KP Sharma Oli Calls for ‘Socialism with Nepali Characteristics’

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that his party is advocating “socialism with Nepali characteristics,” arguing that class struggle continues as long as social classes exist. Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly nominated central committee members on Friday, Oli said the goal should be to build a society where people can achieve security, prosperity and dignity. Oli said poverty is not impossible to eliminate, pointing to countries that have significantly reduced extreme poverty. He claimed that Nepal had also made substantial progress toward eliminating extreme poverty but alleged that forces opposed to the country’s development had attempted to obstruct the campaign. He also said the UML supports a responsible state and responsible economy, while emphasizing that no one should be left behind. Oli further described the party’s concept of “Complete Democracy” as a summary of major political contributions and said the government should serve people who have no one to rely on. He acknowledged that a party pursuing such broad objectives could face setbacks at times.