagle (kp 26/11/2019)

He was one of the few ministers who delivered. Then the prime minister sacked him.: Gokarna Bista won plaudits for pushing reforms and taking on the foreign employment cartels, but fell prey to entrenched interests and political horsetrading, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 26/11/2019), Yadav’s U-turn causes confusion among Samajbadi leaders: Some suspect that RJP’s potential joining the Oli administration could weaken the party, forcing it to remain in the government despite disagreements, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 26/11/2019) [It's only because one man wants to stay in power!]

Although sidelined, Samajbadi Party to remain in government and push for amendments: The party is not consulted on any of Oli’s major decisions, signalling that the prime minister does not care for their presence in government, analysts and party members say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 23/11/2019)

Prosperous Nepal And Happy Nepali, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 23/11/2019)

Swing into action: With the cabinet’s reshuffle in a hiatus of almost two years, it is the right time for the government to swing into full action to speed up the economy (ht 22/11/2019)

After meeting with the President, Oli reshuffles Cabinet: Ruling party leaders say that President Bhandari, who has played the role of a catalyst in developments, had her say in the reshuffle, by Anil Giri (kp 21/11/2019), Dahal to command party while Oli will remain prime minister for the full term: Given the growing dissatisfaction within the party and his failing health, Oli was finding it increasingly difficult to manage both the government and the party, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/11/2019), Oli to complete full term as PM: Dahal to have executive power to lead Nepal Communist Party, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/11/2019), Oli seals five years full, Dahal get face-saver under revised deal, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 21/11/2019), Reshuffling Cabinet And Adjusting Power Sharing, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 21/11/2019), Oli’s Cabinet reshuffle aimed at managing party factions rather than improving results: Instead of addressing public grievances with underperforming ministers, the prime minister has seized the opportunity to placate factions, party leaders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/11/2019), All the prime minister’s men: KP Sharma Oli’s new Cabinet has fewer women than it did before, and people aren’t happy, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 22/11/2019), Yadav, who is attending a WHO conference as health minister, finds his portfolio changed: He says there was no consultation and he would respond to the prime minister’s decision after returning today, by Suresh Raj Neupane (kp 22/11/2019)

Oli officially informs ministers about his Cabinet reshuffle plan: The prime minister asked Cabinet ministers not to participate in programmes on Wednesday as he will announce rejig, a minister says, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 20/11/2019), PM Oli to reshuffle cabinet today: Up to 10 ministers might be ousted to bring in others ‘deserving’ induction (rep 20/11/2019)

Oli to offer party reins to Dahal in exchange for his own men in cabinet: The prime minister, who had long appeared reluctant to hand over party matters to his co-chair, will now allow Dahal to handle party matters, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 18/11/2019), Cabinet reshuffle unlikely even today (ht 18/11/209), PM secures party nod for cabinet reshuffle (rep 18/11/2019), Pick the right candidates: Mere change of ministers in the cabinet is not going to contribute to improved governance (rep 18/11/2019) [Oli's goal is not good governance but total power control!]

After third dialysis in two weeks, doctors monitoring Oli's health say they are mulling kidney transplant: Physicians attending to the prime minister are exploring the countries for another transplant, by Arjun Poudel (kp 17/11/2019), PM Oli undergoes dialysis again: This is the third time he has done so since October 30 (ht 17/11/2019)

Prime Minister Oli attempts to get all leaders on his side as Cabinet reshuffle looms: The planned reshuffle has been delayed due to the prime minister’s desire to gain broad consensus within the party for whatever he has planned, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 16/11/2019), Three new advisers to PM appointed (ht 16/11/2019)

SPN still in dilemma over continued participation in govt (rep 15/11/2019)

As Oli plans Cabinet reshuffle, the post of House Speaker could be a bargaining chip: The rejig and a number of top appointments are aimed at balancing the ruling party’s internal power dynamics and its relationship with its partners in government, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 13/11/2019), PM may induct critics into cabinet in big reshuffle (rep 13/11/2019)

SPN intensifies consultations on continued participation in govt (rep 13/11/2019)

Oli to decide on Cabinet reshuffle by the end of the week: At least eight sitting ministers and two provincial chief ministers are likely to be relieved of their current positions, party insiders say, by Tika R Pradhan Anil Giri (kp 12/11/2019) [In a federal state, the central government should have no right to interfere in the staffing of a provincial government!]

