Nepal’s Ex-PM K.P. Sharma Oli alleges caretaker government seeking arrest, questions election readiness

Govt trying to arrest me without sufficient ground: ex-Nepal PM Oli

Nepal’s former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli accused the caretaker government of attempting to arrest him without “sufficient grounds” and claimed it was not serious about conducting the general election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Oli made these claims while speaking to a journalist in Kathmandu for the first time since his ouster. Oli said his party, CPN-UML, would seek the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives.

He resigned in early September after the violent protest erupted in Nepal led by Gen Z youth over corruption allegations and a controversial social media ban, alleging that the interim government under Sushila Karki was formed in an “unconstitutional manner.”

He claimed his life was under threat during the protests and described being rescued by the Nepal Army from the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. He added that his mobile phone was seized for several days and that some of his security personnel had been withdrawn despite ongoing threats.

He criticized the Gen Z movement, saying the arson and vandalism during the protests were influenced by “external elements,” though he did not specify who. Oli also condemned the media for underreporting the damage, including destruction to key government buildings such as the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and the Supreme Court.

Oli particularly rejected the youth-led “Nepo-kids” or “Nepo-babe” campaign, which targeted children of influential politicians for allegedly benefiting from their parents’ corrupt earnings. “I couldn’t accept the Nepo-babe campaign launched by the Gen Z youths, which created terror among the Nepalese people,” he said.

The former Prime Minister maintained that during his tenure, law and order was better and press freedom stronger, suggesting the current government has created an environment of fear and self-censorship among media outlets.

Despite political turmoil, Oli has refused to step down as CPN-UML party chairman, unlike other top leaders such as Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpakamal Dahal “Prachanda.” “I may come back to power if people vote for me,” he stated, emphasizing that both the country and his party still need his leadership. “I am still capable of contributing to the country and the society.”

Following his ouster, Oli remained in hiding for weeks before making a public appearance at a central committee meeting of his party, staying in Bhaktapur’s Gundu area before addressing the media.