KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Politburo member Mahesh Basnet has claimed that a coordinated conspiracy is underway to disrupt the party’s upcoming 11th General Convention.
Basnet accused various groups of conducting a media trial against party Chair KP Sharma Oli under the pretext of suppressing the Gen-Z movement, alleging that the campaign is designed to weaken Oli’s standing before the convention.
He said attempts are being made both inside and outside the party to create terror, reduce public participation, and ultimately weaken Oli’s popularity.
“If there is an election during the convention, they want to defeat him, and if not, at least reduce his vote count,” Basnet said.
Basnet also questioned why Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokhrel publicly raised the issue of Oli not appearing before the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led investigation commission. He alleged that this too was part of a larger plot.
He further claimed that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari met Prime Minister Sushila Karki two days ago in Singha Durbar and discussed the possibility of Oli’s arrest. According to him, Pokhrel’s remarks on Wednesday followed that meeting.
“At yesterday’s press conference, Ishwar Pokhrel told journalists, ‘You forgot to ask why our chair didn’t go to the commission. If I were him, I would go. He must go.’ That statement exposed another layer of conspiracy,” Basnet said.
Basnet also criticized the recent talks and agreement with the Gen-Z group, calling it a drama.
“The false narratives spread by anarchic celebrities like Himesh Pant, paired with the ‘Oli will be arrested’ media trial, all point in one direction,” he said. “Their aim is to disrupt the convention, create fear, reduce participation, and weaken KP Oli’s popularity.”
He added that UML was fully capable of countering any conspiracy.
“Those behind these schemes should remember that UML can dismantle all such plots. The party stands firm,” Basnet said. “Any attempt to pressure or arrest the Chair will fail. Your plans and tactics have been understood. Now there will be strong resistance, and every one of your games will collapse before it begins.”
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