Political Jabs and Architectural Flubs: Mahabir Pun Slams ‘Oli Kuti’ Design
Mahabir Pun Slams Oli
7th December 2025, Kathmandu
The expansive proposed residence of former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, popularly known as the “Oli Kuti,” has become a lightning rod for public criticism.
Mahabir Pun Slams Oli
Adding fuel to the fire, Education Minister Mahabir Pun Slams Oli Kuti Architecture, taking a sharp, sarcastic dig at the sheer scale of the building. Pun’s remark, posted on social media “just for fun,” has quickly ignited a widespread public debate on extravagance and accountability within the political sphere.
The Minister’s Viral Comment
Minister Pun used a characteristic blend of sarcasm and pointed commentary in his recent Facebook post. He directly questioned the logic behind designing a sprawling, palace-like structure for a small family of just two.
Pun suggested that the sheer mismatch between the occupants’ needs and the building’s massive footprint constitutes negligence. He went a step further, asserting that the engineer responsible for such a disproportionate design should face disciplinary action.
Pun’s statement highlights a growing public sentiment that perceives such architectural grandiosity as wasteful, especially in a developing nation. His words are seen as a call for appropriate and sensible design principles, even in personal projects of political figures.
Extravagance Under Scrutiny
Pun’s comments amplify an already existing wave of concern surrounding the ‘Oli Kuti.’ The controversy intensified recently following the foundation stone laying ceremony in Gundu, Bhaktapur. The details and initial images of the planned structure have been circulating widely across social media platforms.
Many citizens and political commentators have publicly raised questions about the sheer scale and perceived extravagance of the residence. The general consensus suggests that the design projects an image of excessive luxury, which may appear insensitive in the current socio-economic climate. The public now scrutinizes the perceived opulence against the backdrop of common citizens’ living standards.
Humor as a Political Tool
Minister Pun is renowned for his signature humor and ability to deliver criticism in an unforgettable, witty manner. His suggestion that the architectural mismatch warrants both mockery and formal disciplinary action is a masterful political move.
By framing the issue with characteristic levity, he effectively draws more attention to the underlying serious concern: the accountability of public figures regarding their personal spending and projects.
His use of the phrase “just for fun” is a deliberate tactic. It allows him to deliver a heavy critique while simultaneously maintaining a degree of distance and avoiding direct, confrontational political warfare. This approach enables the message to resonate deeply with the public without immediately escalating political tensions. The public finds his use of humor both engaging and effective.
The Broader Context and Public Debate
The residence’s design and the subsequent political commentary have opened up a crucial debate. This conversation moves beyond mere architectural preference; it focuses on the ethics and optics of public life. Citizens are questioning whether leaders, even in their private capacity, should project such a significant level of wealth and luxury.
The underlying tension exists between the right to private property and the responsibility of public servants to maintain a modest image that reflects national realities.
Mahabir Pun Slams Oli Kuti Architecture because he believes that the design implicitly projects a poor image. The controversy has forced architects, engineers, and political leaders to become more conscious of the message their projects send to the general populace. This issue of public perception is now a central talking point.
The Need for Sensible Design
The core of Minister Pun’s argument rests on the principle of sensible, proportionate design. He effectively suggests that design should follow instruction and utility, not purely a desire for monumentalism.
A design that is exponentially larger than required for its stated purpose represents not creativity, but rather poor planning or, as Pun puts it, “negligence.”
This conversation challenges the notion that size automatically equates to prestige. Instead, it promotes a value system where practicality, efficiency, and modesty are appreciated.
Pun’s intervention ensures that this architectural debate will remain a key feature in the national political discourse for the foreseeable future. The public waits to see if this criticism will compel any design modifications to the controversial ‘Oli Kuti’ structure. The focus is squarely on the public response and the political aftermath.
For more: Mahabir Pun Slams Oli




