Kathmandu, September 7

The plan to organise a family event at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Baluwatar tomorrow has drawn criticism from all sides.

Oli clan endowment fund has decided to organise a programme at the PM’s residence in honour of the prime minister and some other people from the Oli clan for their special achievements.

Lawmakers from the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the main opposition Nepali Congress, including former chief secretaries, criticised the decision to organise a family function at the PM’s official residence. Oli’s secretariat has confirmed that the function will be held tomorrow at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar.

Former minister and NCP (NCP) lawmaker on condition of anonymity said that it was wrong to conduct such family functions at the PM’s residence.

“The PM’s residence should not be used for organising events and meetings of any particular clan,” he said, adding, PM Oli could hold such programmes elsewhere.

Lawmaker from the main opposition Nepali Congress Prakash Rasaili Snehi criticised PM Oli for giving nod to organise such events which would promote clan politics in the country. “He can’t use government offices for such programmes,” Rasaili added.

Former chief secretaries Bhoj Raj Pokharel and Bimal Koirala said the PM’s residence was not meant for organsing such functions. “The PM’s official residence has a special value for the nation,” said Pokharel, adding that the PM could attend such programmes, but could not give permission to organise such events at his official residence.

Koirala said no one could organise private functions in government buildings. “There will be security issues, and there can be problems regarding administration and other issues. It will be better not to conduct such programmes inside the PM’s official residence,” he added.