CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli Expresses Readiness for Public Debate Against PM Candidates

Kathmandu. CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stated that he is 'absolutely' ready for a public debate among the candidates nominated for the post of future Prime Minister.

Oli indicated the necessity of such a debate while speaking to journalists on Saturday in Chyasal, surrounded by party cadres.

When asked by a journalist if he was prepared for a public debate among the Prime Ministerial candidates, Oli responded, 'Actually, it is necessary to organize a dialogue program among those who claim to be Prime Ministerial candidates, and to have such an open live public debate.' He emphasized that there should be discussions on why one should become Prime Minister and what they intend to achieve.

When the journalist again asked, 'Then are you ready?', Oli firmly replied, 'Absolutely'.

Targeting the upcoming elections, major parties have put forward their respective candidates for the post of Prime Minister. CPN-UML has announced Chairman Oli himself as the PM candidate. Similarly, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has put forward the former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and senior leader Balen Shah as a PM candidate.

The Nepali Congress, on the other hand, has positioned Gagan Thapa, who recently became the President during the Statute General Convention, as the Prime Ministerial candidate.

Among these three, Oli and Balen Shah are contesting from Jhapa Constituency No. 5, while Gagan Thapa has chosen Sarlahi Constituency No. 4 this time.

Such a public debate among the candidates put forward by major parties ahead of the elections could be novel in the context of Nepal.