K. P. Sharma Oli

K.P. Sharma Oli: Nepal’s Strong Leader. Hey everyone! K. P. Sharma Oli is a popular figure who is a leader of Nepal. Let us discuss his life in brief. Oli. Whether you admire his domineering leadership or not, there’s no denying that he has had a powerful impact on modern Nepal. Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli was a communist activist before his meteoric rise to the Prime Minister’s chair. From Humble Beginnings to Political Stardom. Born on 22 February 1952 in Terhathum, Nepal, K P Sharma Oli spent much of his life in poverty. Born in Terhathum, Nepal, he belongs to an ordinary family, as a young boy he became interested in socialism and communism and was influenced towards politics. Oli started becoming active as a student of radical politics and by the 1970s was involved in underground communism of Nepal. For 14 years, Oli was jailed for taking part in political activities during the regime of the Panchayat. That’s some serious dedication to his beliefs! After the political movement of 1990 in Nepal restoration of democracy, Oli became a leading leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or CPN-UML. Oli became nationally popular for his shrewd political acumen and the ability to connect with the public. Question for You. What shapes a leader’s resilience? Is it struggle, ideology or public support? Share your thoughts! The Rise of a Prime Minister. In 2015, Oli took over as Nepal’s PM after the earthquake. Talk about stepping up during a crisis! During this phase, the reconstruction of the country and strengthening of Nepal’s Independence was taken up by his leadership. But his tenure hasn’t been without controversy. Ever since the blockade crisis of 2015-2016 (remember the fuel crisis?) to his attempt at a constitution, Oli is polarising. Some people say he took on foreign pressure. Other people say he did not handle the internal issue. Did You Know? Oli is known for his sharp wit and bold statements. He becomes viral mostly when he mocks other people through his speeches. He is one of the few Nepali leaders to undergo a kidney transplant (2007) but continues to be politically active. Question for You. Are strong and vocal leaders assets to democracy or could they become authoritarian? Oli’s Vision: Nationalism & Development. One thing Oli is famous for is his nationalist stance. He speaks out against external influences (primarily India) in Nepal’s independence. In 2020, Oli’s government updated Nepal’s new map to cover disputed lands, straining diplomatic ties. Oli contributed to the publicity of infrastructure projects, including roads and hydropower plants, under the banner “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”. However, the critics believe that many of these projects were mere optics. Fun Fact. Oli is also a published writer! He has written multiple books about politics and communism. Question for You. orm a developing country, which one is more important: an impression of “national pride” or economic ties with larger neighbors? The Comeback King. Politics is a rollercoaster, and Oli’s career proves it. He resigned in 2016, but in 2018, he returned to being PM again under a unified communist party (NCP). However, another resignation took place due to the intra-party conflict in 2021. However, he is still the top man in Nepali politics. The power in his hands clearly shows how resilient he is. Oli has a liking for cigars. Due to treatment received in Hungary, he developed this habit. Owing to his poor health condition, he works 16 to 18 hours a day. Question for You. Should a leader retire at a certain age or is experience more important than youth? Legacy & What’s Next? Like him or not K.P. - 7 words Oli has left an indelible mark on Nepal’s politics. His mix of being patriotic, strong, and wanting to argue makes him one of the most talked-about leaders in history of the country. Final Thoughts for You. What’s your take on Oli’s leadership—visionary or divisive? Which policy of his do you think has impacted the country the most (good or bad)? Who do you see as Nepal’s next big leader? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!