Kathmandu, 09 January (H.S.): Prime Minister Sushila Karki engaged in an extensive one-on-one dialogue exceeding three hours with CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at her official Baluwatar residence on Thursday, focusing primarily on preparations for the pivotal elections scheduled for March 5.

Oli arrived around 11 a.m., ostensibly to inquire about the health of Karki's husband Durga Subedi, but the encounter swiftly evolved into a substantive political discourse commencing at approximately 11:30 a.m. and concluding by 2:30 p.m., according to Prime Minister's Press Advisor Ram Rawal.

Rawal emphasized that the marathon session cultivated an atmosphere of mutual trust between the leaders, marking Karki's first exclusive bilateral meeting with Oli since assuming office.

Election Assurances and Political Realignment

During the closed-door talks, Oli assured Karki that his UML party would neither obstruct nor incite violence during the electoral process, committing instead to robust participation and healthy competition.

Rawal highlighted Oli's explicit pledge: UML would pose no impediments, reinforcing governmental stability amid preparations. Karki reciprocated by affirming comprehensive security and logistical arrangements, urging UML to contest with full confidence.

The discussions also touched on Subedi's well-being and broader electoral logistics, signaling a thaw in relations following Oli's ouster after the September 8-9 'Gen-Z Movement' that propelled Karki to power on September 12.

Although Karki had initiated inter-party dialogues two months into her tenure, this tête-à-tête represented a landmark in direct engagement, potentially reshaping Nepal's fractious political landscape ahead of the polls.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar