KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli met with Min Bahadur Gurung, the owner of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, in Baluwatar on September 30, shortly after returning from the United Nations General Assembly.
Gurung and his wife visited the Prime Minister to discuss a “significant donation”.
During their meeting, the Gurung couple pledged to donate their land measuring 10 ropani and 14 annas in Kirtipur for the headquarters of the CPN-UML and agreed to hand over the building within a year.
They suggested laying the foundation stone during the upcoming Dashain festival.
Notably, UML Chairman Oli did not discuss the land acquisition within the party prior to the meeting, although his “core team” was aware of the arrangement.
After the Gurung couple left Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli shared a post on Facebook, accompanied by a photo, stating:
“After returning from abroad, businessman Min Bahadur Gurung and his wife met with me. They generously contributed a cheque to the Natural Disaster Relief Fund. Thank you to the family of Min Bahadur Gurung!”
Secretariat meeting unaware
Due to flooding in the CPN-UML party office in Chyasal, a Secretariat meeting on October 1 was held at Basera Hotel in Hanumansthan, Anamnagar.
When Khabarhub inquired why some leaders hesitated to speak out publicly about their dissatisfaction, they responded in unison, “Since this is an internal matter of the party, we are not in a position to challenge the party Chair at this time. However, we will address this issue within the party and will not discuss it outside.”
On Fullpati, President Oli convened another executive meeting at Chayasal.
During the meeting, a cheerful Oli announced to the party that approximately 11 ropani of land would be received from a well-wisher, with plans to lay the foundation stone for the party office building the following day.
However, he did not disclose the name of the land donor, leaving the Secretariat leaders unaware of whether the donor was a controversial figure.
Leaders of the UML secretariat were taken aback upon hearing about the land acquisition at the meeting, especially since the details about the donor had not been shared prior.
A leader expressed surprise, noting that the information about the land acquisition had not been disclosed before.
When questioned by Vice Chairs Asta Laxmi Shakya, Yuvraj Gyawali, and Chabilal Bishwakarma, Chairman Oli opted not to provide further details, indicating that the matter would be revealed the next day.
Some leaders remained silent after this remark, while Shakya and Gyawali continued to seek clarification. Ultimately, Oli deflected their inquiries.
According to a member of the UML secretariat, Deputy Secretary General Gyawali appeared surprised by the situation, and Bishnu Rimal was unable to provide a clear answer regarding the land donor.
On October 11, the day before Bada Dashain, it was revealed that Min Bahadur Gurung, a businessman previously linked to the Lalitaniwas case, had donated land for the CPN-UML party office.
The modern building for the UML party office is set to be constructed on the 10 ropani and 14 annas of land donated by Gurung and Sabitri Gurung in Dhunge Adda, Kirtipur.
Dissatisfied leaders and opposition within the party
Some leaders within the UML expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to accept Gurung’s donation, citing the lack of open discussion regarding the acquisition of land from a controversial figure.
They described it as a unilateral and deceitful decision made by Chairman Oli.
Controversial Gurung’s generous gift to UML during Dashain has sparked protests among party members.
UML leader Binda Pandey took to social media, arguing that accepting this donation undermines the dignity of the party’s 550,000 members and disrespects the 280,000 voters of UML.
Pandey emphasized that while it is a businessman’s duty to support social initiatives transparently, it is inappropriate for a political party to rely on such assistance for office construction.
Although Pandey voiced her concerns, other leaders remained hesitant to speak out due to fear of repercussions from the leadership.
One UML secretariat leader remarked, “Now that the party Chair is under siege, we have to defend ourselves, but this situation would have arisen even if the land had not been accepted. There was no need to acquire it, especially when there are others within UML who have both money and land. The president should seriously reconsider such decisions.”
Another young leader of UML stated that it is inappropriate to accept land from an individual whose interests may conflict with the party’s principles, especially while the party is in government.
He expressed concern that Min Bahadur Gurung might have donated the land based on a potential “conflict of interest.”
When Khabarhub inquired why some leaders hesitated to speak out publicly about their dissatisfaction, they responded in unison, “Since this is an internal matter of the party, we are not in a position to challenge the party Chair at this time. However, we will address this issue within the party and will not discuss it outside.”
