Arson and violence were reported from several parts of Nepal following the general strike call given by the Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ faction of Nepal Communist Party on Thursday. Protest demonstrations were also organised at several places. Over 200 people including leaders have been arrested.
The strike call was given in protest against the dissolution of the Lower House of Parliament on December 20, 2020 by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who represents another faction of the same party. Besides, the call was given to resist the appointment of office bearers and members of various constitutional bodies by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who is leading a caretaker government.
Oli had last year dissolved the Pratinidhi Sabha, the Lower House, alleging conspiracy by his own party-men. He had ordered snap polls in April-May.
However, it is not yet clear whether the election could be held on time or not as the case in this regard is pending in the Supreme Court.
The Prachanda faction accuses Oli of becoming a dictator. It needs to be mentioned that in 2018 two Communist parties had merged to form the Nepal Communist Party. Now both the factions have fallen apart after a year-long tension.
Thursday’s strike call came a day after a bike rally in Kathmandu organised by the Oli faction of Nepal Communist Party. Hundreds of bikers, raising slogans in favour of Oli, took part in the rally.