Oli might be in poor health but he is showing no signs of slowing down: The prime minister has already taken a number of crucial decisions and has scheduled a series of long-overdue meetings for the next couple of days, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 11/11/2019)

Oli plans rejig in his secretariat as he prepares for a Cabinet reshuffle: There had been some indications that the prime minister wanted to change his team of advisors for quite some time, a secretariat member says, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 10/11/2019), All members of PM’s secretariat likely to quit (ht 10/11/2019), Aides to resign en masse as PM signals massive changes (rep 10/11/2019), Members of PM’s secretariat quit en masse (ht 11/11/2019)

Oli’s tendency to bulldoze decisions riles a section of ruling party leaders: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is showing authoritarian traits in a bid to consolidate power, party insiders say, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 06/11/2019)

‘Dubious stance’ pushes Yadav to isolation in party, govt (rep 06/11/2019)

Doctors advise prime minister to rest more and work less: Physicians attending to Oli must convince him that he should avoid exertion, public functions and long meetings, doctors say, by Arjun Poudel (kp 03/11/2011), I may need routine dialysis: PM (ht 03/11/2019), ‘Re-transplantation of kidney only after reduction of antibodies’, by Sabitri Dhakal (kp 05/11/2019)

Over murky details, Oli’s health raises questions about his fitness to govern: Doctors say all is not well with the 67-year-old prime minister and there are chances he has to undergo dialysis twice a week, by Anil Giri (kp 01/11/2019), The health of the prime minister is a topic that affects everyone in the country: The public has a right to know about KP Sharma Oli's condition (kp 01/11/2019), PM Oli discharged after second dialysis in 24 hrs: Need for routine dialysis to be determined after a few days of observation, say doctors (ht 01/11/2019), Oli is firm, will not be stepping down any time soon, his aides say: The prime minister will require twice-a-week dialysis or another kidney transplant, both of which could affect governance, but he is determined to see through his accomplishments, by Anil Giri (kp 02/11/2019) [???]

Prime Minister Oli visits Grande Hospital for health check-up (ht 20/10/2019)

Cabinet reshuffle unlikely before by-polls: Nepal (rep 17/10/2019)

Saved from flooding, National Vigilance Centre lab yet to come into operation: Officials say no effort has been made to prevent inundation of the flooding, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (06/10/2019)

Mahara, Rolpa and the problems plaguing the government: It must be a blow Mahara’s disciples that they will now have to do without their guide and teacher, by Deepak Thapa (kp 03/10/2019)

Oli fails to punish non-performing ministers: Although Oli is not pleased with ministers' performance, he has hesitated to reshuffle Cabinet due to party dynamics, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 28/09/2019)

Government actions don’t match its words: Recently concluded budget session a case in point, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/09/2019)

Inside the Oli administration’s culture of decision making: When the prime minister is not acting unilaterally, he is reliant on a few people for advice on policy and decisions, ignoring party members and even his own Cabinet members, by Anil Giri (kp 21/09/2019)

The government musn't attempt to stiffle dissent: The government and the ruling party need to learn to take criticism; it is a part of supporting democracy (kp 17/09/2019),
Respect criticism: Criticism of the government does not mean people are against the democratic system for which they fought for decades (ht 18/09/2019)

Government develops standard for appointing CSCWC members (ht 16/09/2019)

Tall Promises, Short Delivery, by Mukti Rijal (rn 12/09/2019)

Samajbadi Party, a partner in the Oli government, says it won’t observe Constitution Day: Leaders say the party will talk to the prime minister one more time before quitting the government, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 10/09/2019)

The government cannot shove nationalism down people's throats: If the KP Sharma Oli administration is really serious about celebrating the constitution, then it should have high regard for the rule of law and treat everyone equally (kp 09/09/2019)

MPs wonder why govt is letting dengue spread: Local level reps claim they lack: budget, manpower to do needful, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 09/09/2019)

Ghanshyam Bhusal: The prime minister needs to realise his style is not working: The Nepal Communist Party ideologue evaluates his party’s performance in government and talks about the relevance of Marxism today, by Pranaya SJB Rana (kp 08/09/2019)

PM returns from Singapore with ‘improved health’ (ht 07/09/2019)

People’s impatience might grow to dangerous level, Dahal warns (ht 05/09/2019)

