KATHMANDU, July 17: Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli said Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba is his closest and most trustworthy political associate.
In an interview with senior journalist Vijay Kumar, Oli made this remark while describing his relationship with key political figures. At the same time, he called his former ally and Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal a ‘betrayer.’
Oli clarified that Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal is not even his opponent and emphasized that his main political competition lies with the Nepali Congress.
'Country should present itself with trustworthy policies, condu...
“The competition is between the Nepali Congress and us,” said Oli, “but my closest relationship is with Sher Bahadur Deuba. We share a bond of trust.” He added that his relationship with Deuba will remain intact from his side, but hinted that things could change if Deuba acts otherwise.
Asked about his ties with Dahal, Oli said, “It was like a relationship that could lead either to heaven or hell. He has said it many times himself, and he has betrayed many times too.” He mentioned that even though they had reached several written agreements in the past, those agreements turned out to be meaningless.
Oli rejected the accusation that he is ruthless toward his rivals, stating that while he engages in political competition, he does not hold personal grudges.
When asked about his weaknesses, he admitted he tends to trust people easily and sometimes ends up being betrayed.
However, Oli denied claims that he fails to choose the right people around him. “When we say ‘circle,’ I don’t just mean my immediate confidants,” he said, “I tend to trust people even in the wider network of relationships.”
