Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has accused the caretaker government of attempting to arrest him "without sufficient grounds," asserting that the current administration lacks seriousness about holding the next general elections, scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Speaking to senior journalists in Kathmandu for the first time since his resignation, Oli claimed that the government is more focused on personal vendettas than governance. He said, "The government seems more focused on personal vendetta than governance," adding that his CPN-UML party will seek the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives.
Oli resigned in early September following violent Gen Z-led protests, which erupted over public anger against corruption and a controversial social media ban. The protests, branded as the Nepo-babe campaign, targeted the privileged lifestyles of children of politicians and bureaucrats. Oli criticised the youth movement, alleging it was influenced by external forces and caused widespread destruction, including attacks on the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament Building, and Supreme Court.
Following his ouster, Oli revealed that the Nepal Army rescued him from his official residence in Baluwatar after he narrowly escaped an attack by agitators. He also alleged that his mobile phone was seized for several days and criticised the interim government for withdrawing his security personnel despite ongoing threats.
The caretaker administration, led by interim PM Sushila Karki, took office after President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved parliament on her recommendation. Oli termed the government unconstitutional, claiming it was formed in violation of democratic principles and has failed to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
Oli also criticised selective media reporting during the protests, accusing journalists of self-censorship due to political pressure. Despite the turbulence, he affirmed his commitment to politics and his party leadership. "I may come back to power if the people vote for me," he said, stressing that both the country and his party still need his leadership.
After spending weeks in hiding at an army camp outside Kathmandu, Oli recently re-emerged during a central committee meeting of his party in Bhaktapur district. His remarks signal a potential political comeback ahead of the upcoming elections, as Nepal prepares for a high-stakes poll season amid ongoing political instability.
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