March 11, Kathmandu – A dispute has emerged between former US President Donald Trump and several journalists who previously played key roles in supporting his election victories. Tensions have been rising between Trump and media personalities such as Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones. Recently, Trump has used his platform on ‘Truth Social’ to launch aggressive remarks against these journalists, labeling them as ‘crazy’ and ‘troublemakers.’ These figures were once considered fundamental pillars of Trump’s ‘MAGA’ campaign. However, they have recently been critical of Trump, especially concerning issues related to conflict with Iran.
In response to criticism from his former supporters, Trump expressed grievances, ridiculing them by stating that they have been removed from television and failed to secure roles in other TV programs. He accused these journalists of leveraging their podcasts merely to promote themselves through criticism of him. Additionally, Trump accused them of falsely alleging that Iran seeks to obtain nuclear weapons. Following Trump’s accusations, these journalists have collectively voiced their opposition.
Alex Jones, the founder of InfoWars, criticized Trump and suggested that the Republican Party should abandon its attachment to Trump and pursue a new direction. While acknowledging his past efforts to help Trump win, Jones stated that Trump has since chosen a misguided path and that a change is necessary. Jones also raised questions about Trump’s health standards, saying, “We never changed; Trump himself has changed.” Similarly, Tucker Carlson criticized Trump’s approach regarding the conflict with Iran. Specifically, he condemned Trump’s disrespectful and threatening language toward Iran over the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
March 10, Pokhara – The Nepali Congress Gandaki Province Working Committee organized a program titled ‘Election Review and the Future Path of Congress’ on Friday in Pokhara. Party Chairperson Gagan Kumar Thapa was also present at the event. However, throughout the program, Chairperson Thapa’s expressions were neither cheerful nor enthusiastic.
During the review session, district chairpersons of the province, direct and proportional candidates, as well as central officials, delivered their statements. Gagan attentively listened to all remarks but showed little enthusiasm. This was a stark contrast to his demeanor on January 6, when he came to Pokhara for the provincial assembly before the elections held on February 13.
During the election campaign, workers rallied behind Gagan with the slogan “Now or Never, Gagan Government,” but he introduced a new slogan at that gathering — “This Time, Hundred Percent.” Congress leaders and workers echoed this chant loudly. When he visited Pokhara on February 3 for an election rally, Gagan’s enthusiasm remained consistent. He expressed, “Congress must give voters the impression of change to secure victory,” adding, “We must carry the message of change to every village. Only Congress, as the freshest party brought by the Special General Convention, offers something new.”
However, the slogan “This Time, Hundred Percent” failed to translate into electoral success; Congress managed to secure only 38 seats, less than half of the desired target. The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which contested the election with Balendra Shah (Balen) as the candidate for future prime minister, won nearly two-thirds of the seats, and Balen has since become prime minister. Even when Balen arrived, Gagan’s expression did not noticeably change.
Out of 18 seats in Gandaki Province, Congress won only from Mustang and Manang. Following this disappointing election result, it was natural that Gagan did not appear enthusiastic at the review meeting. Various leaders analyzed the results differently, and Gagan could not evade pointed questions. Some leaders attributed Congress’s failure to unify in government to the Special General Convention, which they said contributed to the party’s weak messaging during the elections. Many described public sentiment as a ‘storm’ and felt Congress’s election strategy was ineffective.
During the review, some leaders even issued warnings directed at Gagan, implying, “Yesterday you fought against the brothers; now you should not have to fight against the leadership from the Special General Convention.” Raju Thapa, chairperson of Syangja, urged Gagan to collaborate with other leaders like outgoing Chairperson Sher Bahadur Deuba. He recalled that earlier he had suggested that Congress might have been better off not contesting the election given the unfavorable political climate. Yet now, he stressed, unifying Congress is imperative, and asked Gagan to focus on this.
“Yesterday, it was said that the brothers carried the responsibility; now it is your turn to take charge, and we hope you will not have to confront another brother,” said Syangja Chairperson Thapa. He dismissed the idea that the Special General Convention caused fluctuations in votes, adding, “The votes neither increased nor decreased because of the Convention. The national and international environment was not in our favor.” He pointed out that populism is rising worldwide, and Nepal is experiencing a similar situation.
While listening to critical leaders, Gagan nodded frequently, taking notes in his diary. At times, he recalled speakers and even conversed quietly with Vice-Chairperson Bishwprakash Sharma. Gagan, who is normally jovial and astute in demeanor, did not appear enthusiastic, which prompted one female leader to express concern and ask for an explanation.