Leaders aligned with CPN-UML Chair Oli refrained from voicing their discontent over his decision, as doing so may hinder their political advancement given the president’s dominant position.
When asked about this, a member of another standing committee of UML remarked, “Gurung’s past actions and various factors cannot be dismissed as self-serving. The questions raised by citizens are indeed valid.”
Former UML minister Bimala Paudyal Rai emphasized the need for careful consideration regarding the party’s acceptance of donations from businessmen.
Rajendra Gautam, a UML leader close to KP Oli, expressed his support for Oli’s decision via a Facebook post. He addressed the misinformation circulating within and outside the party regarding the construction of the central office building of UML.
She stated, “I don’t want to delve deeply into this issue since land acquisition is primarily a matter known to the senior leaders. While it is natural for businessmen to donate land, the party must thoughtfully assess whether to accept such donations.”
Rai further noted, “If these matters are not adequately considered, it could lead to potential conflicts of interest. Political parties should evaluate whether there are any ulterior motives at play.”
She suggested that the party may have made its decision after carefully weighing all these factors.
Who are favoring Oli?
UML leader and Kanchanpur-1 MP Tara Lama Tamang stated that the UML party’s acceptance of land under the guise of social responsibility should not invite criticism.
“In Nepali tradition, donors do not have any expectations in return,” Lama remarked.
“This is not the first time Gurung has made a donation; there is a hospital named after his parents at TU Teaching Hospital, and he has also contributed to the campaign for the construction of Lord Koirala Wall Hospital. Criticism may arise simply because the UML is in government, but the party does not provide personal support to any businessman.”
UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula added that it is inappropriate to publicly criticize the land donation, asserting that a significant party like UML does not engage in immoral relationships with any businessman.
He emphasized that Min Bahadur Gurung has no vested interests and that UML would not allow him to do so.
Bartaula argued, “It is customary in Nepal and in many developed countries for individuals to donate to parties and organizations they support.”
However, acknowledging Gurung’s history of various charges and lawsuits, he responded to Khabarhub’s inquiry, saying, “Those allegations should be investigated by the appropriate agency; UML should not amplify them by linking them to the party.”
He further stated, “UML will not enter into any agreement with a businessman simply because he donated land. Accepting a land donation and stating that the party will build its office on it is not a new practice; other countries and parties also follow this precedent.”
Political analyst Hari Rokka has stated that it is a crime for a party in power to accept land donations, especially when the prime minister himself is involved in a pending court case.
Rajendra Gautam, a UML leader close to KP Oli, expressed his support for Oli’s decision via a Facebook post. He addressed the misinformation circulating within and outside the party regarding the construction of the central office building of NCP (UML).
Fundraising for the new office
As discussions surrounding the land donation continue, the UML is collecting funds for the construction of the party office building, asking organized members to contribute a minimum of 100 rupees.
Those who wish to donate more are also welcome to do so. This decision was made during a recent secretariat meeting.
UML leader Ranbir Thebe from Taplejung stated, “In our Pathibhara Yangwarak rural municipality, a circular has been issued mandating that organized members of UML contribute at least 100 rupees, with those able to contribute more encouraged to do so.”
Bhishma Adhikari, the secretary of the party office, confirmed that the 100-rupee contribution from organized members is indeed being collected for the office construction.
Oli should resign; Analyst
Political analyst Hari Rokka has stated that it is a crime for a party in power to accept land donations, especially when the prime minister himself is involved in a pending court case.
He argues that Prime Minister Oli should resign immediately, asserting that it is inappropriate for the country’s leader to support such controversial individuals.
Rokka remarked, “If the person giving the donation were honest and a national capitalist, someone who earned their wealth legitimately, there would be no issue with the donation. However, Min Bahadur Gurung is an accused individual; he is implicated in the embezzlement of Lalitaniwas land and played a significant role in the fraud.”
Rokka further noted, “Gurung was released from court only on bail after committing a crime. Gurung is not an honest person. Accepting land from such an individual is dangerous for both the ruling party and the Prime Minister. This situation confirms that Oli is unqualified to serve as prime minister. Anyone who protects criminals should resign.”
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