Kathmandu- Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has agreed to present his statement to the Commission of Inquiry, though he will not appear personally at the commission’s secretariat in Singha Durbar.
Sources close to both the CPN-UML and the Commission of Inquiry say Oli is prepared to convey his views through alternative arrangements, following informal understandings reached at the top political level.
Flexibility on venue under discussion
According to a senior UML source, a consensus has emerged that Oli does not need to physically visit the commission office. Instead, commission representatives may meet him at his residence in Gundu or at another mutually agreed location.
“You don’t have to come to Singha Durbar to give a statement. The commission can come to Gundu,” the source said, adding that commission officials are also showing flexibility.
Oli’s participation in the meeting of top political leaders convened by interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Baluwatar on Saturday is seen as part of efforts to create a conducive environment for his statement.
Shift from earlier refusal
Earlier, Oli had refused to cooperate with the commission, questioning its credibility on the grounds that Commission Chair Gauri Bahadur Karki had publicly expressed views on the matter. He had even stated he was prepared to be arrested rather than give a statement.
However, the Supreme Court last week dismissed a writ petition seeking Karki’s removal and effectively legitimized the commission, altering the political and legal context.
Sources say Oli has since softened his stance, and discussions are underway to record his response in a “middle-ground” format acceptable to both sides.
Multiple modalities under consideration
According to sources familiar with the process, the commission is considering several options:
Recording Oli’s statement at his residence in Gundu
Taking his statement at a third, undisclosed location
Sending written questions and receiving a signed response in the presence of a commission official
If there are objections to the presence of Chair Gauri Bahadur Karki, the commission may delegate the task to its other two members.
The option of Oli sending a written response through a representative has been discussed, but commission officials are reportedly reluctant, as previous statements have been recorded only in the presence of commission members.
Over 60 questions prepared
Sources within the commission say more than 60 questions have been prepared for Oli, based on testimonies already recorded, public statements, and issues related to personal and policy decisions during the Gen-Z movement.
Additional questions may be added following the statement of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who is scheduled to appear before the commission on Monday.
Election context and broader consultations
According to political sources, arrangements related to statements, easing of security restrictions, and engagement with senior leaders are being prepared as part of a broader election-related political understanding.
The commission has already recorded statements from government officials, security chiefs, injured protesters, and families of those killed during the Gen-Z movement. Senior officials, including the then Inspector General of Police Chandrakuber Khapung, former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal, and Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, have testified that actions were taken in coordination with the political leadership.
