Political turbulence in Nepal appears to be far from over despite the election of veteran communist leader K.P. Sharma Oli on October 11 as the country’s first Prime Minister under the newly introduced constitutional system.
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Oli received congratulatory message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hours after his election on Sunday. He was elected a member of the Parliament thrice in 1991, 1994 and 1999 from various constituencies of Jhapa district from where he began his political career in 1966.
The agitating Madhesis, who are Indian-origin inhabitants of the Terai region bordering India, say that the new Constitution does not guarantee enough rights and representation to the Madhesi and Tharu communities residing in southern Nepal. Of much greater concern is the new-found consolidation of all the Left parties and the coming together of Leftists and old Royalists, making them the biggest “China lobby” in the Nepal administration. Koirala secured 249 votes from the 587 lawmakers participating in the voting.
During his speech to parliament, Koirala, from the main Nepali Congress party, pledged to work with Oli if he lost the vote.
Mr Thapa served as home minister under King Gyanendra until his overthrow in 2006 following a 10-year guerilla war by the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).
The country is facing a severe fuel shortage, thanks to an unofficial blockade by India and Madhesis blocking a key border checkpoint.
Prof SD Muni, a Nepal expert, however said the dynamics of Nepal-India bilateral ties would move forward only after India recognises Nepal’s new constitution.
But his supporters see virtue in his bluntness and have greeted his victory as a snub to India, which they accuse of unofficially blockading Nepal to try and force change to the constitution that is backed by Mr Oli.
Economist Bishamber Pyakurel said Oli’s reputation as a decisive leader could be good news for Nepal’s stuttering economy.
As trucks remain stuck at the border, Nepal has been forced to ration supplies nationwide as long lines form at petrol stations. The Madhesis, along with several other small ethnic groups, wanted the states to be larger and to be given more autonomy over local matters.
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Talks last week between the government and protesters made little progress.
