In what seems like a message to Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry on Monday met with Oli’s rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda in Kathmandu and talked about ‘strengthening democracies’ among other issues.

Taking to Twitter, the envoy said, “In my series of meetings to discuss the new US administration’s priority, I met with @cmprachanda. I reiterated US commitment to strengthening democracies, combating climate change, and uplifting women and girls’ rights around the world.” 

Significantly, Dahal who holds no official position in the government. The US envoy’s meeting with Oli’s rival to spell the “priorities” of the new administration, including strengthening democracies, is being seen as a veiled message to Prime Minister Oli.  

On 20 December last year, Prime Minister Oli had dissolved the lower house of parliament after a months-long feud with his party’s co-chair Dahal. The move has been heavily criticized by his political opponents, civil societies, and the country’s media. 

Opponents termed his move ‘unconstitutional’ and blamed him for plunging the country into a ‘constitutional crisis’ amid the global pandemic. Currently, the Supreme Court is hearing a barrage of petitions challenging the legality of the December 20 move.