KATHMANDU, Aug 6: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said that the issue surrounding the former president, which had sparked internal debate within the party, was resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.
Addressing a joint meeting of the party’s Publicity Department and Press Chautari officials at the UML Central Office on Tuesday, Pokharel claimed that the matter escalated more from outside the party than from within.
"The Central Committee meeting that concluded on July 22 made it clear that the issue of the former president's return to active politics was stirred more externally than internally," said Pokharel. “The Central Committee unanimously decided to place him in an honorable position. This confirms that those outside the party sought to drag him into active politics and create controversy.”
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He clarified that renewing the former president’s party membership was a special matter that required a distinct decision. Pokharel added that some had made light comments on the issue without understanding its depth.
“Even those who are upset with the party are often persuaded to renew their membership. So those who show spontaneous interest in renewing should be allowed to do so,” he said. “But he is a distinguished and respected individual, which is why the party made a special and respectful decision.”
He also announced that the party will observe its second Statute Convention as a political festival, adding that it should serve as a moment to reflect on the UML’s proud history.
“When leadership and policy conventions are held together, discussions on policy tend to be sidelined, and only leadership contests dominate,” said Pokharel. “That’s why UML held its first Statute Convention in 2021 and is organizing the second one this time.”
The UML’s upcoming Statute Convention is scheduled to be held from September 5 to 7 at Sunrise Hall in Godavari, Lalitpur. According to Pokharel, the convention should engage the public in extensive discussions about the party’s past struggles, achievements in government leadership, and future direction.
