KATHMANDU, Dec 11: CPN-UML Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokhrel has said that Chair KP Sharma Oli, as the then prime minister, must provide his statement to the commission formed to investigate the incidents of September 8 and 9. Speaking with editors in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Pokhrel made the remarks.
Oli has repeatedly expressed disagreement with the commission’s formation process and has said he will not appear even if summoned. Responding to this, Pokhrel said Oli should not defy the commission.
“It is a government-formed commission. We may have reservations, but appearing before it is natural. One must go when called. If I were in his position, I would have gone earlier. Defiance does not look good,” he said.
Pokhrel, however, questioned the role of commission Chair Gauri Bahadur Karki and expressed doubts about whether the inquiry would be impartial.
He also clarified that his decision to contest for the party chairmanship is not driven by impulse but by a commitment to transform the party and strengthen collective leadership. Pokhrel reiterated his candidacy for party president at the UML’s 11th General Convention, scheduled for December 13–15. He had announced his candidacy a week earlier.
Pokhrel’s move has challenged Oli’s desire to be elected unopposed for a third term. Oli has been seeking a consensus candidacy, a request Pokhrel has already rejected.
Pokhrel also said that even if he loses the race for party chair, he and his team will remain within the UML.
“We are confident we will win, but even if we lose, we won’t follow the example set by Madhav Nepal or Bhim Rawal in forming separate parties. We will remain with UML,” he said.
Highlighting the need for healthier political culture, Pokhrel added, “One should not celebrate only victories. The mentality to accept defeat is equally important. Those who enter a contest must be ready to accept its outcome. We are fully aware of that.”