Why is Oli locking horns with Prasai?

KATHMANDU: The main opposition CPN-UML is directing its attention towards a disputed businessman putting other pressing issues in the country on the backburner. Instead of exerting pressure on the government to address escalating prices and the delay in rehabilitation of earthquake-affected people, the UML has chosen to counter hospital promoter Durga Prasai in an organized manner.

Prasai has scheduled a demonstration in Kathmandu on Thursday. UML’s youth wing – Youth Association Nepal (YAN) – has also scheduled a demonstration in Kathmandu on the same day.

The controversial businessman claims that his demonstration is aimed at pressuring the government to control inflation, reduce bank interest rates, and address other pertinent issues. For over a year, he has been urging the government to lower high interest rates, improve medical education, address foreign employment concerns, and create an environment conducive to dignified work and sustenance.

The UML, however, seems intent on disrupting his demonstration. A special meeting of officials from 23 sister organizations of the UML has declared their focus on Thursday’s demonstration. UML president KP Sharma Oli has directed party leaders and cadres to ensure the success of Thursday’s event.

However, UML leaders insist that their event is not organized to disrupt Prasai’s activities. Niroj Paudel, the spokesperson for the YAN, stated that their demonstration aims to protest against corruption, high market prices, irregularities, and state anarchy. Nevertheless, recent statements from Chairman Oli and leader Mahesh Basnet seem to focus on Prasai. In a recent program, Oli instructed party workers to counter Prasai’s activities, stating, “The reactionaries are becoming active in the name of a demonstration. Be prepared!”

Prasai, undeterred, has called on the public to descend on Kathmandu with the necessary logistics to make the ‘grand campaign’ successful. “The UML is against me. It will pay the price. The party will see our strength on Thursday,” he said recently.

There is internal dissatisfaction within the UML towards Oli’s decision to mobilize the party to counter Prasai’s demonstration. A UML leader, requesting anonymity, stated that since Prasai’s only intention is to incite chaos, there is no reason for the party organization to oppose it. “Oli’s support for Basnet’s plan may cause future problems for the party,” the leader added.

The relationship between Oli and Prasai was very good until a few years ago. As both hail from Jhapa district in eastern Nepal, Prasai enjoyed the proximity to Oli’s secretariat. During that period, Prasai affectionately referred to Oli as ‘grandpa.’ However, the relationship between the two subsequently soured. Some UML leaders say that Oli is cautious of Prasai as he is aware of Oli’s ‘inner secrets’.

Just before the Dashain holidays began last month, Prasai claimed in a press conference that Oli had invested Rs 30 billion in a Cambodian telecom company. Oli has publicly denied Prasai’s claim.

Meanwhile, the Kathmandu District Administration Office has declared Maitighar Mandala, the planned venue for both demonstrations, a ‘restricted area’ for a month. The DAO has suggested alternative locations such as Tinkune, Chabahil, Machhapokhari, Mulpani Cricket Ground, or Naxal Ground for the demonstrations.

Responding to the notice, YAN has said that it would hold its demonstration at Tinkune.