KATHMANDU: Internal tensions within the CPN-UML have intensified after the party’s decision to share power with the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) in provincial governments triggered disputes over leadership changes in Koshi, Lumbini and Bagmati provinces.
The latest flashpoint has emerged in Bagmati Province, where UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has called all UML provincial lawmakers to Gundu on Monday evening after efforts to secure a majority in support of parliamentary party leader Jagannath Thapaliya for chief minister failed.
According to party sources, UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has instructed all 14 lawmakers who had previously signed in support of Thapaliya to attend the meeting without exception. The meeting comes as the party struggles to resolve differences over its chief ministerial candidate.
RPP support remains elusive
Thapaliya, who had initially received backing from Oli, has been unable to secure the numbers required to form a government. Although UML and the NCP are working together, they still require the support of the 12-member Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) to command a majority in the provincial assembly.
However, RPP lawmakers have reportedly warned that they would not support a government led by Thapaliya, throwing UML’s strategy into uncertainty.
The setback has revived internal lobbying in favour of Bhaktapur lawmaker Kiran Thapa, who claims he can secure the support of seven RPP lawmakers if he is chosen as the parliamentary party leader.
Leadership contest resurfaces
Thapa, who joined UML from the RPP in 2016, had earlier emerged as Oli’s preferred candidate before the party shifted its support to Thapaliya.
Last week, a signature campaign led by UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet collected signatures from 14 provincial lawmakers in an effort to replace Thapaliya as the parliamentary party leader and elevate Thapa.
Although the signatures were sufficient to seek a leadership change, the move required formal endorsement through a parliamentary party meeting. That meeting never took place after Thapaliya declined to convene it, effectively blocking the process.
Sources say Basnet and several provincial leaders remained actively involved in persuading lawmakers to back the leadership change, with the campaign continuing for several days.
Friction inside UML
Thapaliya is also said to have met Oli last week, warning that preventing him from becoming chief minister would mark his final meeting with the party chair. He reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction before leaving the meeting.
Party insiders say Oli had initially pressured Thapaliya to convene a parliamentary party meeting. However, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel maintained that Thapaliya should continue as parliamentary party leader, prompting Oli to temporarily soften his stance.
The latest developments suggest the issue has resurfaced after Thapaliya failed to secure a majority.
Bargaining over ministries
Political negotiations have also been complicated by coalition arithmetic. UML and the NCP do not have enough seats to form a government on their own in Bagmati Province, making RPP support crucial.
Sources say the RPP has demanded three ministerial portfolios in exchange for its backing, while UML has indicated it is prepared to offer two. Discussions between the two sides are ongoing.
With negotiations stalled and rival factions within UML divided over leadership, Monday’s meeting at Gundu is expected to be crucial in determining whether the party sticks with Thapaliya or shifts its support to another candidate.
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