Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s eloquence was once again on display during today’s parliamentary session. CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Prakash Jwala asked the prime minister about the unfinished 165 strategic roads that had been ceremoniously inaugurated with much fanfare, yet remain incomplete due to budgetary constraints. Jwala also raised concerns about the underdeveloped municipal hospitals, many of which have only foundations or pillars in place. He asked what plans the government has to allocate the necessary funds and complete these projects.

In response, Prime Minister Oli recalled that the projects he initiated were halted after the dissolution of his government. He then turned the question back on Jwala, asking, “When I left office, did you not become the Minister for Physical Infrastructure in the new government?” Oli went on to comment on the irony of those who cancel programmes later seeking their progress.

Jwala also inquired why the government has not shown any urgency in completing the Nagdhunga Tunnel, a project that had significant breakthroughs under the previous government. Oli assured that the tunnel will be completed by November 2025, with 85 percent of the work already completed. He also mentioned that repairs are underway on the Karnali Highway and that Rs600 million has been allocated to advance the Rapti Lokmarga construction.

Pratiksha Tiwari of the CPN-UML, questioned the increasing problem of water scarcity in the Madhesh region, caused by the shrinking of forests in Chure hills. She linked this to rising environmental pollution and asked what the government plans to address this issue. Prime Minister Oli responded by highlighting the vulnerability of the region due to its geographical and climatic conditions. He repeated the government’s commitment to preserving water sources through the President’s Chure Conservation Programme, which has already completed several water-related projects, including 657 underground water recharge systems and 176 rainwater harvesting dams.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Pratima Gautam raised concerns about delays in the completion of large-scale development projects, arguing that it takes an average of 15 years to finish a project. She linked the delays to the tendency of the government to divide funds across multiple years, as well as delays in payments and securing sources of funding. Oli responded that his government had initiated reforms to address these challenges and that, as of the current fiscal year, Rs22.43 billion in payments had already been made to contractors. He added that the budget for large national projects had been earmarked separately to avoid funding issues.

CPN (Maoist Centre) leader and former finance minister Barshaman Pun asked about the country’s economic slowdown, stating that the rise in the cost of living and lack of capital expenditure had severely affected the public. He also questioned the government’s priorities for improving the economy. In a lighter vein, Oli reminded Pun that he had been the finance minister just seven months ago and pointed out that capital expenditure had actually increased by 15 percent compared to the previous year. He also defended the government's economic policies, asserting that while the slowdown couldn’t be fixed overnight, progress had been made.

In response to a question about the use of ordinances, Oli referenced a May 3, 2023, incident when an ordinance was issued just days before the commencement of Parliament, suggesting that some members of the opposition had used similar tactics when in power. He defended the use of ordinances, arguing that the constitution permits them when necessary.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about various regional development issues, such as the Narayani Hospital in Birgunj, where a contractor dispute has caused delays. Oli stated that the case was pending in the Supreme Court, but assured that construction would resume once a decision was made.

Regarding the issue of privatisation of public institutions, Oli reiterated that the government has not been privatising for the sake of selling off assets, but rather to make these institutions more effective in their operations.

In a particularly tense moment, lawmaker Prabhu Sah questioned Oli about Nepali citizens renouncing their nationality and the status of their ancestral properties. Shah also asked about Oli’s upcoming visit to India, without a formal invitation. Oli responded angrily, expressing his frustration with the tone of Sah’s questions and questioning the intention of such remarks in a parliamentary setting. “What benefit do you gain by using such language in this esteemed house?” he retorted.