KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Vice-Chair Astalaxmi Shakya has strongly objected to the attempts led by party Chair KP Sharma Oli to amend the party statute to expand the number of office bearers, Standing Committee members and Central Committee members.
Speaking to Khabarhub on Friday, Shakya said the proposal, expected to be tabled in the Secretariat meeting, was designed to serve personal interests and would ultimately harm the party.
She criticized the move to alter the statute only months after the party’s Second Statute Convention, arguing that leaders should not revise rules merely to protect their positions or influence.
“After such a broad Statute Convention, you cannot change the statute just because you feel weakened,” Shakya said. “If such a proposal is presented in today’s Secretariat meeting, we will oppose it.”
She questioned the legitimacy of introducing statute amendments on the eve of the party’s upcoming General Convention, adding, “It’s up to you in the media to assess how justifiable it is. I personally do not believe the Chair will move ahead on this path.”
According to party insiders, the Oli camp is preparing to push amendments allowing an increase in the size of the Central Committee, Standing Committee, and party office bearers, a proposal that has triggered strong reservations from several senior leaders, including Shakya.
The internal dispute emerges at a time when the UML is gearing up for its General Convention, raising questions about leadership consolidation and internal democratic practices.
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