Oli’s meeting with Samant Goel could be aimed at mending the strained ties between Nepal and India, say observers, while party leaders disapprove of it saying it goes against diplomatic norms.

The ministry, however, does not have a policy of imposing prohibitory orders to restrict movement during Dashain, Tihar and Chhat, the spokesperson says.

As social media users call for not paying taxes, analysts say the government is shirking its fundamental duty and running away from its constitutional obligations.

Provincial leaders question the value of elected people’s representatives if the ruling party leadership’s diktat from Kathmandu matters above all.

Serving and retired bureaucrats say the current administration is stable and it could have done much to strengthen civil service, but it is doing just the opposite.

Experts say the visit symbolises an olive branch from India and will help resume dialogue disrupted due to the border row.

The prime minister, who is also the party chair, ignored calls not to reassign ministers and imposed his unilateral decision, once again, insiders say.

Following Dahal’s meeting with Nepal, seven provincial lawmakers from the Nepal faction withdraw their support to the no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Shahi.

Party insiders say concern is now growing if other provincial governments could face a similar situation, as the Oli-Dahal struggle for power continues.

Oli and Dahal due to meet today to defuse the tension that some leaders say was a result of party’s internal dispute.

The two chairs do not see eye to eye on modality of ministerial changes as well as appointments in constitutional bodies and in ambassadorial positions, while the party reunification process remains in limbo.

Party leaders cite Covid-19 pandemic, senior leader Poudel’s demands for dissolving party departments and non-distribution of active membership as the reasons.

Analysts say the way the government ignored Dr Govinda KC for 24 days and has failed on various fronts including the fight against the pandemic shows the Oli administration is losing its grip on governance.

Nine-member panel recommends strategies that Nepal can use during negotiations with India.

No information has been shared if those who have contracted the virus had been in close contact with Oli and whether he’s quarantined himself. Instead, he met Dahal on Sunday.