KATHMANDU: CPN-UML is moving into its 11th National General Convention, scheduled for December 13–15 in Bhaktapur, with most districts having already selected their delegates, many through consensus and a few through elections.
However, tensions have surfaced in Taplejung, where two leaders aligned with UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai have been suspended amid allegations of obstruction and misconduct during the delegate selection process.
According to the UML Koshi Province Committee, former provincial minister and advisor to the Provincial Council Bal Bahadur Samsuhang, and Koshi Province Tourism Department Secretary Manishankar Pomu, have been suspended from all party responsibilities. Both leaders are considered close to Bhattarai, who is preparing to contest for the post of General Secretary from the panel of Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokhrel.
A letter issued by the Province Committee states that the action follows a recommendation from the Taplejung District Committee, accusing the two of attacking election committee coordinator Raj Kumar Chudal and obstructing the selection process on November 22.
The circular also mentions that Samsuhang has been relieved of his role as a member of the Provincial Advisory Council and has been given 15 days to submit a written clarification. A similar notice has been served to Pomu.
This is not the first time the duo has faced disciplinary action. Earlier in April, the Province Committee had suspended them for one month for “violating party discipline” after they protested against what they described as unilateral formation of the district committee of the National Youth Association Nepal (NYAN) in Taplejung.
Their faction had opposed the committee announced under the leadership of Manik Tumbahamphe, considered close to the establishment side, during a youth association district convention attended by central chair Kshitiz Thebe. The convention had seen physical confrontations, with chairs and tables smashed as disputes escalated.
With the national convention approaching, UML leadership aims to ensure order and discipline across the organization, but the actions in Taplejung highlight persistent factional tensions within the party, especially involving leaders close to Secretary Bhattarai.
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