KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has called all CPN-UML provincial MPs from Sudurpaschim Province for a meeting in Gundu. An in-depth discussion with 11 provincial MPs is scheduled to take place today at 11 a.m.
Earlier, some MPs from the province had met Chairman Oli regarding the issue of changing the parliamentary party leader. At that time, Oli had suggested that the matter be taken forward only after group discussions.
A UML lawmaker said the issue of the parliamentary party leadership will be discussed in today’s meeting, although no decision has been made yet on whether to change the leader.
“Some MPs had met the general secretary and the chairman earlier, raising the demand to change the parliamentary party leader. That issue will also be discussed today,” the lawmaker said, adding that no final decision has been reached.
While Oli has the authority to change the parliamentary party leader if necessary, there is no consensus among lawmakers on a successor. Deputy leader Santosh Sharma Thapa is said to be aspiring for the position, while Chief Whip Chakra Malla is also in contention.
Similarly, Social Development Committee Chair Dharma Pathak and Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Surendra Pal have also indicated they would be willing to take on the role if assigned by the leadership.
“There has been no concrete discussion yet on who should become the parliamentary party leader. So that issue alone will not be decided today,” said a UML leader. “Chairman Oli will also discuss two other agendas.”
According to party sources, discussions are also underway within the UML leadership regarding cooperation with the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), with proposals to begin dialogue from Sudurpaschim Province.
At present, UML has three ministers and one state minister in the province. Some lawmakers are also raising the issue of ministerial changes, arguing that they are nearing the midpoint of their tenure.
“The lawmakers are saying that since two years have already passed, they should now get their turn in the cabinet, especially as elections may be announced before the next budget,” a UML leader said. This issue is also expected to be discussed in today’s meeting.
All invited lawmakers have already reached Kathmandu for the meeting, although they were not formally briefed on the agenda. However, party sources indicate that leadership changes, power-sharing, and ministerial adjustments are likely to be discussed.
Sudurpaschim Province Parliamentary Party leader Rajendra Singh Rawal said Chairman Oli has called the meeting to discuss current political issues.
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