Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Sunday accused the caretaker government of attempting to arrest him without legal justification and alleged that it was not serious about conducting the next general election, slated for March 2026.
Speaking to editors and senior journalists in Kathmandu — his first public interaction since being ousted from power over a month ago — the CPN-UML chairperson claimed that authorities were trying “by hook or crook” to detain him despite insufficient grounds.
Oli said his party would seek reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives, asserting that the government’s actions were politically motivated.
Oli resigned in early September following widespread youth-led demonstrations against corruption and a controversial social media ban.
The protests, spearheaded by the Gen Z movement, had turned violent, prompting his resignation.
He was succeeded by former chief justice Sushila Karki, who now heads the interim administration formed after President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved parliament on her recommendation.
The former Prime Minister alleged that “external forces” had infiltrated the Gen Z protests, leading to incidents of arson and vandalism targeting key government buildings, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and Supreme Court.
He criticised the media for what he described as “selective reporting,” accusing outlets of ignoring the destruction caused during the protests while focusing only on the government’s crackdown.
Oli also said some of his security personnel had been withdrawn despite threats to his safety, claiming that such moves reflected the government’s disregard for a free and fair election environment.
He further alleged that his phone had been seized for several days after the Nepal Army rescued him from the Prime Minister’s residence during the violent protests.
While dismissing the Gen Z-led “Nepo-kids” campaign — a movement highlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children allegedly funded by corruption — Oli described it as an attempt to spread fear and division among citizens.
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The former premier spent much of his hour-long interaction criticising the Karki-led interim government, calling its formation “unconstitutional,” but refrained from commenting on the alleged use of excessive force against protesters during his tenure.
Unlike other top political leaders such as Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ who stepped down from their party posts, Oli continues to lead the CPN-UML.
He said he intends to return to power through democratic means, asserting, “The country and my party still need me, and I am capable of contributing further to Nepal.”
Following weeks of hiding in an army camp outside Kathmandu after his ouster, Oli recently resurfaced in Bhaktapur district and rejoined public life during his party’s central committee meeting.
