<br><br>**Title** Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli's Return A Test of Political Reckoning in Nepal<br><br>As Nepal prepares for its March 5 elections, veteran Marxist leader Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli is seeking a political comeback. The 73-year-old, who has spent decades in communist politics and served as prime minister four times, was ousted from power in 2025 following deadly youth protests that left at least 77 people dead.<br><br>Oli's return to the political scene marks a significant development in Nepal's tumultuous political landscape. His campaign is likely to focus on regaining control of parliament and appealing to voters who share his commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideals. However, he faces stiff competition from Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-mayor who has positioned himself as a symbol of youth-driven political change.<br><br>**Context**<br><br>Oli's ouster in 2025 was triggered by widespread frustration over economic stagnation and entrenched corruption. The protests were sparked by the government's ban on social media, which many saw as an attempt to suppress dissent. As prime minister, Oli became a lightning rod for protester fury, with mobs torching his house, parliament, and government offices.<br><br>In his resignation letter, Oli acknowledged that stepping down was necessary to move towards a political solution and the resolution of the problems. However, he has denied any wrongdoing and blamed infiltrators or anarchic forces for igniting violence during the protests.<br><br>**The Authoritarian Streak**<br><br>Political journalist Binu Subedi described Oli as having an authoritarian streak, with a tendency to consider his word as final and rarely accept criticism or suggestions. This reputation has been built over decades of political activism, which included a 14-year imprisonment for campaigning against the monarchy.<br><br>**Legacy**<br><br>Oli's political career spans nearly six decades, a period that saw a decade-long civil war and Nepal's abolition of its monarchy in 2008. He was drawn into underground communist politics as a teenager and spent years in detention, where he studied and wrote poetry on cigarette boxes.<br><br>After his release in 1987, Oli joined the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and rose through the ranks to become prime minister four times. His most recent stint in power was marked by a coalition between the CPN-UML and the centre-left Nepali Congress.<br><br>**The Challenge Ahead**<br><br>As Oli seeks to regain control of parliament, he faces a direct challenge from Balendra Shah, who has gained popularity among young voters. The election will be a test of political reckoning in Nepal, with the outcome likely to shape the country's future trajectory.<br><br>In conclusion, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli's return to the political scene marks a significant moment in Nepal's tumultuous history. His campaign is likely to focus on regaining control of parliament and appealing to voters who share his commitment to Marxist-Leninist ideals. However, he faces stiff competition from Balendra Shah, who has positioned himself as a symbol of youth-driven political change.<br><br>**Keywords** Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Nepal, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), Prime Minister, Politics, Elections, Youth Protests<br><br>Edits<br><br>* Improved tone The original text had a somewhat sensational tone, which I aimed to soften by using more neutral language.<br>* Grammar and punctuation I corrected minor errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.<br>* Readability I reorganized the text to improve its flow and clarity. I also added headings and subheadings to help readers navigate the content.<br>* Professionalism I maintained a professional tone throughout the blog post, avoiding sensationalist language or overly emotional appeals.<br><br>Let me know if you'd like any further changes!
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