In a dramatic twist, Bamdev Gautam, the former Vice Chair of CPN-UML and a figure known for his polarizing political moves, is set to return to the party he left amidst controversy. Gautam resigned from UML in September 3, 2021, accusing Chairman KP Sharma Oli of various failings.
Now, three and a half years later, the man who once spearheaded a campaign for communist unity is coming full circle, leaving behind splits, apologies, and alliances to reconcile with Oli.
After years of staying neutral during Nepal’s communist disputes, running a unity campaign that ended up causing divisions, and joining hands with Madhav Kumar Nepal’s Unified Socialist Party, Gautam is finally returning to UML.
With UML recently opening its doors to former members, the timing is ripe for Gautam’s comeback—a move that has already been sealed with a meeting with Prime Minister Oli in Baluwatar.
What has prompted Gautam’s decision to return now? How does he reflect on the years spent away from UML? In an exclusive conversation with Khabarhub, Gautam sheds light on his political journey, the mistakes made, and what lies ahead for his return to the UML fold.
Excerpts:
Congratulations on your return to UML.
It’s too early for congratulations. I haven’t joined UML yet. The party hasn’t formally welcomed me, nor have I made an official announcement. So far, the decision has been made, but there’s still work to be done. Only after everything is finalized can we celebrate.
When will you officially join UML?
The exact date hasn’t been decided. UML will organize a formal program this week, and we’ll announce it then. We’re ready, but we’re waiting for the UML leadership to make their preparations. Everything should be clear within the week.
What position will you take in UML?
None! I haven’t asked for a position, and I don’t need one. My focus is on contributing to the communist movement and ensuring its future.
Won’t working without a position make things harder for you? There was some friction between you and Chairman Oli before.
There are many friends within UML now, and I don’t foresee any issues this time. Chairman Oli has assured me that internal disagreements will stay within the party. He emphasized that we should not air disputes publicly, and I agree with that approach. It’s a condition I’m happy to follow.
There were rumors you might join Madhav Kumar Nepal’s party, but you’re going back to UML instead. Why?
From the beginning, I favored rejoining UML, but at the time, the party ignored me. That led some of my colleagues to suggest joining the Unified Socialist. While we had discussions with both UML and the Unified Socialist, nothing concrete materialized with UML initially.
Two central committee meetings of my campaign had decided in favor of joining the Unified Socialist, but there was a lack of coherence and clarity among their leaders. Their internal situation was chaotic, and discussions didn’t lead to meaningful results. Eventually, the majority of my colleagues supported rejoining UML, so we made that decision.
When was your final conversation with UML Chairman Oli?
It was this past Friday. We spoke for two hours, and it was a productive discussion. Oli assured me that I would be treated with respect. He also acknowledged past mistakes and promised to improve, just as I’ve acknowledged my own weaknesses and committed to correcting them.
What else did Chairman Oli say?
He emphasized our shared history of building the UML together and called it our home. He assured me there was no need for hesitation and welcomed me back as a brother. He expressed a commitment to take UML forward and urged us to work together.
Will this agreement with Oli hold this time?
Absolutely. It’s a firm decision. Unlike before, there’s no ambiguity.
How many people from your unity campaign will follow you to UML?
Most will join UML. There may be one or two exceptions, as individuals are free to make their own decisions. But those who genuinely supported the unity campaign will align with UML.
What is your primary goal in rejoining UML?
My main purpose is to unify Nepal’s fragmented communist movement. Achieving this requires working with the strongest and most influential party, which is UML. I spent two years trying to unify smaller groups through the unity campaign, but it didn’t yield the desired results.
Previously, we successfully merged the Maoists and UML, even running the party together for a year. Now, socialism has taken root in Nepal, but divisions within the party have weakened us.
Both Oli and I recognize the need for mature leadership to achieve true unity in the future. That’s what we’ll work towards together.
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