Early life and imprisonment
“Following his removal as secretary, Oli went into hiding in Biratnagar. He then got into contact with Mohan Chandra who was in Kanpur, India at the time. In October 1973 upon his return to Nepal, he was arrested in Rautahat and was imprisoned until 1987. He was first kept in Gaur prison but was moved around before being sent to the Central Jail in Golghar. There he was kept in solitary confinement for four years.” Wikipedia
“Between 1973 and 1987, Oli spent total 14 years behind bars in different jails in the country.” Kathmandu Post
The 1970s — Jhapa movement and charges
“After he turned eighteen in 1970, Oli became a member of his local chapter of a splinter group of the Communist Party of Nepal. He was arrested in the same year for his involvement in subversive politics… In February 1973 he was removed as secretary and had his membership stripped off by hardliners within the committee… In October 1973 upon his return to Nepal, he was arrested in Rautahat and was imprisoned until 1987.” Wikipedia
“In 1971, he took leadership of Jhapa Rebellion which was initiated by beheading landlords in the district. Between 1973 and 1987, Oli spent total 14 years behind bars in different jails in the country.” Kathmandu Post
Rise in party politics and first premiership
“After CPN (Marxist–Leninist) merged with CPN (Marxist) to form the CPN (Unified Marxist–Leninist) in 1991, Oli became a founding central committee member of the new party… In the 1991 election, Oli was elected from Jhapa 6.” Wikipedia
“Following the promulgation of the new constitution, Oli was elected as Prime Minister in a parliamentary vote on 11 October 2015, receiving 338 votes out of 597 members in the Legislature Parliament. He was sworn in on 12 October.” Wikipedia
“Oli is the first prime minister after the adoption of new constitution… He was sworn in on 12 October.” Kathmandu Post
Subsequent terms and 2024 return
“In the 2017 election, the alliance between the CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist Centre) gained a majority… He was appointed prime minister for a second time on 15 February 2018…” Wikipedia
“Following disagreements with the prime minister and other coalition partners… Oli and Nepali Congress’ Deuba agreed on 1 July 2024 to form a rotational government… Oli was appointed prime minister for a fourth stint on 14 July as part of a coalition with the Nepali Congress, and sworn in the following day.” Wikipedia
Relations with India
“Oli played an important role in getting parliamentary support for the Mahakali treaty that was to be signed with India. The treaty was a reason cited for causing a split in the party and it led to Oli being seen as a pro-India leader.” Wikipedia
“During his first tenure in 2015, he pushed for closer ties with China following the blockade by India.” Wikipedia
“Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India, 20 February 2016.” Wikipedia
Share Your Thoughts
- What impact did Oli’s 14-year imprisonment have on his political image and career trajectory?
- Do you think Oli’s actions on India–Nepal issues reflected national interest or political strategy?
- How should Nepal balance relations with India and China today, given past tensions mentioned above?
- What lessons does Oli’s rise from the Jhapa movement to multiple premierships offer about Nepali politics?