Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli have held their second meeting within a week, signaling renewed political engagement between the two long-time rivals.

Oli, who had earlier met Deuba on November 29 along with his wife Radhika Shakya, visited Deuba’s Maharajgunj residence again on Monday. He was accompanied this time by UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel. The back-to-back meetings come after a prolonged period of political distance between the two leaders following the Gen-G movement in Bhadra.

The renewed interaction has drawn attention as the issue of parliamentary restoration is currently under consideration at the Supreme Court. During the Gen-G movement, Oli resigned as prime minister on Bhadra 24 and left the official residence in Baluwatar, while Deuba and his wife Arju Rana Deuba were injured during protests at their Budhanilkantha residence and later rescued by the army.

Despite claims from both sides that the leaders had not met for nearly three months, their recent engagements have fueled political speculation. Analysts note that Oli has accelerated preparations for the UML’s general convention and elections, while the Nepali Congress has yet to show clear momentum toward holding its own convention within the stipulated timeframe.

Political observers are divided in their interpretations. Some suggest that the UML may be attempting to put pressure on the Congress by creating political uncertainty, while others believe Oli is strategically raising the issue of parliamentary restoration, potentially positioning Deuba as a prime ministerial candidate if such a scenario unfolds.

Meanwhile, the interim government has reiterated its commitment to holding House of Representatives elections on Falgun 21. Both the Nepali Congress and UML have formally decided to participate in the polls, though questions remain about the broader political understanding between their top leaders.

As images of the two leaders meeting circulate on social media, debate continues over whether the renewed dialogue signals political stability or the beginning of fresh uncertainty within Nepal’s evolving political landscape.