KATHMANDU: A debate has intensified within Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (UML) over the need to bring a third-generation leadership to the forefront, as the party faces growing pressure following the Gen Z movement in September 2025 and its poor performance in the March 5 election.
Party insiders say discussions have gained momentum as many leaders believe that the current leadership under party chair KP Sharma Oli lacks a viable alternative within the second tier of leadership, including figures such as Bishnu Paudel, Shankar Pokharel and Ram Bahadur Thapa. As a result, pressure is mounting from younger leaders to transfer leadership to the third generation.
Some leaders affiliated with the party’s sister organisations have reportedly begun a campaign for a special general convention, while also preparing a document calling for leadership change. Sources say that once information about the signature campaign reached Oli—who is currently receiving treatment after being taken into custody—efforts were made to initiate disciplinary action against those involved.
Following this, some young leaders involved in drafting the document advocating leadership change said they shifted to alternative strategies. According to them, several office bearers had initially assured support for the campaign demanding a special general convention, but became cautious after the possibility of disciplinary action emerged.
Young leaders within UML argue that neither the first generation led by Oli and Ishwar Pokhrel nor the second generation of leaders should dominate the party leadership going forward.
Growing call for third-generation leadership
The party’s third tier of leaders includes figures such as Yogesh Bhattarai, Pradeep Gyawali, Binda Pandey, Gokarna Bista, Usha Kiran Timilsena, Bidya Bhattarai, Samik Badal, Suhang Nembang, Naresh Rokaya, Rachana Khadka, Navina Lama and Sujan Kadariya.
Several leaders of the party’s student wing, All Nepal National Free Students Union, have also been demanding a leadership transition to the younger generation. Some have argued that the second generation should also step aside along with Oli.
However, party insiders say many leaders remain cautious about openly expressing their views due to fears of disciplinary action or expulsion from the party.
One UML leader said discussions among third-tier leaders were gaining momentum but had remained quiet for some time because Oli was in custody and undergoing medical treatment.
“We believe that unless the first and second generations step aside together, it will be difficult to improve the current situation,” the leader said. “Respecting the public mandate, there is a growing consensus that the party needs leadership change and organisational restructuring.”
Election setback fuels internal debate
Questions about the party’s leadership had been raised even before the party’s 11th general convention by leaders including Ashta Laxmi Shakya, Surendra Pandey, Yubaraj Gyawali and former president Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Despite calls for him to step aside respectfully, Oli retained the party leadership through the general convention. However, the March 5 election dealt a major setback to UML.
While UML had won 79 seats in the 2022 election, it secured only 25 seats in the latest polls—nine under the first-past-the-post system and 16 through proportional representation—its worst performance to date.
Young leaders push for change
Among younger leaders, Suhang Nembang, elected from Ilam constituency-2, has openly called for leadership change in line with the times. Sources say he began raising the issue in parliamentary party meetings and other forums, which reportedly led to attempts to initiate action against him.
When Nembang staked a claim for the parliamentary party leadership, Oli and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel were said to have mobilised efforts to block his bid, with Bishnu Paudel also siding against him.
Meanwhile, some leaders have suggested bringing former president Bidya Devi Bhandari to the leadership through a special convention to maintain power balance within the party. However, several young leaders argue that she too cannot be considered a viable alternative.
Navina Lama said the party should now allow younger leaders to take charge.
“The leadership of the future should belong to the younger generation. When I say ‘I’, it represents all of us young leaders who are ready to take responsibility if the situation demands,” she said.
Similarly, Usha Kiran Timilsena has stated that Bhandari cannot be seen as a realistic alternative to the current leadership, stressing the need for fresh thinking and energy within the party.
Mixed reactions within youth ranks
Samik Badal, a former president of ANNFSU, said UML needs leadership capable of responding to the current political environment.
“The party needs a leader of a similar stature to those leading the government today,” he said, adding that the younger generation must be given opportunities in practice, not just in rhetoric.
However, ANNFSU chair Deepak Dhami denied involvement in any signature campaign demanding leadership change, saying it would not be ethical to raise such issues while the party chair is ill.
“There may be discussions about a special general convention, but I am not involved in any signature campaign,” he said. “Leadership transition should happen at the right time.”
Likewise, Youth Association spokesperson Niroj Paudel said the debate on leadership change was not appropriate at the moment.
“Attacking the leadership during a time of crisis is not appropriate. The party should focus on unity and reviewing the election results,” he said.
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