Gagan responded, “I am in contemplation, not anxiety.” After hearing the critiques and warnings from Gandaki leaders, he clarified his state of mind: “There is a big difference between worry and contemplation. Worry relates to fear and reaction, whereas contemplation is about self-reflection and analysis. I am more in contemplation.”
“The main part of contemplation is listening to oneself and others. I am currently undertaking a campaign of speaking less and listening more,” he added. Previously, Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise had advised not to be disheartened by election results, stressing the difference between a battle and a war. Echoing this, Gagan emphasized that he will treat the election outcome not as a failure but as a message to move forward.
He revealed plans to conduct regular general conventions within the upcoming Ashwin month and work both at the national level as the main opposition party and as the ruling party at provincial and local levels. “The responsibility is mine; the party must be flexible and strive to unite everyone. I will fulfill that responsibility,” he said. “I will go everywhere, engage in dialogue, and try to bring everyone together.” His focus is to make Congress the first party by the next provincial and local elections.
Vice-Chairperson Bishwprakash Sharma announced that the parliamentary party leader would be selected soon. He also appealed to outgoing Chairperson Deuba to return to Nepal and support investigations. Gagan claimed that the Supreme Court is currently considering cases related to the Special General Convention’s committee, and he expects decisions to be made favorably under law.
General Secretary Pradeep Paudel noted that election styles and campaign methods have evolved, emphasizing the need to advance with technical expertise and integrity.
The government has introduced the e-pension authentication system, eliminating the necessity for pensioners to visit banks in person. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced that this system, developed by the Office of the Auditor General, was formally launched on Friday. The ministry stated that the system will streamline the pension renewal process for 352,816 pension beneficiaries and reduce bank commissions to zero.
Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra – The government has ended the requirement for pensioners to rush to banks for pension collection. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle inaugurated the e-pension authentication system today. With this launch, approximately 350,000 pensioners will be freed from the cumbersome process of pension renewal and the hassle of selecting banks. The ministry also noted that bank commissions paid by the government will be eliminated.
According to the Ministry of Finance, retired individuals will no longer need to be physically present; they can avail of the service from their homes. The annual average burden of bank commission fees, estimated to be around NPR 15 crore, is expected to be reduced. As cash flow becomes more predictable, managing treasury pressures will also become easier. The ministry added that human errors associated with manual pension calculations will also decrease. This new system will benefit 352,816 active and inactive pensioners.
Previously, newly retired individuals were obligated to appear in person at the Pension Management Office when choosing a bank. Pensioners had to visit banks individually each year to renew their accounts. Pension amounts and tax calculations were conducted manually. Failure to renew on time made it difficult to forecast cash flow accurately.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, his son Rahul, and 27 others. The CIAA alleges that Mahara and Rahul repeatedly contacted customs officials in an attempt to evade regulations on electronic cigarettes (Vape) and colluded in gold smuggling. They have also accused Chief Customs Officer Mukti Prasad Shrestha of corruption for failing to conduct a reinspection and physical examination of a suitcase. (27 Chaitra, Kathmandu)
The CIAA claims that customs officials failed to detect the gold hidden inside the vape shipments. Those involved in bringing the gold are also accused of collaborating in smuggling. District Court Kathmandu had earlier prosecuted related parties for money laundering linked to this gold smuggling incident. This case filed by the CIAA is an additional charge related to the same matter.
The incident began on 10 Poush 2079 (approximately December 24, 2022), when a Chinese passenger, Li Hang Sung, arrived in Nepal carrying two suitcases. During customs inspection, officials found a total of 730 vape units packed inside 73 cartons. The customs staff halted inspection to conduct a physical check of the vape products and seized the goods. However, the CIAA alleges that after seizing the items, the customs officials failed to conduct a proper reinspection.
According to the CIAA, the goods were kept in an administrative building instead of the required warehouse. The vape trader Udaychandan Shrestha reportedly found no smoke emission during testing, which should have prompted further suspicion, but the customs officials allegedly colluded instead. Based on evidence of malicious conduct stemming from contact between former Speaker Mahara, his son Rahul, and customs personnel, the CIAA has initiated the legal case.
Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, the special envoy of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has asserted that Khamenei is in full health. Elahi stated that Khamenei is currently in good condition and meets daily with various delegations and officials. He also mentioned having seen recent documents signed by Khamenei and expressed expectations that the leader will soon address the nation publicly.
