KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Bamdev Gautam’s anticipated return to the UML has been postponed after the party’s Secretariat meeting on Tuesday decided against his immediate induction.
Gautam, who had initially agreed to join the Unified Socialist Party after discussions with Madhav Kumar Nepal, began engaging in talks with UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, which led to his excitement about rejoining the UML.
On January 17, Gautam and Oli had an hour-long meeting, followed by a phone call from Oli on January 19, where the UML Chair assured Gautam that the party was open to welcoming him back. The matter, however, was set to be discussed in the upcoming Secretariat meeting.
Speaking to Khabarhub after his meeting with Oli, Gautam said, “Oli has said that we should work with two hearts beating as one. Even if we fight, we will do it within the party, keeping quiet outside. Together, we will form a party as brothers.”
This statement reflected Gautam’s eagerness to reunite with the UML leadership and work toward building a unified party.
However, the UML Secretariat’s decision on Tuesday dashed Gautam’s hopes for an immediate return. According to Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, the meeting concluded that instead of admitting Gautam directly into the party, the focus would remain on continued cooperation with his National Unity Campaign.
“It has been decided to continue cooperation with the National Unity Campaign led by Bamdev Gautam,” Gyawali said.
The Secretariat’s deliberations raised several concerns regarding Gautam’s return, with some leaders voicing strong opposition. Senior Vice Chair Ishwor Pokharel expressed concerns about bringing Gautam back solely as a central member, suggesting that it was necessary to consider a second preference.
“What should we do if we bring him alone? We cannot accept him just as a central member. We need to look for another option,” Pokharel said.
The issue of factionalism within the party was also a key concern. Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa “Badal,” who joined UML from the Maoists, warned that admitting Gautam would only fuel factionalism, further dividing the party.
Some leaders also raised the issue of potential problems that could arise if Gautam were re-admitted without clear terms.
“If Bamdev is welcomed, who’s next Bhim Rawal,” questioned one leader, alluding to the party’s internal power dynamics.
Despite the concerns, there were also voices calling for continued dialogue. Vice Chair Surendra Pandey and other leaders like Ashtalakshmi Shakya suggested that Chair Oli should resolve the issue through further talks.
Interestingly, some party leaders felt that if Oli had truly wanted Gautam back, the process could have been initiated differently.
“If the Chairman wanted to bring him in, why didn’t he inform the Secretariat before the meeting? It seemed like the Chairman was not really pushing for Gautam’s return,” one leader stated.
Gautam’s political trajectory has been marked by shifting allegiances. After leaving the UML in September 2021 with allegations against Oli, Gautam started the National Unity Campaign, hoping to unite various factions of the left.
Although he initially considered joining the Unified Socialist Party, Gautam was drawn back to UML after failing to secure a prominent position in the Socialist Party.
In recent weeks, Gautam’s talks with Oli had led to the belief that unification with UML was imminent. However, after the recent developments, Gautam has expressed regret over his hasty announcements of unification.
“It seems like I spoke too soon,” Gautam admitted, acknowledging the challenges that have arisen from the discussions with UML.
His National Unity Campaign, which aimed to bridge the left-wing factions, has faced difficulties, including splits within the group. Some of Gautam’s former allies in the campaign have already parted ways, adding to the complications surrounding his political future.
Amid the internal division in UML, Gautam’s return would require significant changes to the party’s constitution.
As of now, 18 out of the 19 office-bearers of UML are currently in charge, with one position — that of suspended Vice Chair Top Bahadur Rayamajhi — still vacant. Some party members argue that Gautam’s return would necessitate amendments to the party’s statute to grant him a leadership position, which is not possible at this time.
The ongoing discussions within UML suggest that Gautam’s future in the party is uncertain. While some leaders support his return, citing the potential for a united left-wing front, others remain wary of the potential for further internal divisions.
As the situation stands, Gautam’s involvement with the National Unity Campaign is likely to continue, with discussions between him and the UML leadership expected to unfold over time.
Gautam’s political journey has been a turbulent one, marked by his shifting alliances and the ongoing quest for a unified left.
As the talks with UML continue, his supporters and critics alike are watching closely to see whether a final resolution will emerge or if Gautam’s political future will continue to be shaped by division.
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