PM: Any attempt by regressive forces will be foiled

By Our Correspondent,Pokhara, May 24: Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN (UML), KP Sharma Oli, has said that the UML is at the forefront of efforts to prevent all forms of regression by safeguarding the rights of the people and the sovereignty of the country.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 10th National Convention of the National Youth Association Nepal in Pokhara on Friday, Prime Minister Oli urged the public to abandon any misguided notions, asserting that there is no astrological prediction suggesting the return of the monarchy. 

"One cannot simply rely on the former king’s horoscope. We should consider the horoscope of the people. The idea of a royal throne is no longer possible. The monarchy, which the Nepali people have cast aside, will not return till we, who fought against the monarchy, continue to live in this country," said PM Oli, referring to former Vice Chancellor of Nepal Academy, Jagman Gurung, who had spread rumours that the monarchy would soon be restored based on the horoscope of former King Gyanendra Shah.

PM Oli also addressed reckless statements made by some individuals, such as the suggestion of providing helicopter facilities for the Prime Minister’s escape. "Any attempt by the regressive forces will be crushed. The Youth Association must take the lead in opposing such regressive forces. We must remain vigilant and prepared to confront such challenges at any time," he said.

The Prime Minister further emphasised that both internal and external forces have launched a coordinated attack on the UML. "If the UML had made a mistake, people would not have allowed us to be where we are now. We are a party that stands for correct policies, good governance and development. I urge you to fulfil your duties without being swayed by the confusion and misleading rhetoric of those who encourage you to speak against the UML," said PM Oli.

Prime Minister Oli also pointed out that efforts were being made to undermine the contribution of the UML and urged party supporters to unite in rejecting such attempts. "False accusations and attacks aimed at the UML leadership are unfair and unjust. We must not let these divisive forces succeed," he said.

Regarding the past political context, Prime Minister Oli explained that the coalition government of the UML and Nepali Congress was formed for stability and good governance in the country.

 "To those who are lamenting the collapse of the government, I clarify that I will step down after 14 months, hand over the leadership to Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and elections will be conducted by that government," said PM Oli.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that his government was committed to fighting corruption with zero tolerance, regardless of who is involved.

PM Oli urged for a unanimous leadership at the Youth Association’s general convention and encouraged fair competition if consensus could not be reached.

The event was attended by UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Deputy General Secretary and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, Secretary 

Padma Aryal, Coordinator of the People’s Organisation Mechanism Bhanubhakta Dhakal, and other leaders.