Speaking to ‘TASS’, Elahi, the special envoy to India, denied rumors about the Supreme Leader’s health. He emphasized that Khamenei remains well and continues his daily engagements from his office, meeting different delegations and officials. Furthermore, Elahi anticipated that Khamenei would shortly appear in public to address the nation directly.
Amid various concerns about the Supreme Leader’s health, Elahi affirmed that he had seen recently signed documents by Khamenei. According to Elahi, Khamenei issued a special statement just the previous day marking the 40th day since the death of his father and former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Earlier, ‘The Times’ had reported that although the Iranian Supreme Leader was alive, he was in a very fragile state and incapable of making any governing decisions.
March 10, Kathmandu – Ruby Kumari Thakur, a 25-year-old member of parliament elected from the Labor Culture Party, has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In the Deputy Speaker election held on Friday, she secured 229 votes from MPs, while her rival Saraswati Lama from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party received only 5 votes.
Alongside the Labor Culture Party, MPs from Rastriya Swatantra Party, Nepali Congress, and the Nepal Communist Party also voted in support of Ruby Kumari. However, MPs from the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) did not participate in the election.
Following the announcement of the election results, Ruby received congratulations from all MPs. She appeared visibly joyful while the other parliamentarians also showed enthusiasm.
Harkraj Rai (Sampang), president of the Labor Culture Party, who played a significant role in guiding Ruby from MP to Deputy Speaker, stood alongside her, smiling and accepting congratulations from fellow MPs.
The government granted a 50 percent tax concession on petroleum products, yet Nepal Oil Corporation raised fuel prices heavily within two days.
New prices increased petrol by NPR 17 per litre, diesel and kerosene by NPR 25 per litre, setting prices at NPR 219 for petrol and NPR 207 for diesel.
Consumer rights activist Madhav Timilsina condemned the corporation and government’s moves as a “big game and malpractice” and called for immediate intervention.
March 27, Kathmandu — Despite the government’s effort to ease the burden on consumers by granting a 50 percent tax reduction on petroleum products, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) sharply increased fuel prices within two days of this decision.
On March 24, Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Pratibha Rawal announced the cabinet’s decision, chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, to grant a 50 percent tax concession on petroleum products.
“The government is transparent, does not hide facts, and understands the people’s hardships,” the minister stated. “A 50 percent cut on the highest taxes is expected to help control prices.”
Consumers had expected relief in fuel prices following the government’s announcement.
However, contrary to these hopes, the corporation implemented a hefty fuel price hike effective midnight, increasing the burden of inflation on the public.
Consumers expressed anger, saying that the government’s move—intended to provide relief during a crisis—has instead exacerbated inflation.
According to the new rates, petrol has been raised by NPR 17 per litre, and diesel/kerosene by NPR 25 per litre. Petrol is now priced at NPR 219 per litre, while diesel and kerosene stand at NPR 207 per litre.
LPG gas prices rose by NPR 100 per cylinder, reaching NPR 2,010 per cooking gas cylinder, and domestic aviation fuel increased by NPR 6 to NPR 257 per litre.
A comparison with Indian market prices reveals a significant gap: petrol in New Delhi costs NPR 94.77 per litre and diesel NPR 87.67, whereas in Nepal, petrol is NPR 151.63 and diesel NPR 140.27 per litre.
This indicates that petrol is approximately NPR 67.37 and diesel NPR 66.73 more expensive in Nepal than in India.
NOC Spokesperson Manoj Thakur noted that comparing Nepal’s prices with India’s internal market is unusual, as India benefits from domestic refineries, which bring down oil prices, whereas Nepal relies on imports, incurring higher costs.
Thakur explained that the corporation pays Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) NPR 153.78 per litre for petrol and NPR 242.49 for diesel. After customs, taxes, transport fees, administrative expenses, and dealer commissions, the overall cost reaches approximately NPR 221.32 for petrol and NPR 294.99 for diesel.
A NOC statement highlighted that despite a 50 percent reduction in customs and infrastructure taxes, losses will not decrease due to rising international market prices. Even after tax adjustments, the corporation faces losses of NPR 16.65 per litre for petrol, NPR 109.50 for diesel, and NPR 416 per LPG cylinder, projecting a loss of NPR 1.021 billion in 15 days.
