Nepal PM Oli defends Parliament dissolution & early elections; slams intra-party deadlock

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Monday defended his move to abruptly dissolve Parliament, saying he was forced to seek a fresh mandate through elections as rift within ruling Nepal Communist Party severely affected his government's functioning. In a live brocast on state-owned Nepal Television, Oli asked everyone to be prepared for elections on April 30 and May 10 next year.

'I appeal to all to t waste time'

"We hn't expected that we would ever need to take people's mandate one-and-a-half year ahe of schedule. 2017 elections h given a clear mandate for political stability but country being pushed into an endless controversy, inviting a situation of stalemate, left me with options or than to go to public again," Oli said. Oli on Sunday sprang a surprise on his rivals and got President to dissolve Parliament, a controversial move amidst a prolonged tussle for power between him and former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' within ruling dispensation.

"At this point in time, I appeal to youth around nation to unite and actively take part to save democracy. Claims and assumptions that commencement of an early election would put constitution in trouble, endanger democratic republic and drive nation towards path of instability are all baseless. People's mandate is vital to experience political stability in nation. That's why I appeal to all to t waste time by indulging in confusions rar prepare for general election," Oli said.

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He accused some of his own party leers of being responsible for forcing him to take this step.  "When Prime Minister of majority government was t allowed to work, I did t want to indulge in unfair practices behind closed doors and reach a compromise with m," Oli said, ding that giving a chance to people for a fresh mandate is " best democratic alternative."

At least 11 petitions have been filed in Supreme Court against Oli's move, PTI reported quoting court sources. apex court has fixed Wednesday for hearing of cases. Meanwhile, protests were organised in Kathmandu and or major cities against Oli's move. angry protestors burnt Oli's effigy and chanted anti-government slogans.

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(With ncy inputs)