Oli holds teleconference again to show all is well, but many don't buy it: Oli’s aides say the prime minister wanted to send a message that he is in good health and very much in command, but others want a proper update, by Anil Giri (kp 04/09/2019), Prime Minister Oli to return on Friday: ‘Consults’ ministers via teleconference after remote ‘Cabinet meeting’ drew severe criticism (ht 04/08/2019), Govt remains mum about Oli's health as leaders continue to visit ailing PM (rep 04/09/2019)

Gokul Banskota contradicts PM Oli and himself in Parliament: The government spokesperson asserts Monday’s gathering was not a teleconference Cabinet meeting, but Oli’s and his own tweets say otherwise, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 30/08/2019)

‘Don’t party on Constitution Day’ and seven other outrageous remarks by Communications Minister Gokul Baskota: The former tabloid reporter is neither new to the media for his controversial remarks nor does he ever shy away from telling you exactly what he thinks (kp 29/08/2019)

Growing protests seen as govt’s failure to deliver (rep 27/08/2019)

Prime Minister Oli undergoes plasmapheresis, health normal: Unhealthy plasma being replaced with fresh plasma; Likely to remain in Singapore for at least 10 more days , by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 26/08/2019) [Hopefully, he can pay all this with the 1.500$ that a Nepali citizen  is allowed to take abroad!!]

PM to hold cabinet thru video conference (rep 22/08/2019)

With ink hardly dry on performance contracts, PM shuffles secretaries (rep 21/08/2019), What’s the rationale? (rep 22/08/2019)

Prime Minister Oli’s parliamentary address leaves his party wondering: The statement seemed to put a firm end to the gentleman’s agreement with Dahal which said they would take turns to lead the government, by Anil Giri (kp 19/08/2019), Oli rules out vacating PM’s post for Dahal (ht 19/08/2019), NCP chairperson Dahal hints at changing leadership of government, by Suresh Yadav (rep 19/08/2019)

PM Oli revisiting Singapore for medical check-up (ht 19/08/2019) [??], Bid to allay fears about PM’s health: More than 2.0 mg/dL creatinine level  suggests his kidneys aren’t functioning well (ht 23/08/2019)

Govt to expand Hello Sarkar portal at local levels (ht 19/08/2019)

Lawmakers flay govt for not responding to their questions (ht 18/08/2019)

No substance and no deadline in PM’s performance deals with ministers, by Ashok Dahal (rep 18/08/2019)

Dangerous driving, by Kunda Dixit (nt 16/08/2019)

Who Is Running This Country? Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 15/08/2019)

Questions remain over PM Oli’s health as he returns today: In the interest of transparency and accountability, the prime minister’s health status should be made public, along with his expenses and who paid for them, by Anil Giri (kp 12/08/2019)

Time for reconciliation: Oli must now learn to partner with the well-wishers of democracy with whom he's wasted time, fighting, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp 12/08/2019)

Oli has signed work performance contracts with his ministers, but many doubt their efficiency: Stability in the bureaucracy and a lack of political interference, not performance contracts, key to finishing works on time, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp 10/08/2019)

Road to unfreedom: The government's actions show it wants to turn the country into a police state (kp 08/08/2019)

Ministers from Maoist camp are uneasy with prime minister’s intervention in appointments, aides say: Several officials at line ministries say ministers have no freedom in appointing people and the secretaries report directly to Oli, hindering efficiency and results, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 06/08/2019)

New tourism minister faces a slew of challenges, especially on policy: Yogesh Bhattarai will need to retool civil aviation while also ensuring that Visit Nepal 2020 takes off without a hitch, by Sangam Prasain (kp 02/08/2019), Challenges facing Minister Bhattarai: The new tourism minister has to chart a new course to revitalise a promising industry (kp 02/08/2019), Expectations From Minister Bhattarai, by Kushal Pokharel (rn 03/08/2019)

Growing criticism and internal power dynamics force Oli to change courseCriticism from both inside and outside the party, coupled with manoeuvrings by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have led the prime minister to adopt consensus and compromise, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/08/2019)

As tourism minister, there are immediate challenges—and opportunities—for Yogesh Bhattarai: Bhattarai, elected from Taplejung, has been overseeing the party’s publicity department and has often been critical of the Oli administration, by Bhrikuti Rai and Tika R. Pradhan (kp 01/08/2019) [Thank god, another male Bahun! This is obvious what the government understands by inclusion. 10 of the 23 full-fledged ministers are Bahuns, of whom 9 are male Bahuns, although male Bahuns account for only 6 percent of the total population. So 1-2 male Bahuns in the government would be appropriate, not more!], ‘Killing two birds with one stone’: ‘Oli has outwitted Dahal with Bhattarai’s appointment’ (ht 01/08/2019)

