KATHMANDU, Oct 7: While debates over leadership change continue within the CPN-UML, party Chair KP Sharma Oli is preparing to set a date for the general convention. After the conclusion of the statute convention, he plans to announce the date for the 11th General Convention to select the party leadership.
In the Secretariat meeting scheduled for October 10, Oli is expected to propose the date for the general convention. Following the Secretariat meeting, the party has also convened a Central Committee meeting, which may finalize the date if it is not settled earlier. After the Gen Z movement shook the country, key figures, including Vice-Chairs Surendra Pandey and Yubaraj Gyawali, along with Secretaries Yogesh Bhattarai and Gokarna Bista, have repeatedly urged Oli to act as a guardian of the party. They are calling for a timely leadership transition to ensure that UML moves forward without unnecessary delays or internal friction.
During the Secretariat meeting on October 10, these leaders are expected to formally present their views, which will also be discussed in the Central Committee meeting. However, close aides of Oli are lobbying against any immediate resignation, arguing that stepping down during a crisis could destabilize the party, especially while the chairperson is under immense pressure. “Debates on leadership change within UML have now come into the open.
There is a clear dispute between those who believe leadership change will strengthen the party and those who think the chairperson should not be opposed,” said a senior party official. Some Secretariat members have even suggested that Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokhrel be appointed as acting chairperson for the general convention. However, Oli has firmly rejected this proposal, maintaining that leadership must remain steady while the party navigates a challenging political landscape.
Party Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said that the Central Committee meeting may discuss the general convention in detail, including its modalities. “We plan to hold a general convention for leadership selection after the statute convention.
This matter can also be debated in the Central Committee meeting,” he explained. While discussions about party restructuring continue, Chair Oli is not inclined to step down at this time, emphasizing that leadership should not be abandoned when the party faces a crisis.
The impact of the Gen Z movement on national politics was discussed during the Secretariat meeting on September 28, which was extended to October 5 and 6, but due to floods and landslides, it was postponed to October 10. UML has called for a Central Committee meeting in the second week of October, where leadership matters will be openly discussed over two days.
People’s organizations- or Janabargiya bodies- have formally recommended that Chair Oli hand over leadership. The Nepal Intellectuals’ Council, regarded as UML’s “think tank,” conducted a critical review of the party and recommended a leadership transition.
The council, in its Secretariat meeting on September 17, critically evaluated the current circumstances and handed over a three-page, three-point letter of suggestions to General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel on behalf of Chair Oli, though the document has not been made public. The first point in the letter explicitly advised Oli to step down immediately, without waiting for the general convention.
The recommendations also emphasized that leadership should be transferred through the Central Committee in line with party statutes. “Respected leaders who have contributed to the country and the movement in various leadership roles should act as guardians, inspiring and training the new leadership through their experiences. Since it is technically impossible to hold a general convention immediately, it is appropriate to make an interim decision through the Executive Central Committee under the current statute,” the letter stated.
Efforts by the left alliance
Meanwhile, the CPN (Maoist Center) is actively working to unite with parties in the Socialist Front. Party unification was discussed during the Secretariat meeting of the General Convention Organizing Committee. The Maoist Center has proposed cooperation with parties in the Socialist Front, including the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav. According to sources, the Maoist Center is also proposing a Left Alliance with parties outside UML and is working toward reaching a general agreement on contesting elections.
Agniprasad Sapkota, spokesperson for the party, said the Secretariat meeting on Monday reviewed these plans. “We are primarily discussing elections with other parties. The discussions are positive,” he told journalists. He added that there is almost a consensus on participating in the elections. Sapkota also stressed that elections are crucial to sustaining the constitution and safeguarding the political system.
He further noted that while parties are working toward a common agreement on elections, discussions from the government side have not been substantial or effective, possibly due to disruptions caused by floods and landslides. On Monday, Maoist Center Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal briefed that talks with parties in the Socialist Front on party unification are progressing positively.