Communist leader Oli is chosen as new Nepalese prime minister

Nepal’s parliament elected Communist party leader Oli the new prime minister Sunday, thrusting him into the center of daunting challenges, from ethnic protests over the new constitution that has also upset vital neighbor India to rebuilding from April’s devastating natural disaster.

Nepal’s lawmakers have elected the leader of the country’s Communist Party to be its new prime minister.

“On this republican constitution which they have adopted, which we have congratulated the people of Nepal for finally doing it after ten years, that has to be brought under implementation”. The new prime minister’s election was met with new protests, emphasizing that reconciliation won’t come swiftly or painlessly to Nepal.

President Ram Baran Yadav administered the oaths of office and secrecy to Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist) chairman Oli and his cabinet colleagues at a brief function in Sheetal Niwas, the presidential palace, here.

But New Delhi’s assessment has been tempered by the recognition that Nepal’s domestic politics may ultimately dictate Oli’s willingness to push constitutional amendments that are being opposed by the Madhesi and Tharu communities that dominate that country’s plains.

Securing a 338 votes KP Sharma Oli Chairman of CPN-UML was declared the 38 prime Minister of Nepal.

They were apparently rewarded for their support to Oli in Parliament.

“Whether he (Oli) will do something about it, India has to wait and see…” He was elected a member of the Parliament thrice in 1991, 1994 and 1999 from various constituencies of Jhapa district from where he began his political career in 1966.

In a checkered political career spanning over 40 years, he has served as deputy prime minister, home minister and foreign minister. Nepalis have accused India of formally blockading the country, but the Indian government maintains that there “is no blockade by India on Nepal either official or unofficial”. As a result, many in Nepal today believe that the obstruction of Indian supply trucks that has caused a major crunch in fuel and essential commodities is an unofficial economic blockade by India.

The political situation in Nepal remains in flux. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly invited Mr Oli to India.