KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader and former minister Gokul Baskota, once considered a close confidant of CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, has now visibly shifted his political alignment.
He has openly expressed support for Senior Vice-Chair Ishwor Pokharel’s panel ahead of the UML’s 11th General Convention, which is set to begin in Kathmandu on December 13. A clear contest for leadership is expected between Chairman Oli and Senior Vice-Chair Pokharel.
On Wednesday, as preparations for the General Convention intensified, Baskota released a new poster featuring the late leader Madan Bhandari on the cover. Previously, posters from Oli’s camp had prominently carried Oli’s own photo. Following Baskota’s move, several leaders from the Pokharel faction also began circulating posters featuring both Pokharel and Bhandari.
Within the UML, leaders are now actively engaged in discussions about potential leadership, factional alignment, and securing positions in the new Central Committee. Some leaders have voiced concerns that failing to find an alternative to Chairman Oli could push both the party and the country into deeper crisis. Despite this, the establishment faction is lobbying strongly to elect Oli as chair for a third term.
Baskota, however, argues that the UML must choose a leader who aligns with the aspirations of the public in the wake of the Gen-Z movement. He is a candidate for party Secretary from Pokharel’s panel and is reportedly being strongly considered for the post. “I am preparing for whatever position best suits me,” he said.
In an interview with Khabarhub, Baskota reinforced his view that the party must seek new leadership due to what he describes as three major challenges confronting the UML. “Only when we address internal challenges in a coordinated and balanced manner can we build the strength and energy needed to tackle national challenges. And after overcoming national challenges, we can deal with external ones,” he stated.
He emphasized that delegates at the General Convention must exercise wisdom and independence in choosing the party’s next leadership. Failure to do so, he cautioned, could cause “great loss” to the UML.
Below is an edited excerpt from Baskota’s discussion ahead of the General Convention:
Why did you release a poster featuring Madan Bhandari? What message does it convey?
There is continuity in the party’s ideological foundation, though leadership changes are natural. My desire is to strengthen the UML. After the General Convention, a leadership shift is likely. Today, the UML faces three kinds of challenges, and we must move forward with determination to overcome them.
What are the major challenges for the UML at present?
In my view, there are external, national, and internal challenges. To confront them, we must advance with a sense of balance and people’s energy.
Internal challenges must be resolved first so that the party can unite and generate the strength needed to address national issues. Once national challenges are addressed, external ones can be dealt with. That is the belief behind the message on the poster.
There is no need to over-politicize it. People’s multiparty democracy, its passion, light, and values, is fundamental. Many leaders have emerged since Madan Bhandari, and many have also left. We have seen and experienced this. I have simply highlighted my perspective. But I believe that the problems within the UML must be resolved thoughtfully and with balance. The party must be balanced, and so must its leadership.
Is Chairman Oli supportive of handing over the leadership?
He is our Chairman at present. But the General Convention is already here. It is natural and healthy for a new team to emerge after the convention, and for new leadership to take charge. The General Convention is the legitimate process through which such decisions are made, and the authority rests with the elected representatives. What I mean is that the UML cannot remain stuck in the status quo if it is to face the country’s challenges.
Are you planning to contest for a Secretariat position from Ishwor Pokharel’s side?
That decision lies with the Central Committee and ultimately with the representatives at the General Convention. Naturally, I am prepared to take on a role if I am deemed suitable. Other colleagues may also do so—the path is open to everyone. I have made up my mind, and candidacy is an individual right. I will put forward my candidacy.
What is your message to the General Convention representatives?
They must exercise their own judgment. They should reflect carefully on who is the right leader for this moment, based on the needs of the country. They must also consider whether the party can continue functioning as it currently is.
These are the matters that require serious thought before making a decision. When the party and the country are under pressure from all sides, we cannot afford to continue operating in the same old way.
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