Kathmandu, July 19 (2082 Saun 4):
A regular cabinet meeting held on Monday evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli saw significant political undertones, with specific references to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari and senior Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala.
Although the meeting was scheduled to begin at 6 PM, it started about an hour late and continued for roughly 90 minutes. In the beginning, agenda items related to different ministries were discussed and necessary decisions were made.
Later, PM Oli addressed recent media speculation about possible changes in government leadership.
“I’m in constant contact with Deuba”
According to two ministers who spoke to Onlinekhabar, PM Oli clarified that there were no disputes between the CPN-UML and the coalition partner Nepali Congress.
He reportedly stated that Sher Bahadur Deuba, the president of the Nepali Congress, is expected to take over the government leadership after 11 months as per previous agreements, and that they are in continuous communication.
“I’m in regular contact with Deubaji, and everything is being done through consultation. We are fully committed to the previous agreement,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.
He also instructed ministers to remain active and focused in their respective responsibilities.
“Opposition is provoking Shekhar Koirala”
During the meeting, PM Oli mentioned Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala by name and remarked that some Congress leaders appear to be acting with the belief that they already have sufficient parliamentary support.
According to Oli: “Shekhar Koirala is being provoked by opposition parties. But there is no current situation that suggests any imminent change in government.”
One-on-One Meeting with Former President Bhandari
Another minister revealed that PM Oli also discussed his one-on-one meeting earlier that day with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari at the UML party office in Chyasal.
He reportedly told cabinet members that although some leaders—possibly with backing from the opposition—have attempted to bring Bhandari to the political forefront, such efforts will not succeed.
“Our party is united, and today’s meeting has further strengthened that unity. The focus is not on splitting the party but moving ahead together,” Oli was quoted as saying.
According to a cabinet source, the Prime Minister’s remarks were aimed at easing media speculation and internal concerns about political instability.
