KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa, now known as a prominent critic of party Chair KP Sharma Oli, has intensified his objections to Oli’s leadership style.
Thapa argues that Oli has acted against his own earlier commitments to the democratization of party structures by removing the two-term and 70-year age limits within the UML. A native of Bajura, Thapa claims he has been sidelined for raising these concerns.
Preparing to contest for the position of Deputy General Secretary, or Secretary if possible, Thapa has aligned himself with the group led by Senior Vice President Ishwor Pokharel. He believes delegates at the 11th General Convention will “rebel” and replace the current leadership, insisting that Oli would not have secured the presidency in the ninth and tenth general conventions without Pokharel’s support.
According to Thapa, Pokharel has contributed more to strengthening the UML organization than Oli and has been dedicated to the left movement since the days of the Coordination Committee.
Thapa says Pokharel will win the presidency if he secures the support of Congress representatives. He also criticizes Oli for proposing to amend the party constitution from the convention hall, saying, “UML is not Oli’s private company to amend laws based on personal needs.” If the party statute is to be amended, Thapa argues, the two-term limit and the 70-year age limit should first be enforced, which would require Oli to step down.
Thapa asserts that all positions will be contested at the 11th General Convention and that “no one’s position is secure.” Below is an excerpt from Khabarhub’s brief conversation with Thapa during the UML convention:
Are you preparing to run for a UML office? Do you think you will win?
We are contesting to win. We have the right policies and ideas. There is a nationwide desire for change. People and party workers want transformation. The party is struggling with centralized, one-man rule, and everyone wants relief from that.
Which position will you contest?
I am preparing to contest for a key office.
Chairnab Oli says only his candidates will win, and that those he picks will secure 70% of the votes. Your response?
It’s not appropriate to comment on him directly. The UML convention must be healthy, and leadership should be selected through competition. According to party principles, leadership is not obtained through blessings or rituals—workers make the leader, not individuals. Leaders must follow laws and policies, and everyone has their time.
Do you believe Ishwor Pokharel can be elected Chairman in the 11th General Convention?
He is the only leftist leader who has continuously struggled since the Coordination Committee era. When Comrade Oli was in prison, organizations were not formed under him. Pokharel’s contribution to building the party, now expanded as the UML, is the most significant.
He has served twice as General Secretary, led both the organization and propaganda departments, and worked extensively in Madhes and the Valley. He is well-educated and principled, and he even gave up a Swiss government scholarship as a student.
Pokharel’s contribution is greater than Oli’s. Without Pokharel and Bamdev Gautam, Oli wouldn’t have become Chairman in the ninth convention. He supported Oli again during the special situation of the tenth convention. If Pokharel becomes party Chairman, the UML will thrive.
Why couldn’t this message reach the delegates earlier? Did Madhav Nepal’s departure harm the internal resistance?
Delegates understand these issues now. After the convention results, Oli’s true character will be visible to all.
Do you believe convention delegates will not choose Oli?
Many who were with him during the 10th National Congress are no longer on his side.
What is your message to the convention delegates?
Be ready to protect the UML and reject the culture of individual control. Vote freely and fairly to address the country’s problems. We stand for change. The party cannot continue as it is.
If Oli returns as Chairman, will the party split?
We have not imagined a split. We want to preserve and strengthen the UML. We want reform, ideologically, behaviorally, and organizationally. Reorganization is the need of the hour, and this is what party workers demand. We will build a better UML.
But this is where you said the UML cannot move forward with the status quo?
The CPN-UML needs change. People want a reformed UML. There is no problem in correcting our mistakes, reconnecting with the people, and taking the party forward in a way that reflects public sentiment. The demand for change is to make it easier for the UML to face elections with confidence.
Are you confident that change will happen?
We are confident. Unlike what some claim, this is not a numbers game. The competition is intense, and there are only two main contenders. No leadership position is secure. It does not matter who tries to mislead people with predictions; we are focused on changing the mindset of the delegates. And through that, we will change the leadership. Shouting from the outside will not bring change; internal resolve will.
Lastly, it is understood that Oli is proposing to increase the number of office bearers. Is this an attempt at internal management?
After making provisions in the legislative convention, why should the constitution be amended again? We will not remain silent while attempts are made to protect certain positions. Is this a party or a personal company run on one individual’s whims? That is exactly why we say leadership must change.
If Oli wants to run a private company, he could open one. How can a party built through years of sacrifice, struggle, and hard work be run according to personal desires? If reforms are needed, the 70-year age limit and two-term limit must be implemented first. Anyone who reaches 70 should step down. He is the one refusing to accept this.
If he has the courage, he should step aside after two terms. If he truly has courage, he should demonstrate it. The Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9 was essentially a message telling him it is time to leave.
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