Due to this, the corporation said it was compelled to increase prices.
Though the price hike means a monthly loss of over NPR 700 million, the corporation has urged consumers to reduce fuel usage.
Nepal Oil Corporation is a fully government-owned entity. The government’s 50 percent tax relief aimed to strengthen the corporation’s financial position. Overall, the state neither profits nor makes losses, but the burden is shifted to consumers.
The corporation follows an automatic pricing system that increases prices with international market rises. However, after the government reduced taxes, the corporation cannot lower prices, citing previous outstanding losses. This creates a perceived injustice in the process of price hikes and cuts.
Consumers raise concerns that this “automatic” pricing system only works when prices increase, while reductions are manually constrained.
Statement from NOC Executive Director Bhatt
Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatt, Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation, claimed the tax relief prevented a larger price surge and provided some relief to consumers.
Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatt, Executive Director, Nepal Oil Corporation
“Without the tax relief, diesel prices would have increased by NPR 70 to 75 per litre. Now, the increase is limited to NPR 25, which is relief for consumers,” Bhatt said.
He added that the corporation still faces a loss of approximately NPR 95 per litre on diesel and is currently in a financial crisis. The corporation plans to invest NPR 13 to 14 billion within a month to manage the deficit.
Consumer Rights Activist Madhav Timilsina’s Criticism
Consumer rights activist Madhav Timilsina described the government and corporation’s actions as a “big game and malpractice.” He accused them of creating a facade of tax relief while actually squeezing the public’s finances.
“While crude oil prices have declined in the international market, the corporation increased fuel prices at midnight using outdated and costly price lists, which is malpractice,” he stated.
Timilsina noted that although the corporation distributes bonuses to employees when profitable, it is unfair to shift all financial burdens to consumers during losses.
Madhav Timilsina, Consumer Rights Activist
He questioned why the public should bear the cost of irresponsible expenses like the state purchasing expensive land for the corporation while private sector actors handle LPG production and transport, and the corporation merely manages paperwork.
Calls for Example-Setting by Officials Amid Fuel Usage Appeals
Timilsina said it is inappropriate to urge consumers to reduce fuel usage while ministry secretaries and corporation officials comfortably use vehicles alone.
He highlighted that 20 directors in the corporation demand 20 vehicles and employees avoid public transport, underlining the need for permanent plans prioritizing consumer interest.
Timilsina criticized current policies and urged the government to implement rationing mechanisms during crises, promote electric vehicles, and improve public transport instead of mere price hikes.
He also accused officials from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply, and the Competition Market Board of neglecting consumer protection laws, urging the Prime Minister’s Office to intervene and revoke illegal price increases.
Experts say the corporation’s price hikes reflect disregard for consumers and a tendency to pass past losses onto them.
Former Secretary and Public Administration Specialist Bimal Prasad Wagle commented that lack of transparency in the corporation’s pricing process consistently harms consumers.
Bimal Prasad Wagle, Former Secretary and Public Administration Specialist
“Normally, fuel prices should be adjusted every 15 days based on international price lists, but the corporation often fails to reduce prices citing old losses.”
He noted that the corporation suffered a loss of NPR 3.2 billion previously, which took about 18-24 months to recover, and such losses should not be borne by consumers.
He expressed concern that since the state cannot directly absorb such significant losses, the corporation must balance accounts through revenue, resulting in consumers carrying a heavy burden.
Reducing Government Expenses as a Key Solution
Wagle argued that increasing fuel prices will not solve usage reduction issues; it will instead raise transportation costs and overall inflation, negatively impacting economic activities.
He emphasized that the real solution lies in cutting government expenditures, particularly converting government vehicles with red number plates to white plates to curb unnecessary use.
Further, he suggested removing the fuel coupon system—which is prone to misuse—and providing cash allowances instead to reduce wasteful consumption and help control demand.
Recommendation to Adopt Cross-Subsidy System
Wagle proposed implementing a cross-subsidy system in petroleum pricing management, suggesting that the revenue collected from petrol and aviation fuel users—typically wealthier groups—be used to subsidize diesel and kerosene, which are heavily consumed by the public.
He stated, “Those who use petrol and aviation fuel are comparatively affluent. Collecting more revenue from them to subsidize diesel will lower transportation costs and help reduce inflation.”
Wagle stressed that before urging consumers to restrict consumption, government agencies must practice austerity to set an example.
