KATHMANDU: A serious internal dispute has emerged within the CPN-UML faction led by party Chair KP Sharma Oli, centring on the highly contested post of General Secretary.
The disagreement has pushed the Oli camp into a state of uncertainty, with repeated discussions over the past two days at Gundu, Bhaktapur, ending without any conclusion. The crisis escalated after incumbent General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, who was appointed during the party’s 10th General Convention in Chitwan largely at Oli’s insistence, sought to repeat his term.
Oli has been attempting to forge consensus on the General Secretary position since Saturday. However, sharp differences among aspirants Prithvi Subba Gurung, Shankar Pokharel and Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali have stalled negotiations.
Despite strong claims from multiple leaders, Oli continues to favour Shankar Pokharel’s continuation as General Secretary. This stance has met resistance, particularly from Deputy General Secretary Gyawali, whose firm insistence on contesting the General Secretary post has prevented the Gundu meetings from reaching a decision.
Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel has openly backed Gyawali for the General Secretary position. Although Paudel initially explored the possibility of promoting Prithvi Subba Gurung, he ultimately aligned himself with Gyawali’s candidacy.
Gyawali had staked his claim to the General Secretary post from the outset. However, Oli attempted to retain him in the Deputy General Secretary role. Four days ago, Gyawali had already conveyed that if he was denied the General Secretary position, he would contest only as a central committee member.
Tensions peaked on Monday when discussions again failed to yield consensus. According to party sources, Gyawali walked out of the Gundu meeting after Oli formally proposed Shankar Pokhrel for another term as General Secretary.
Another Deputy General Secretary, Bishnu Rimal, has also been actively supporting Pokharel’s reappointment, further deepening divisions within the Oli camp.
Rajendra Gautam also exits talks
Meanwhile, UML Central Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam has also withdrawn from the Gundu discussions. Gautam had pressed Oli to accommodate him in the secretary position. However, after Oli reportedly declined the request, Gautam left the meeting venue.
Within the Oli faction, several names are being considered for secretary positions, including Lekhraj Bhatta, Raghubir Mahaseth, Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Sherdhan Rai, Madhav Dhungel, Mahesh Basnet, Bishal Bhattarai and Yamlal Kandel. Lekhraj Bhatta, however, is still lobbying for a Deputy General Secretary post.
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