Prime Minister Oli states he will not split or merge any political party

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has made it clear that although there is a need to amend the law related to the division of political parties, it is not his job to split and merge any political party. 

While extending congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected office bearers and members of the Federation of Nepali Journalists today at the Prime Minister's Residence, Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli expressed his concern over the spread of rumor and negativity that an ordinance on party division has been forwarded.

Prime Minister Oli clarified that the merging and splitting of any political party is an internal matter of that party. He said that in the past, when he was the Prime Minister, if there was a split in any party, there were complications in the implementation of the provision of the constitution that required 40 percent in both the parliamentary party and the central committee of the respective political party. Realizing that such provision impractical then his government forwarded the ordinance by arranging for 40 percent of the parliamentary party or the central committee to split any political party, but it was withdrawn due to huge opponent views. 

He reminded that it was those who opposed the ordinance at that time but later they split the party by arranging that 20 percent of the MPs would be able to divide the party. Prime Minister also mentioned that now he has no intention to do so. Prime Minister Oli said that keeping in mind the development of the country and the service of the people, the government has recommended various ordinances to the President.

Prime Minister Oli further mentioned that a false statement was propagated that Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba had opposed the matter. He emphasized that because of such information and news, the people's right to information will be cut off, and therefore the FNJ should be aware of such issues.

He said that they have been working day and night for the sake of the country and the people. "We didn't come for a 10 to 5 job. Realizing the responsibility towards the country and the people, work is done day or night. I don't have the habit of working by hiding and cheating." PM Oli said.

"To work openly for the benefit of the country", Prime Minister Oli said in a questioning manner, "Does it mean that good work cannot be done at night?" Prime Minister Oli informed that the government will draft a law to stop fake and forgery under different names. He further expressed confidence that journalists should have professional security and the state will play a role in it.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Oli congratulated the officials and members of the FNJ including Chairperson Nirmala Sharma.

Chairperson Sharma and General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal drew the government's attention to the issue of freedom of press and expression. Chair Sharma mentioned that although the general election was delayed due to various reasons, history has been made as a woman leadership this time.