KATHMANDU, Oct 10: Even as he defends his record, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli faces intensified debate within party leaders and cadres over party restructuring and leadership transition.
The discussion has largely been driven from the grassroots level. Party leaders are preparing for extensive deliberations on leadership transfer and party reorganization during the Secretariat meeting on Friday and the Central Committee meeting on Monday.
Oli, who was forced to resign as Prime Minister following the Gen Z movement demanding good governance, has yet to reflect on his shortcomings in office. He has also shown no signs of supporting leadership transfer or party transformation in line with the demands of the new generation.
At a program organized by the UML Bhaktapur chapter in Gundu on Thursday, Oli did not express any regret or self-criticism for mistakes during his tenure in government and party leadership. On the contrary, he attempted to downplay internal party discussions on leadership change, suggesting that the Nepalese people should create a storm of movements and push forward. “The Secretariat meeting is underway, and the party chair is delivering a speech on the movement,” a party official said.
Currently, UML leaders and cadres are criticizing Oli from all sides, but he has failed to acknowledge this. “Oli’s ideological stance is fundamentally sound, but his authoritarian and intolerant style of party management, constant desire for change, and inability to accept constructive criticism are weaknesses.
The debate argues that UML cannot be strong unless Oli resigns from the chairmanship and allows alternatives. Even amid such debates, he delivered cautionary remarks to critics within the party,” the official added.
PM Oli's remarks on Ayodhya not linked to any political subject...
Oli defended his tenure by asserting that UML and he have contributed positively to the country and its people. “UML has provided a roadmap for national development, set an example, and uplifted the country. It has presented Nepal on international platforms and established a distinct identity. Now, there are attempts to erase that identity within hours,” he said.
Leaders are preparing to discuss Oli’s resignation as chair and the future path of UML in the Central Committee meeting. While party cadres are increasingly pushing for leadership transfer and restructuring to restore UML as the country’s foremost party, Oli continues to signal his intent to defend his record and retain leadership.
UML Vice-Chair Yubaraj Gyawali said the Secretariat meeting would include in-depth discussions on leadership transfer and generational change. “The Secretariat meeting will discuss recent political developments, leadership style, and the impact of the new generation on the power shift,” Gyawali said.
Through social media and party discussions, vigilant cadres are increasing pressure for UML’s transformation. There is also growing demand to implement age limits and term restrictions for the party chair—ensuring leadership does not exceed two terms and the 70-year age cap is observed—while improving the working style of leaders and cadres.
“The view that the September Gen Z uprising was purely a foreign conspiracy is entirely wrong, shared by UML and other traditional parties. While external influence may exist, the thousands of people protesting on the streets were Nepali. Therefore, correcting mistakes and weaknesses must start with senior leaders removing their arrogance, accepting warnings and criticism from cadres and citizens, and responding calmly. Particular attention must be paid to clarifying narratives presented by the media with evidence and facts,” the first point in discussions on party transformation and leadership change states.
However, Oli attempted to divert attention from the internal debate by advocating for the removal of the interim government. At the Bhaktapur program, he argued that the country’s situation is extraordinary and abnormal, attempting to sidestep discussions on leadership change.
“The country has a government, but it is not constitutionally formed. This government came into power through manipulation. To become Prime Minister, Ms Sushila Karki set a precondition: to recommend the immediate dissolution of Parliament post-swearing-in. Only if that recommendation is implemented can she become Prime Minister; otherwise, Gen Z will ignite unrest. In short, she assumed office under conditions that undermine the supreme representative institution of the people and shake the foundations of democracy,” Oli said.
He added, “She is well aware. She is someone who has interpreted the Constitution of Nepal. Regardless of past interpretations, the Constitution clearly states that a former Supreme Court judge, Chief Justice, or former Chief Justice cannot hold any governmental post.”
Oli also attempted to redirect cadres’ attention, asserting that anarchy cannot be allowed to persist. “The country cannot go down the path of disorder. It will be returned to democracy, constitutional order, law, and legal governance. Our commitment is to ensure peace and order, as demanded by Gen Z and all new generations,” he said.
Oli further indicated in a virtual meeting with district and provincial chairpersons that he is not currently inclined to step down. He emphasized his ability to hold firm views and stand by his perspectives while addressing leaders individually in the provinces.
‘Karki government and commission unacceptable’
Oli has deemed the Sushila Karki-led interim government and the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission—formed to investigate the Gen Z movement events—unacceptable and unconstitutional. He affirmed that all Nepalis, including Gen Z, desire the rule of law, good governance, and corruption control. Oli said he is unafraid of asset investigations and urged that they be conducted not once, but ten times.
He urged current ministers to make their assets open to scrutiny as well, asking, “Ministers, do you dare to have your assets investigated?” Oli further claimed that the government had formed a commission merely for theatrics.
“This is the amusing part—those who wanted to arrest KP Oli first, imprison him, or press charges have created a commission for theatrical purposes,” he remarked. Oli concluded that such theatrics are unacceptable to UML. “I have said this in mild terms—the UML does not accept this fake commission. Proceed as you wish. Draft your report,” he said.
