KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has intensified internal consultations as he prepares to seek a third term at the party’s upcoming 11th General Convention, scheduled to begin on December 13 in Kathmandu.
According to a leader close to him, Oli recently summoned his loyalists to Gundu, Bhaktapur, where he urged them to stay fully prepared for the convention. The closed-door meeting, described as strategic and tightly coordinated, focused on consolidating support within the party and finalizing an internal roadmap ahead of the leadership contest.
Party insiders say Oli’s recent engagements reflect a sharpened push to secure the chairmanship once again. He has been quietly building his lineup, reportedly planning to elevate several young leaders and mobilizing influential figures, including former lawmaker Mahesh Basnet and former chief whip Mahesh Bartaula, to strengthen his camp.
Leaders who recently rejoined the UML, such as Ram Kumari Jhakri, are also expected to be considered for key positions, sources added.
Within the party, Deputy General Secretaries Pradeep Gyawali and Bishnu Rimal have been holding frequent discussions to shape Oli’s proposed team. UML insiders claim the leadership is exploring whether only the office-bearers will go through elections, while central committee members could be endorsed unanimously.
The convention is expected to first finalize the new central committee before deciding on office-bearers. Senior Vice-Chairman Ishwar Pokharel is preparing to challenge Oli for the top post and is set to announce his candidacy on November 24, making the upcoming convention a significant test of intra-party strength.
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