KATHMANDU: The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has stated that he did not recommend former Chief Justice Sushila Karki for the Prime Minister post.

Speaking to editors, Oli described the current interim government as unconstitutional and said he had only written to the President under constitutional provisions to facilitate the formation of a new government.

He explained, “Given the complex and fluid situation, my recommendation was intended to allow the President, as the guardian of the Constitution, to take necessary steps within constitutional and democratic processes to restore normalcy and control the situation. This was not a direct recommendation for Sushila Karki.”

Oli said he wrote to the President to identify a constitutional solution for forming a government, after being informed that a caretaker Prime Minister cannot be appointed without a formal recommendation.

He explained, “The President told me that without a recommendation, it is difficult for any President to act. My request was only to find an appropriate exit within the Constitution. The President is ceremonial, not executive, and should not exercise executive powers directly.”

He also accused CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) of making false claims regarding the matter.

“This interim government was not formed under the Constitution. There are rumors, and Prachanda has publicly made a false statement claiming I recommended Sushila Karki as Prime Minister. I have evidence to refute that,” Oli stated.