Nepal - K P Sharma Oli
The Right Honourable Mr. K P Sharma Oli was the 45th Prime Minister of Nepal and the President of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML). He assumed office on 15 July 2024, marking his third term as Prime Minister. His previous tenures were from 11 October 2015 to 24 July 2016 and from 15 February 2018 to 13 July 2021. A victim of torture and human rights abuse, Oli had been a strong crusader of democracy and human rights. As Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party, he was oOne of the architects of the 2005 12-Points Agreement, a milestone in the Nepali peace process and democratic transformation. Elected to the Constituent Assembly from Jhapa, he played role in promulgating the constitution, which has consolidated Nepal as a democratic polity based on human rights, inclusiveness and rule of law.
As Prime Minister of Nepal Oli made significant contributions in implementing the constitution and laying the ground for economic transformation ensuring the sustainable development and prosperity of the country and people. Known for his nationalist views in a country dwarfed by its giant neighbours China and India, Oli is seen as more favorable to Beijing.
Born on 23 February 1952 in the Terhathum District of Eastern Nepal, Sharma Oli was raised in a lower-middle-income family as the eldest son of father Mohan Prasad and Mother Madhumaya Oli. His early years were marked by a profound sense of enthusiasm and creativity, which eventually led him to embark on a political career at a young age.
In February 1970, he became a full-time activist and joined the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN). His political activism led to numerous arrests under false charges, resulting in 14 consecutive years in prison, including four years in solitary confinement from 1973 to 1987. He was arrested for the first time in 1970 under the Public Offense Act due to his involvement for the cause of democracy and establishment of republican state. On 22 May 1970 Oli went hideout to steer up the movement as the full time leader, and in 1972 was nominated the Chief of the Jhapa Movement Organizing Committee. in 1973 he was arrested with various false charges such as his involvement in subversive acts.
On 26 December 1976 the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) or CPN (ML) was formed while he was in imprisonment; he was regarded by the comrades as the founding leader. In 1987 he was released from the jail, assigned responsibilities of Central committee member of the then CPN (M-L); began activities as the in-charge of Lumbini Zone till 1990.
Oli later said "I have made radical improvements in Lumbini. I have built a hall there. I have built a meditation center. I have planted fruit gardens to create a paradise forest. Apart from this, I have built statues of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in many places. I have also installed a statue of Buddha here. It is a different matter who follows which religion. However, a large section of our society follows Pashupatinath. I should also respect their feelings. I do not think that King Birendra's dynasty was destroyed by worshiping Pashupatinath as some have said. No one ascended the throne by worshiping Pashupatinath, nor did anyone attain Nagarjuna. I always believe that people should do things that are liked by the people."
He then became the Founding President of Democratic National Youth Federation, Nepal (DNYF), a youth wing of the party. On 06 January 1991 Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) or CPN (UML) founded by merging two largest communist groups, the CPN (ML) and CPN M, became founding Central leader of UML.
His parliamentary career commenced in 1991, shortly after the restoration of the multiparty system in Nepal, when he was elected to the House of Representatives. In 1993, he became the chief of the Central Department of International Affairs of CPN (UML), and in 1994, he was elected to the Politburo and appointed Chief of the Central Department of Publicity. The same year, he was re-elected to the House of Representatives and appointed Minister for Home Affairs in Nepal's first popularly elected Communist Party-led government. Oli was re-elected for a third consecutive term in 1999 and served as Chief of the Department of Parliamentary Affairs of CPN (UML) from 1995 to 2008. He also held the position of Deputy Leader of the Main Opposition Party in Parliament from 1999 to 2002.
From April 2006 to March 2007, Oli served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the interim government. Oli insisted that the Government of Nepal (GON) and the Maoists could reach a peaceful settlement only if the GON convinced the Maoists to give up their ideology of violence. Oli stated that he saw a three-pronged package as necessary to reduce fear. The Maoists needed to give up their policy and ideology of violence, their instruments and means of violence, and their activities and practices of violence. Oli insisted that, until the Maoists were ready to give up the policy of violence to achieve their ends, there could not be peace in Nepal. He asserted that the Maoists were not yet ready to give up violence, or they would have already done so instead of continuing to use extortion, violence, and abduction as political tools across the country.
