KATHMANDU: KP Sharma Oli, chairperson of the CPN-UML, has been in police custody for over a week amid mounting pressure for his resignation following the Gen-Z movement.
Oli was arrested along with Ramesh Lekhak over casualties reported during the Gen-Z protests. Acting on the recommendation of a probe commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, police detained him. He is currently receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Amid this, signs of internal dissent have surfaced after Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa was brought in as parliamentary party leader, bypassing younger leaders.
Calls for Oli’s removal from party leadership have intensified, spreading from the streets to party offices. In recent days, a signature campaign demanding a special general convention has gained momentum within the UML. Similar to a campaign seen earlier in the Nepali Congress, efforts have also been made to halt the initiative.
Leaders involved in the signature drive have been summoned to a meeting in Chyasal on Tuesday in the presence of top party officials for discussions.
Party General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has warned of disciplinary action if the campaign for a special convention moves forward. The meeting is seen as an attempt to pressure leaders into withdrawing the campaign.
As per the UML statute, a special general convention can be called if a majority of convention representatives sign in favor, requiring a central committee decision. If ignored, the signatories themselves can convene a gathering to elect new leadership and endorse policies.
The campaign has gained traction even as Oli remains in custody. The Supreme Court of Nepal on Monday granted him partial relief, stating he must be released by Wednesday if the case does not proceed further.
However, the party remains deeply divided. Some leaders argue that discussions on leadership change should take place only after Oli’s release, while others, including Bishnu Paudel and Yogesh Bhattarai, believe the party has weakened under his leadership and needs immediate change.
Following Oli’s arrest, the UML had briefly staged protests but later decided not to continue street demonstrations after limited impact. The party leadership has since opted for legal and political responses instead.
Despite this, the signature campaign continues, and if it secures majority support, it could pave the way for Oli’s exit. The UML suffered a major setback in the last election, winning only 25 seats, with even top leaders, including the chair, facing defeat.
The situation has further deepened the crisis within the party. If Oli is released, he is expected to confront his opponents, while prolonged detention could strengthen the campaign against him.
Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel has pledged to lead party restructuring efforts, though skepticism remains among rival factions. Meanwhile, growing voices within the UML are calling for sweeping leadership changes, including the exit of Oli, Pokharel, and Paudel.
Amid rising tensions, demands for a special general convention are gaining ground within the UML, with dissenting leaders arguing that removing Oli could help the party regain its footing.
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