Government’s Decision Called ‘Immature and Unreliable’ by Economist Dr. Khanal
Economist Dr. Dilliraj Khanal said that the government’s decision to cut taxes was undermined when prices were increased just days later, casting doubt on the government’s credibility.
He described the decision as “immature and unreliable,” warning it jeopardizes the government’s reputation. The contradictory act of reducing taxes while the corporation hikes prices makes the entire process appear unsuccessful.
Dr. Dilliraj Khanal, Economist
“If a price hike was planned for the next day, why reduce taxes today? This has led to a serious trust deficit in the decision-making process,” he commented.
Dr. Khanal emphasized that since the Nepal Oil Corporation is fully government-owned, it must bear some losses during crises rather than immediately shifting the burden to consumers.
“While the corporation distributes bonuses arbitrarily in profitable times, passing losses abruptly to consumers raises concerns about social responsibility.”
Though it may take time for Nepal to feel the impact of falling international fuel prices, Dr. Khanal concluded that the overall decision-making process remains immature.
Ultimately, despite the tax cuts being positive, their benefit is nullified when followed by price increases, he noted.
Mukesh Rana, a detainee in a narcotics case who had escaped while receiving treatment at Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi, was arrested while attempting to flee to India. Rana was initially detained on Chaitra 24 (April 7) with 13 grams of brown sugar and was taken to the hospital on Thursday evening after suffering a seizure. During treatment, Rana escaped at around 8:45 PM while under police supervision, prompting an intensified search by authorities.
On Chaitra 27 (April 10) in Dhangadhi, police apprehended Rana at Bangra Katan, Ward 9, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, near the border with India, while he was trying to cross over. According to Yogendra Timilsina, spokesperson for the Kailali District Police Office, Rana was brought under control around 9 PM.
Authorities plan to transfer Rana to the Science and Technology Authority (ZIPRAK). Rana was originally arrested on Chaitra 24 with 13 grams of brown sugar. On Thursday evening, around 5 PM, he experienced a seizure and was taken for medical treatment. However, once he regained consciousness, Rana escaped hospital custody at approximately 8:45 PM, leading police to launch an immediate pursuit.
US President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to express strong disapproval regarding European countries obstructing the use of American military bases. Trump accused European allies of failing to provide necessary support in the conflict against Iran and warned of imposing penalties. He described NATO as a “paper tiger” and indicated that the US is considering withdrawing from the alliance.
During the White House meeting, Trump condemned European nations for insufficient cooperation in the war against Iran and threatened punitive actions, although he did not specify the nature of such measures. He voiced frustration at European capitals imposing airspace restrictions and complicating access to military bases.
Targeting certain NATO member states, Trump sharply criticized them by saying, “You were not with us when we needed you.” He condemned European participants, including the UK, for their refusal to take part in military operations against Iran. After the US and all European Union countries declined to engage in military action against Iran, Trump labeled them “cowards” and warned that their lack of support would not be forgotten.
Trump characterized NATO as a “paper tiger,” questioning its effectiveness. In an April 1 interview with Reuters, he expressed a strongly negative view of NATO and acknowledged the possibility of the US exiting the alliance. Since the onset of conflict with Iran, relations between the US and its longtime European allies have reached historic lows.
The Nepal Hockey Association has officially unveiled new jerseys for the national men’s and women’s hockey teams. The event took place on March 10 in Kathmandu, where Ram Charitra Mehta, a member of the National Sports Council (NSC), together with Anil Prasad Sharma, president of the Nepal Hockey Association, jointly revealed the jerseys. The men’s team jersey features a red color scheme, while the women’s team jersey is presented in pink.
During the jersey launch, NSC member secretary Mehta praised the Hockey Association’s efforts, expressing confidence that this initiative will help promote the sport of hockey. He highlighted the NSC’s ongoing commitment to supporting hockey’s development and infrastructure enhancement. Suvarna Shrestha, general secretary of the Nepal Hockey Association, emphasized that unveiling the national team jerseys marks the beginning of a new journey and will send a positive message about hockey in the days ahead. He also mentioned plans to seek sponsors for the jerseys.
On the same day, the Hockey Association announced the lists of 26 players each for the men’s and women’s national teams. Shrestha informed that the selections were based on performances during the national hockey tournament held in Kathmandu last month.