Oli lost a hard-fought battle for control of the UML at the February 2009 party convention. Oli was one of the most strident anti-Maoist leaders in Nepal. Oli remaineds influential in New Delhi, and his lobbying may be one reason India became increasingly skeptical about Nepal's Maoists. While many did not disagree with his basic analysis about Maoist long-term goals (seizing power), Oli and his followers lacked any proactive agenda for moving the peace process forward. Without Maoist engagement in the political process, it will be difficult to make progress on drafting the constitution and completing the peace process.
A hard-liner on the peace process, by 2009 Oli sharply criticized the Maoists and urged the United States to "maintain" its tough stance against the party. Oli said the Maoists are simply the latest (albeit more refined) global extremist movement, no different than Pol Pot or the Shining Path. They have learned to speak with a "silver tongue," but their agenda remains the same -- to "seize power forcibly." The Maoists are using the peace process for their own ends, and have no intention of fulfilling their commitments.
According to Oli, he tried for years to "moderate" the Maoists, meeting with them secretly in India throughout the conflict. As a fellow communist, Oli urged the Maoists to use "ideas, not weapons" in their struggle, but said he has given up. He admitted there are differences of opinion within the Maoist leadership, but as long as the Maoists have guns, the "pragmatists" will remain in lockstep with the hardline leaders.
In 2013, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly (CA) and subsequently elected as the leader of the party in the CA and legislature-parliament on 4 February 2014. His leadership within the party was further solidified when he was elected as the President of the Party on 17 July 2014, during the 9th National Congress.
Oli’s premiership spanned four distinct appointments (2015–16, 2018–21, May–July 2021 caretaker, and 2024–25). This makes him one of the most frequent prime ministers in modern Nepalese history, rivaling Girija Prasad Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba in repeat terms. He first took office after the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution during the Madhes blockade crisis. On 15 February 2018 He came to power after the left alliance (UML + Maoist Centre) won a landslide in the 2017 elections. His tenure was marked by the unification (and later split) of UML and Maoist Centre into the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Removed by Supreme Court restoring parliament.
As prime minister, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli dissolved the parliament twice, in December 2020 and May 2021, prompting a constitutional crisis that was resolved when the Supreme Court reinstated the parliament and ordered the installation of Sher Bahadur Deuba in July 2021. The November 2022 elections resulted in Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Prachanda, the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal–Maoist Center (CPN-MC), becoming prime minister. Dahal headed a coalition that included the CPN-UML and the new Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
His 3rd Term was a short stint as caretaker from 13 May 2021 to 12 July 2021. He was reappointed after parliament was dissolved, but his claim to form government was struck down by the Supreme Court, which restored Sher Bahadur Deuba. This term is often counted as a brief continuation of his second tenure but constitutionally is considered a separate appointment. Context: Returned to power 15 July 2024 under a rotational agreement with Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba. He was forced to resign 9 September 2025 amid mass protests over police crackdown on demonstrators.
Oli's political ascent was rooted in his involvement in the Jhapa uprising and his steadfast participation in a vigorous underground struggle. His leadership was characterised by an unwavering commitment to patriotism, democracy, social justice, and equality. He has successfully shifted the political discourse from the struggle for rights to the pursuit of national development and economic prosperity for the people of Nepal. A firm believer in comprehensive democracy, Mr Oli advocates for a system that guarantees equal rights, access to opportunities, social justice, security and dignity for all. During his tenures, he introduced a contribution-based social security system for all working people and implemented a universal social security plan for both the young and the elderly.
Prime Minister Oli was the visionary architect behind Nepal’s national aspiration: "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali." Under his leadership, the nation's social and political agenda has focused on strengthening the economy, developing infrastructure, and revitalising its rich cultural heritage. Notable initiatives under his government include the Prime Minister's Agriculture Modernisation Programme and the Prime Minister's Employment Programme. His government has also taken decisive action to combat sexual violence against women and girls and has prioritised addressing the challenges posed by climate change, particularly by protecting vulnerable communities in mountainous regions and promoting environmental sustainability.
In 2024, he noted " I do not get Corona. Because, I understand the characteristics of Corona and Nepali society very well. I know the character of traditional Nepali cuisine very well. That is why I do not get Corona and even if I get it, it will go away on its own. Since the Corona virus first lives in the nose, as soon as I go somewhere, I clean it by taking a sip of hot water. Every evening, I boil two mango leaves and gargle. By doing this, even if the virus has reached the throat, it will go away on its own. After that, I take steam every two to three days. Even if the virus has reached the lungs, hot steam is beneficial. I eat warm milk and turmeric before going to bed in the evening. I wake up in the morning and drink hot water mixed with homemade spices."
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