Oli to leave for Singapore for a medical checkup: While doctors say his reports are normal, they recommended a checkup and a rest session in Singapore, by Arjun Poudel (kp 31/07/2019)

Performance contract a must for ministries, departments (ht 28/07/2019)

Not quite a case of one for all and all for one: The ethnonational government with almost complete control over the instruments of the state and institutions of society has proved to one of the most ineffective in recent history, by CK Lal (kp 24/07/2019)

22 ministries submit delegated legislation (ht 23/07/2019)

An increase in rent-seeking activities by the government has derailed politics and the economy: Demonstrations against the ill-conceived Guthi Bill have already indicated what may be in store for the future, by Prakash Chandra Lohani (kp 22/07/2019)

Failures of Oli Administration, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 21/07/2019)

Think first, act later: Myopic decisions have made the people  question their faith in  this government, by Kushal Pokharel (kp 18/07/2019)

Chaotic Oli Administration, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 16/07/2019)

Cabinet reshuffle not likely anytime soon, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 14/07/2019)

Repeated diplomatic failures reveal shortcomings in the Oli administration’s foreign affairs operation: Foreign Ministry officials have not responded to at least three requests for clarifications from American and Indian embassies, by Anil Giri (kp 14/07/2019)

Prime minister says he’s in the dark. His critics aren’t delighted: This was not the first time Oli, who heads a government having two-thirds majority, admitted to having been ‘misled’, ‘deceived’ or ‘kept in the dark’, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 12/07/2019) [This proves once more that Oli is unable to cope with the office of PM!], Prime minister out of touch with his own administration: ‘PM cannot shirk responsibility by saying he was not informed’, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 12/07/2019)

18 ministries present progress reports (ht 12/07/2019)

Series of controversies prompt Oli to evaluate his Cabinet’s performance: Evaluations are in preparation for an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, ruling party leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp 10/07/2019)

Masking the pollution truth (rep 07/07/2019)

Serving Interest Groups, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 06/07/2019))

People are fed up with govt: Minister Yadav (ht 06/07/2019)

Cabinet decisions disclosed (ht 05/07/2019)

Seized by the corrupt: Yes, previous governments were also corrupt—but the Nepal Communist Party came to power to clean the system, by Naresh Koirala (kp 03/07/2019)

Mend your ways: Oli made satirical remarks, talked big about projects, two-digit economic growth and prosperity in 2016 too but people did not call him a joker then because they trusted him, by Sandip Neupane (rep 03/07/2019) [PM Oli simply doesn't have the competence that his certainly difficult job requires!]

Uphold rule of law: The rule of law cannot be upheld in society as long as the government pays no heed to the court verdicts and directives (ht 02/07/2019) [!!!]

Samajbadi Party mulls quitting government to renew call for charter amendment: Leaders say they have waited too long but the Oli Cabinet has taken no steps to address their demand., by Tika R Pradhan (kp 01/07/2019)

Dahal pushes for Cabinet reshuffle, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 28/06/2019) [The reason mentioned by Dahal sounds ridiculous though a fundamental reshuffle seems necessary!]

Oli’s missed opportunities: The two-thirds majority government formed after 20 long years of short-lived coalition culture was expected to focus on nation building. It is missing that opportunity every single day, by Jainendra Jeevan (rep 27/06/2019), Loss of legitimacy: The Oli government suffers from a crisis of credibility, with its tall electoral promises now faded away, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 28/06/2019), Nepalis got a raw deal: The country has fallen into a black hole of bad governance, corruption, nepotism and totalitarianism, by Bhoj Raj Poudel (kp 28/06/2019)

With growing internal rifts and criticism from outside, a Cabinet reshuffle is likely: Ruling party insiders say party co-chairs are likely to use a Cabinet reshuffle to balance internal party politics, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp 26/06/2019)

You got to be serious: How did the Prime Minister who at one time appeared like a deliverer transform into the subject of hate? Why is he becoming the butt of jokes? Why is he losing public trust?, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 24/06/2019) [Oli had already totally failed during his first time as PM, so there has never been any reason for optimism!]

