Massive Nepal Rally Draws 70,000 as K.P. Sharma Oli Seeks Political Comeback

Tens of thousands gathered in Bhaktapur on Saturday as Nepal’s former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli tried to regain political ground. Police said about 70,000 people joined the rally. It took place near Kathmandu at the start of a three‑day convention of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). The crowd marked the largest political event since the deadly anti‑graft protests three months ago.

The rally matters because Oli was removed from office after the September unrest. Those protests were led by young people and shook the country. According to Reuters, 77 people died and more than 2,000 were hurt. Key buildings, including the Supreme Court and parliament, were set on fire. Nepal has been in political turmoil since then.

Nepal Rally Shows Oli’s Push to Regain Support

Police confirmed the Nepal rally reached 70,000 people. Organizers had said they aimed for 300,000, but the turnout was still large. Analysts said no other party has drawn a crowd of this size since the protests that forced Oli out. The party used the event to show strength before upcoming elections.

The interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki said the unrest caused more than $586 million in economic losses. Nepal’s economy is valued at around $42 billion, so the damage was significant. Oli told supporters that the dissolution of parliament was unconstitutional. His party, the UML, has asked the Supreme Court to restore parliament.

Oli also denied claims that his party is against Gen Z protesters. He said the party respects young people and their concerns. General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel told supporters they were removed from power but still have strong public backing. More than 2,000 delegates will vote for the party’s president on Monday. Oli faces a challenge from his deputy, Ishwar Pokharel.

What the Rally Means for Nepal’s Political Future

The Nepal rally could shape the next phase of national politics. The UML is the largest communist party in the country. The winner of Monday’s vote will guide the group into the March 5 parliamentary elections. A strong showing for Oli may boost his bid for a full comeback.

The political climate remains tense after months of unrest. Many citizens want stability. The rally showed large parts of the population still support Oli. But the youth movement remains strong and critical of past leaders. The coming months may test Nepal’s political institutions again.

The Nepal rally placed K.P. Sharma Oli back in national focus. The crowd size showed he still commands attention. The next election will determine whether the former leader can complete his return to power.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the size of the Nepal rally?

Police said about 70,000 people attended. It was held in Bhaktapur near Kathmandu. It was the largest crowd since the September protests.

Q2: Why was the rally important?

It marked Oli’s push to return to power. It also opened the UML’s three‑day party convention. The turnout sent a signal ahead of the March elections.

Q3: What happened during the recent protests?

According to Reuters, 77 people were killed and more than 2,000 were hurt. Key government sites were burned. The unrest pushed Oli from office.

Q4: Who will vote for the next UML leader?

More than 2,000 party delegates will vote. They will choose between Oli and Ishwar Pokharel. The winner will lead the party into the election.

Q5: What is the main issue now?

The UML wants parliament restored. The Supreme Court will decide. The ruling will shape Nepal’s next steps.