KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli has stated that while there is a need to amend the laws related to political parties, it is not his responsibility to split or merge any party.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday, during a meeting with the newly elected office bearers of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Prime Minister Oli addressed rumors that he was planning to bring an ordinance to split political parties.

He dismissed these claims, stressing that such an ordinance would not be forthcoming.

The Prime Minister clarified that the merging or splitting of political parties is an internal matter for those parties to resolve.

Reflecting on his time as Prime Minister, Oli noted that when a party split, it created complications in implementing the constitutional provision requiring 40 percent representation both in the parliamentary party and the central committee.

In response, he had introduced an ordinance allowing for 40 percent representation in either the parliamentary party or the central committee.

However, PM Oli recalled that after facing protests, he withdrew the ordinance, remembering that the same protesters—having experienced “shame”—were responsible for a split that allowed only 20 percent of MPs to form a new party.

He emphasized that he had no intention of repeating such actions.

Prime Minister Oli further explained that the government had recommended several ordinances to the President with the aim of promoting the country’s development and serving the people.

He also addressed misleading claims circulated about Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba opposing these ordinances.

The Prime Minister responded to criticisms that ordinances were being issued at night, reiterating that the government worked tirelessly for the nation and its citizens.

“We don’t work from 10 to 5. We work day and night, recognizing our responsibility toward the country and its people. I do not have the habit of working secretly or deceitfully,” he stated.

“We work openly for the country’s benefit. Is it wrong to do good work at night? Is it better to engage in corruption in the morning?”