KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chairperson KP Oli has refused Bhim Rawal the role of in-charge of Sudurpaschim.

According to sources, speaking to UML senior leaders, including Rawal, in Balkot on Sunday, the UML Chair opted former leader of CPN-Maoist Center Lekhraj Bhatt over Rawal.

UML Vice-Chairman Rawal, General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel, Deputy General Secretary Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Party Subash Nembang, leaders Bhatt and Karna Thapa had reached Balkot to discuss the party’s leadership in Sudurpaschim Province.

A leader who was present at the meeting narrated that Oli urged Rawal not to grudge on the decision as Bhatt was the best leader for the role and Rawal, being the party’s Vice Chair, deserved better role.

During the discussion, Oli said that the 10-point agreement suggested by the then task force formed to resolve the UML dispute would be implemented in a creative way.

But Rawal, though for a while, insisted that the 10-point implementation was the party’s decision.

“The 10-point agreement was reached to retain the cadres who stood for Madhav Nepal during the intraparty dispute; now, as Nepal faction has already gone, there is no need to change the party leadership there,” UML Chair Oli said.

The leaders had reached Balkot saying that there was a problem in the implementation of the 10-point agreement.