KATHMANDU, Sept 19: The CPN-UML is set to mark Constitution Day on Friday at its central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, which was heavily damaged during Gen Z protests. The party is presenting the event as a symbolic start to its revival.
On this occasion, the speculation swirled over the public return of outgoing prime minister and party chair KP Sharma Oli.
Mahesh Basnet, a loyal leader to Oli, has been claiming over the past few days that the chair will make a “grand comeback” greeted by tens of thousands of supporters. However, the party’s official publicity wing appears uncertain.
PM Oli skips public events even today
According to Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, the event will be held at the party’s damaged headquarters and will feature senior leaders, including vice chairs. Asked about Oli’s presence, Gautam said there was “no official information,” hinting that Oli’s participation was unlikely.
Basnet has been telling the media since earlier this week that Oli will make a spectacular reappearance before the public on Constitution Day.
After his Baluwatar residence was torched on September 9, Oli had been staying at a Nepal Army barracks in Shivapuri. On Thursday, he moved to a rented house in Gundu, Bhaktapur.
Gen-Z protesters, meanwhile, continue to demand action against Oli, his ministers, and officials, accusing them of ordering police to use force during the peaceful September 8 demonstration that left dozens of young people dead.
Basnet maintains that Oli has nothing to be ashamed of. “KP Oli has done nothing to feel inferior,” he said. “He has enhanced the nation’s pride—that’s why we will welcome him in grand style.”
The protests, which began with calls to end corruption on September 8, escalated after police crackdowns, leading enraged demonstrators to torch Oli’s residence and multiple government and private structures on September 9.
Following the escalated Gen Z protests that turned into violence, Oli resigned as prime minister shortly afterwards, and an interim government led by Sushila Karki has since taken office.
