KATHMANDU: As discussions intensify within the CPN-UML regarding the possible leadership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, efforts appear to be underway to suppress her supporters.
The UML’s central committee, in its meeting held on July 21–22, decided not to allow Bhandari to rejoin the party. Since then, leaders and cadres voicing support for her have come under increasing scrutiny.
A series of actions have been taken against individuals within the party and its affiliated organizations who have expressed dissenting views or questioned the leadership of Chairman KP Sharma Oli.
The most recent case is that of Suraj Kharel, the Lumbini Province President of the National Youth Association Nepal. Kharel was suspended after he publicly advocated for Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return to UML leadership via social media.
On July 9, General Secretary Mahesh Chaulagain issued a notice demanding an explanation from Kharel.
While the official grounds for action included allegations of “indecent behavior” toward some presidium members during the general convention in Pokhara, Kharel denied any misconduct in his written response.
Nevertheless, Chaulagain rejected his explanation and issued a decision letter, suspending Kharel for one year and removing him from all responsibilities.
Sources within the organization have questioned the legitimacy of this decision. Although the suspension was reportedly based on a meeting of the Youth Association’s office bearers , one senior office bearer refuted the claim: “I represent the Kshitij Thevekai panel and was in Kathmandu. If any such meeting had taken place, I would have been informed. No such meeting occurred.”
Kharel has denounced the action as politically motivated. “I have been suspended on false charges simply for holding a different opinion within the organization. It doesn’t bother me—I will continue working for the organization,” he said, rejecting the suspension and challenging the party leadership’s decision.
Meanwhile, the Nepal Sports Federation, another UML-affiliated body, has also cracked down on dissent. The Federation has initiated disciplinary proceedings against three leaders—Haribansha Kadariya, Kamalmani Gautam, and Hari Bartaula—for allegedly posting “anarchic” content and images on social media, in violation of the party’s 54th Secretariat meeting and the 9th Central Committee meeting decisions.
Led by Parshuram Basnet, NECOS has tasked its Disciplinary Commission with investigating the matter and taking further action. The federation claims the posts undermined the organization’s values and internal discipline.
These developments point to an emerging pattern: UML leaders and cadres who support former President Bhandari or oppose Chairman Oli are facing punitive measures under the banner of “discipline.”
The party’s current zero-tolerance stance toward internal dissent suggests growing factionalism, and indicates that internal conflict within the UML could intensify in the coming days.
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