PM Oli urges NRNs to stay away from politics

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) should stay away from any form of politics and focus on the preservation of culture, expansion of investment and formation of Nepali unity in the Nepali diasporas abroad. 

"This is not an organisation of any political motive or influence. It must remain an apolitical institution," he said at the inaugural session of the NRNA Global Conclave 2025 organised by the NRNA in Kathmandu on Wednesday. 

Recalling the disputes over the election of the new president during the general assembly last year, PM Oli said that what happened at the last general assembly of the NRNA was unfortunate and it has certainly damaged its image. 

He also said that the government supports the non-political institutional activities of the NRNA. The CPN-UML will never try to exert its influence on the association. 

Referring to the court's decision which recognised the elected leadership as official, the Prime Minister questioned, “Can 17 individuals who lost the election come together and claim to have held a unity convention and appointed a chairperson? That’s not acceptable. Such a division is not acceptable. Is this division being carried out for self-interest? This is not a political party’s organisation." 

According to him, the real concerns shouldn't be with where voting rights are exercised but what contribution this community can make for its own rights and the country.

"I have seen a few trends in NRNA that do not fit with the motive and objectives of the global movement of the organisaion. It was a mistake to amend the statute for a statue of a certain individual and steps like this were bound to have negative impacts on the organisation in the long run," he said. 

Prime Minister Oli urged everyone to focus on unity, reconciliation, and strengthening cohesion rather than turning the organisation into a matter of controversy. 

“One should not try to dominate under the pretext that others are being intolerant. You must engage with the other side with an open mind, encourage them to move forward together, and make every effort toward unity,” he advised.

PM Oli praised the NRNA for its role in uniting the diaspora, fighting for their rights and promoting Nepali culture in them. 

According to him, the NRNs have contributed to entrepreneurship development and promotion of economic activities. Some of them have brought in new skills and business ideas and created employment. 

Speaking on the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, highlighted that the global Nepali diaspora is a source of expertise, innovation, and financial capital. 

He urged everyone to unite and contribute meaningfully to Nepal. “The NRNA must move forward united, not in fragments. There is a message being spread that wherever Nepalis go, they get involved in politics. This is not a positive trend,” said Dhakal.

NRNA has expanded its network to more than 90 countries around the globe. The government of Nepal has begun issuing the NRNA citizenship which gives economic and cultural rights to the NRNs. 

"However, the cultural and economic rights are not yet defined which has created confusion. I request the government to amend the NRN Act and incorporate the details of the rights in it," said Dr. Badri KC, President of the Association. 

The NRNA's next step is to collect small amount of money from Nepalis across the globe to set up a fund to invest in large projects in Nepal. It’s a joint effort of NRNs from across the globe to contribute to the development and prosperity of the country, said Dr. KC.