Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Wednesday held her first round of talks with political parties after the formation of the interim government following the Gen Z movement.

During the meeting, which included “observers”, several party leaders sharply criticised Home Minister Om Parakash Aryal for his recent remarks and conduct. Aryal, who holds a key role in facilitating the elections, was accused of making statements and taking actions that appeared politically motivated and dismissive toward parties.

According to CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, leaders from various parties condemned the home minister for using “derogatory and confrontational language” against political forces. Gyawali said the UML also objected to the ministry’s decision to withdraw security personnel assigned to leaders facing security threats.

“There was clear outrage among the parties over the home minister’s tone and behaviour,” Gyawali said. “He has shown double standards in investigating the incidents of September 8 and 9. His statement demanding that parties guarantee escaped prisoners or stolen weapons won’t be used in elections, and his suggestion that the government has ‘defeated’ political parties, were both unacceptable.”

CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Rajendra Pandey, who also attended the meeting, said multiple leaders questioned whether Aryal’s attitude and statements could undermine the environment needed for free and fair elections. Parties took issue with a circular issued by the Home Ministry suggesting no action would be taken against those involved in the looting, arson, and killing of police personnel on September 9, and with Aryal’s claim that Congress leader Deepak Khadka and others had fled.

Leaders also objected to reported restrictions placed on former prime ministers and senior figures. According to Pandey, the decision barring UML Chair and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, as well as Congress leader and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, from leaving the Kathmandu Valley was raised in the meeting. “The constitution grants freedom of movement. If Oli committed a crime, he should be arrested, not restricted from travelling,” leaders said at the meeting.

He added that some leaders raised concerns that attempts were being made to incite Gen Z protesters again, and that questions were asked about the government’s preparedness for elections following Tihar and Chhath festivals.

Prime Minister Karki responded that her ministers and security agencies were “working tirelessly” to create a conducive environment for the elections. Urging all parties to participate, she said, “We are working day and night to ensure that elections can be held smoothly.”

Karki described the discussions with political parties as cordial, stressing that the success of the elections would depend on their cooperation. “Without the support of political parties, the government cannot achieve its main goal of holding credible elections,” she said.

During the meeting, Home Minister Aryal briefed the participants on the security situation, warning that provocative statements from political leaders could lead to instability.

Earlier, the government had held a separate round of consultations with political parties in the presence of President Ramchandra Paudel. For Wednesday’s meeting at Baluwatar, Prime Minister Karki had invited Kedar Bhakta Mathema and Bidyadhar Mallik as observers.