From a fierce reporter to a minister who wants to muzzle the press: Gokul Baskota, who started his career writing for left-leaning publications, is now one of the prime minister’s most trusted ministers, and a spokesperson for the government, by Bhrikuti Rai (kp 24/06/2019)

Quit Mr. Prime Minister On Ethical Ground, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 20/06/2019)

Government backtracks on controversial Guthi Bill after widespread condemnation: Prime minister says he wholly supports Minister Aryal’s decision to withdraw the bill from National Assembly, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 19/06/2019) [Welcome decision, but what a nonsense comment by the PM!]

For the first time, ruling party lawmakers criticise Oli administration’s foreign policy conduct: Party MPs pointed to the failure of Oli’s Europe tour and censured the Foreign Ministry’s lack of direction, by Anil Giri (kp 19/06/2019)

Oli mulling cabinet reshuffle: Wants to settle some outstanding issues first (rep 17/06/2019)

Provoking The Public Backlash, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 12/06/2019)

PM sidesteps question on stepping down: Says the issue is being  unnecessarily brought up now, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 01/06/2019)

Govt all powerful but performance not commensurate (rep 28/05/2019)

Heed the warning: Prime Minister’s arrogance and one-upmanship has resulted in his government not getting credit even for some of the good things accomplished under his leadership, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 27/05/2019)

Oli is weakening key institutions and it’s not good for democracy, observers say: Experts express concern over government’s attempts to muzzle the media and control democratic and constitutional bodies, by Anil Giri and Binod Ghimire (kp 23/05/2019)

Oli makes yet another remark that contradicts the spirit of federalism: Local government representatives say either the statute has to be amended or prime minister should stop making such comments, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/05/2019) [Such unconstitutional statements are not lapses! It is time for the PM to be taught through the legal process that the executive must also respect the constitution!]

Proposal to appoint foreign secretary from other  ministries draws mixed reactions, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 22/05/2019)

Rights activists say Oli government heading towards authoritarian rule, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 18/05/2019), Heads and Tales: Oli is back! If you ask the real  Oli then the reason he’d offer is he  dreams of the political system set up there. Vietnam is a  Marxist-Leninist one-party state, by Guffadi (kp 18/05/2019)

Whose government is it anyway? (rep 06/05/2019)

Govt to unveil policies, programmes today, by Sujan Dhungana (ht 03/05/2019), Whose government is it anyway? People ask as President presents annual policies and programmes: Use of ‘mero sarkar’ in the document invited criticism and ridicule on social media. But ‘this is very much the President’s government,’ PM’s adviser defends, by Anil Giri (kp 04/05/2019), Leaving out practical projects and tasks, govt talks up fancy ideas (rep 05/05/2019), Ambitious goals: The govt’s target of achieving double digit growth within four years is not viable unless it improves the spending capacity (ht 06/05/2019)

Shades of single-party rule: The Prime Minister’s Office seeks to keep a firm grip on the entire state machinery, by Kushal Pokharel (kp 02/05/2019)

Where from here? The government needs to talk less and do more work, by Udayan Regmi (kp 28/04/2019)

Nepal competent to settle transitional justice issues: Baskota (ht 19/04/2019) [??There's no way where's no will!!]

Nine secretaries transferred (ht 19/04/2019)

Congress reacts to what it calls Oli’s indecent comments against opposition: Main opposition reminds the prime minister to maintain the dignity of his position, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/04/2019)

‘Taming secessionists an achievement’, by Jagdishor Panday (ht 15/04/2019) [There is obviously some misunderstanding, Mr Oli. CK Raut claims that you agreed on a referendum on secession; that's why he formed the 'Referendum Party'!]

Promises of prosperity from Rara Lake last year look elusive, by Rudra Pangeni (rep 14/04/2019), Parliament panel says government failed to deliver on many promises: The government had promised a double digit economic growth and the reconstruction of all private houses damaged by the 2015 earthquakes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 14/04/2019)

Arrears of govt agencies rise by 36.7 pc, by Sujan Dhungana (ht 13/04/2019)

After promises failed, secretaries told to focus on ‘flagship’ projects: It is implementation, not the addition of loaded phrases  in policies and programmes, that matters, officials say, by Anil Giri (kp 11/04/2019)

A democratic nightmare: A sure way of killing democratic culture is by jettisoning collective decision-making (kp 11/04/2019)

Oli says he consulted Deuba on nominations, but Congress calls it a lie: Opposition leaders say the prime minister decided to call a meeting  even after Sher Bahadur Deuba proposed an alternative date, by Anil Giri (kp 01/04/2019)