Astronauts on NASA’s Artemis-2 mission to the Moon observed a total solar eclipse from close proximity and are now preparing to return to Earth on Saturday. Having witnessed the eclipse while aboard the spacecraft near the Moon, the crew is set for re-entry later this morning. According to Commander Reid Wiseman, the Orion spacecraft crew experienced a view unlike anything previously seen by humans. Pilot Victor Glover described the sight as indescribable, saying words could not capture what he saw.
During this mission, the spacecraft traveled approximately 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) from Earth — the longest distance ever traveled by humans in space. While passing behind the far side of the Moon, communication between the astronauts and NASA was lost for about 40 minutes. After contact was restored, mission specialist Christina H Koch expressed how incredible it felt to once again hear voices from Earth through the spacecraft’s communication systems. Former US President Donald Trump also spoke directly with the astronauts, expressing pride in their historic achievement.
The astronauts are expected to splash down near the Pacific Ocean, close to the western coast of the United States. Retired astronaut and former International Space Station commander Terry Virts shared a cautious but realistic perspective: he noted that the crew had to use the Moon’s gravitational force to maneuver during the mission, and being so far from Earth means there are limited options for emergency rescue if something unforeseen occurs.
NASA’s science lead, Dr. Nicola Fox, stated that the astronauts prepared for many years for this important phase of the mission, working closely with NASA’s team to conduct a deep study of lunar science. The Artemis-2 mission crew includes three American astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover — and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Their research on lunar water and mineral resources could significantly influence future human habitation on the Moon.
March 27, Kathmandu – Following her election as Deputy Speaker, Rubikumar has decided to step away from her responsibilities within the Labour Culture Party. In the resignation letter submitted to party president Harka Sampang on Friday, she cited the constitutional and legal requirement to maintain a neutral stance, necessitating her departure from the party.
On Friday, Rubikumar was elected to the position of Deputy Speaker, defeating Saraswati Lama of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Out of 256 members present in the assembly, 229 voted in her favor.
The UML adopted a neutral stance and did not support Rubi Kumari, a Labor Culture Party MP, for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Rubi Kumari had prior support from two-thirds of the votes, with backing from the Congress, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Nepal Communist Party (NCP). By choosing neutrality, UML not only failed to send a message of new generation leadership and inclusivity but also lost a significant political opportunity. Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra — Just as Labor Culture Party’s MP Rubi Kumari was about to be elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, UML remained neutral throughout the election process. The party neither took a clear position in favor nor against her.
For the past decade, UML has consistently taken clear and firm stances on every political front. However, this time, without any publicly disclosed reason, the party adopted a neutral policy regarding the Deputy Speaker election. If UML was unwilling to accept another candidate, it could have fielded its own nominee. Instead, it utilized the parliamentary rule allowing neutrality. While this may not be against the rules, it deprived UML of an opportunity to send a political message.
UML MP Mohammad Istiyak Rai commented, “Although a broad consensus was formed for the Speaker, the same effort was not made for the Deputy Speaker, so we remained neutral.” He added that UML is also dissatisfied with how the ruling coalition treats opposition parties. The party’s stance appears to be a reaction to the alleged prejudiced detention of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.
Such moments in parliamentary politics are crucial for testing a party’s ideological height, political maturity, and foresight. However, this neutral policy reflects a myopic perspective.
Supporting Rubi Kumari Thakur for Deputy Speaker would have brought many advantages to UML. She was not just a candidate but a symbol conveying key messages. Representing a community along the Madhes border, rising from an economically disadvantaged family, and entering national politics through struggle, she embodies new generational leadership. Elected as a proportional representative MP from the Labor Culture Party, Rubi had also secured backing from the National Independent Party, giving her support beyond the two-thirds threshold. Major parliamentary parties, including RSP, Congress, and NCP, stood behind her. Had UML supported her, a consensus on the Deputy Speaker position would have been possible.
Instead, UML chose the path of neutrality. In politics, neutrality does not always signify impartiality; sometimes, it can be a form of rejection. Given Rubi Kumari’s broad support and the certainty of her winning more than two-thirds of the votes, UML’s neutrality would not have changed the outcome. By supporting her, the party could have claimed ownership of a role that requires neutrality, such as the Deputy Speaker’s post. Had UML endorsed Rubi, it would not only have been about elevating one individual to a position but also sending a message of cooperation with emerging parties within parliament.
