KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasized that in politics, it is impossible to predict who will be jailed and when, noting that prejudices and revenge often drive such arrests.

Speaking at the ‘BP Koirala National Award 2081’ ceremony on Sunday at Baluwatar, Oli recalled the turbulent times following the royal massacre when then-King Gyanendra assumed power.

Although political parties were not officially banned during that period, restrictions were imposed, and many leaders were arrested and jailed.

Oli pointed out that instead of formal government bodies, personal whims often dictated the filing of cases against politicians.

He criticized the royal investigative commission formed by King Gyanendra, which filed cases against political figures like Sher Bahadur Deuba, calling it a political drama that they had to fight against.

Oli also addressed recent accusations of dictatorship, stating that disagreements should not be hastily labeled as authoritarianism.

He shared his own experiences of past dictatorial regimes, recalling the harsh realities of imprisonment—dark dungeons, beatings, and inhumane treatment—that only those who lived through it understand.

Highlighting the arrival of democracy, Oli expressed gratitude to the previous generation of leaders, especially BP Koirala, who paved the way for political freedom.

He urged the public to focus on reform and constructive dialogue rather than divisive conflicts.