In the terrible blaze of the fire, Singh Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and the District Administration Office, among others, were burning in Kathmandu. There was no fire brigade to put it out—not even a single witness to watch it spark and crackle in that midnight.
Dr. Ram Baran Yadav was elected the first President after the country became a republic following the end of the 238-year-long monarchy. He was installed in the same Shital Niwas (Presidential Residence). Since then, Shital Niwas became a center of power. The shine of Shital Niwas was distinct also because the constitution had made the President the supreme commander-in-chief of the army.
After the term of the first President, Yadav, ended, Bidya Devi Bhandari became President twice. After her term, Ram Chandra Paudel was elected President, who is still the current President.
Shital Niwas hosted the swearing-in ceremonies of many Prime Ministers. From Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, interim government head Khil Raj Regmi, Sushil Koirala, KP Sharma Oli, and Sher Bahadur Deuba—Shital Niwas administered the oath of office to the country’s executive heads.
Result of PM’s Arrogance
Until a few hours ago, KP Sharma Oli had firm control over that building. However, by ignoring his ever-growing arrogance and power-madness, as well as the power of the Gen-Z generation, Oli was forced to flee from there.
The ultra-modern, state-of-the-art Prime Minister’s residence, built at a cost of billions at Oli’s own desire, was also inside the blaze, just like Shital Niwas. The sounds of cylinder explosions could be heard.
After becoming party chairman and prime minister, Oli showed an unrestrained lust for power. To fulfill that desire, he united his party with the CPN (Maoist Centre) despite differences in ideology, principles, and practices, and thus became the most powerful prime minister in history.
His plan was to make the power-sharing arrangement with Deuba unshakable. But the Gen Z movement shattered it in a single blow. Oli, who had reached the peak of power, suddenly found himself in a situation where he had to flee and hide.
The sight of the Prime Minister’s residence engulfed in flames stirred turmoil deep within.
