Oli: Transitory?

Isolated Nepal PM could be toppled by constitution crisis

An unwieldy coalition of lawmakers trying to implement Nepal's first democratic constitution is finding common cause with protesting minority groups, isolating Prime Minister KP Oli and increasing the risk his government could fall this spring. .......... Protest leaders say the heavy-handed police tactics show the government is not sincere about finding a solution, while in Kathmandu residents have to choose between queuing for hours for fuel and gas and paying exorbitant prices on the black market. ....... Relations with India have deteriorated further since New Delhi tried and failed last September to delay the promulgation of the constitution so that dissenters - many with family ties across the border - could be brought on board.......Oli's hostile rhetoric has annoyed New Delhi, said a former diplomat, even as increased cooperation between Indian and Nepali officials has eased the impact of the blockade in recent weeks. ......

"Madhes is a colony of the ruling class. We are living under apartheid," Vijay K. Karna, a Madhesi protest leader, said in New Delhi. He described Oli as "the main problem" in efforts to reach a constitutional compromise.

....... Bishnu Rimal, Oli's political adviser, sees no immediate threat to the government that could last until elections due in 2018. ......

Following a winter lull, Madhesi leaders are under pressure to revive their campaign for a unified plains province

....... Maoist spokesman Sharma said the party was not considering leaving the coalition yet. "But we'll discuss with the prime minister about our concerns seriously," he said. "He must change his ways."