On the evening of Chaitra 25 in Pokhara, Sirjana Paudel KC was fatally stabbed with a sharp weapon while walking from Shivalaya Chowk towards Sabha Griha Chowk. Following the incident, her nephew has been arrested, and police are currently searching for another suspect. Investigations indicate that the murder stemmed from family conflicts and inheritance disputes. Further inquiry is ongoing. (Chaitra 27, Pokhara) This horrific event in the bustling market area has shocked many and raised serious questions about security measures. The group fled after stabbing the woman in the neck with a sharp weapon. Sirjana, wounded by the khukuri attack, collapsed and died on the street. The victim, Sirjana Paudel KC of Pokhara–5, was a single woman operating a shoe shop in Prithvi Chowk.
After her elder wife committed suicide by poison, businessman Krishna KC married Sirjana four years ago. Krishna passed away two years ago, leaving Sirjana with a 3-year-old daughter. Police conclude that the murder was fueled by escalating family disputes and inheritance conflicts following her marriage and husband’s death. After evidence implicated her nephew in the crime, the police detained him. The nephew previously had run-ins with law enforcement for drug-related offenses, misconduct, and theft. The nephew was apprehended after attempting to flee on foot with the khukuri; meanwhile, police continue searching for the motorcycle driver involved. Investigations are uncovering further mysteries related to this gruesome murder, to the surprise of even the officers involved.
Sirjana’s husband, who was her companion through life’s joys and sorrows, had passed away two years ago. Their daughter was just one year old when he died and had never known her father. Sirjana was unaware that her life would turn so cruel and heartbreaking. After the elder wife’s suicide, Krishna, a businessman from Malepatan, married Sirjana, pledging lifelong support. However, family disputes and tensions surged following their marriage. After Krishna’s death two years back, conflicts with her late husband’s elder children intensified, prompting Sirjana to file an inheritance case in court.
Krishna, who traded fresh goat meat in Malepatan, owned properties there and in Sedi. Sirjana lived in the Sedi residence and ran a shoe shop on the roadside between Prithvi Chowk and Nagdhunga towards Syangja. On the evening of Wednesday, Chaitra 25, she had closed her shop and was returning towards Sabha Griha Chowk via Shivalaya Chowk when someone struck her neck with a sharp weapon nearby. She collapsed on the street, bleeding heavily from a severe head injury and died at the scene. This brutal act stunned residents of Pokhara and surrounding areas.
Many questions arise as to how a single woman running a small business and raising a 3-year-old daughter was tragically murdered. The absence of extensive CCTV footage at the crime scene posed challenges for identifying suspects, but the police ultimately arrested her own nephew who fled the scene. Preliminary investigations reveal the nephew claimed he committed the murder after feeling insulted and humiliated. Nevertheless, police are probing the possible involvement of other family members. According to police, the suspects had been surveilling Sirjana since daytime and took advantage of diminishing light and closing roadside shutters near Sabha Griha Chowk to carry out the attack.
Three family members have been summoned for questioning. Their statements and the ongoing inheritance issues helped police identify the main suspect. Authorities are examining evidence suggesting a possible conspiracy involving family insiders. The greatest inheritance dispute involved Sirjana’s stepson, who, however, is currently incarcerated on drug charges. Police suspect he may have had a role in the crime given ongoing property disputes between him and Sirjana. The inheritance case remains under judicial consideration.
Krishna’s elder wife had committed suicide by poison before Sirjana became his second wife. “The marriage a year after the elder wife’s death sowed tensions within the family, which eventually led to the suicide,” a police source explained. The family feud intensified after Krishna’s death two years ago. Krishna was a businessman trading fresh meat in Malepatan and had acquired multiple properties in Pokhara. He had two daughters and one son from his first marriage. The son is imprisoned for drug trafficking, one daughter is married, and the other remains unmarried.
Sirjana’s parental family has alleged that family members were involved in the murder and have been pressing police to thoroughly investigate. Authorities held a press conference on Friday afternoon to share further details. SP Naveen Karki stated, “The police have already arrested those involved and investigations are ongoing. New revelations are coming to light.” He added, “We will provide a full update on the case status during the press briefing.”
Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra — The general assembly and election of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, originally scheduled for Chaitra 29 and 30, were postponed following an interim order issued by the Patan High Court. Subsequently, the federation’s executive meeting held on Friday announced new dates, setting the general assembly and election for Baishakh 21 and 22. Additionally, an executive committee meeting has been called for Baishakh 9. Earlier, the Patan High Court had issued an interim order halting the assembly and elections after hearing a writ petition filed to suspend the electoral process.