Amid government’s unilateral moves, calls grow for adherence to constitutionalism: Experts point at Constitutional Council’s decisions without taking opposition leader into confidence while taking decisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/03/2019)

Govt not answerable to Parliament: NC (ht 26/03/2019), Oli regime trying to impose  totalitarianism, says Singh (ht 26/03/2019)

Power to PM to deploy Army causes unease in defence force: Experts say government should abide by constitutional provisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/03/2019)Reversal of democratic thrust: The government is de-democratising the security sector and weakening democratic oversight of the security forces, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp 25/03/2019)

Government moves indicate effort to centralise power in prime minister: Problem lies in intent rather than method, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/03/2019), Towards authoritarianism: When all powers flow to the prime minister, it will undermine the achievements of democracy (kp 20/03/2019)

PM rules out immediate cabinet reshuffle (rep 18/03/2019), DPM Yadav refutes speculations of quitting from the government (rep 18/03/2019)

In ruling party, leaders are questioning Oli’s ‘unilateral’ decisions: Most of the decisions come straight from Baluwatar without proper discussion in the party, members say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 15/03/2019)

Cabinet reshuffle likely, but only  after the investment summit: Oli’s plan to change ministers before March-end has been delayed, party leaders say, by Anil Giri (kp 13/03/2019)

The Super Government And Its Activities, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 11/03/2019)

This government has been ineffective  not because of incompetence, but because of its design, inteerview with CK Lal (kp 05/03/2019)

Left Government: One Year On, by Prem Khatry (rn 26/02/2019)

Not Many Positive Things Happening, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 25/02/2019)

Oli’s Pursuit of Development, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 24/02/2019)

Vice-chairman of Social Welfare Council among five sacked, by Sanjaya Lama (kp 22/02/2019)

Cabinet reshuffle on cards ahead of the Investment Summit: Two top ruling party leaders taking updates and reports on ministers’ performance, party insiders say, by Anil Giri (kp 21/02/2019)

Political roadblocks: Hurdles to prosperity are far more difficult to clear than seasonal economic distresses, by Achyut Wagle (kp 19/02/2019)

A never punctual prime minister!, by Ashok Dahal (rep 17/02/2019)

One Year Of Oli Administration, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 17/02/2019)

One year of hope, followed by despair (rep 14/02/2019), Oli's one year: Talking big, bungling through, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 14/02/2019), Debunking the Myths, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn 15/02/2019), Government has laid foundation for prosperity: Oli on first year in office, by Anil Giri (kp 15/02/2019), Strong foundation for development laid, says PM (ht 15/02/2019), PM Oli's address to nation: A recap of promises unfulfilled, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 15/02/2019), One year of Oli: Oli wants us to believe we are on our way to being the most peaceful and prosperous land on Earth but in reality, we have nothing to be happy about, by Guffadi (kp 16/02/2019)

Oli on back foot: Amid sinking hopes at the popular level, the government’s promises are far insufficient to assuage public disenchantment which threatens to break loose any time soon, by P Kharel (rep 11/02/2019)

Dashed hopes: Owing to the Oli administration’s inability to lead by action, its credibility is waning, by Kushal Pokharel (kp 10/02/2019)

Ruling partner FSFN accuses PM of interference: Oli unhappy with Yadav for non-cooperation (rep 10/02/2019)

There’s more to Oli-Dahal rift than meets the eye: Former Maoists are concerned about government’s plan to take forward transitional justice process, ruling party insiders say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/02/2019), Necessity and acrimony: Dahal miffed at PM’s unilateral decisions, delayed transitional justice and party unification, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 10/02/2019)

Oli Style of Running Administration, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 08/02/2019)

A day in the life of ‘Hello Sarkar’ officials: The popular national hotline receives hundreds of prank calls, bogus  complaints, annoying demands—and then a few genuine concerns, by Anup Ojha (kp 04/02/2019)

Prime minister skips question-answer session in House: "The PM decides to attend programmes as per their significance. He attends most important programmes of the day", by Jagdishor Panday (ht 04/02/2019) [Not understanding the rules democratic culture or simply authoritarian arrogance?]

Lessons for the Government, by Kushal Pokharel (rn 02/02/2019)

One Year at the Helm, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn 01/02/2019)

Martyrs’ Week and Oli Administration, by Siddhi B. Ranjitkar (km 01/02/2019)

State did not perform as expected: Deputy PM (kp 31/01/2019) [???]