KATHMANDU: Senior leaders of the CPN-UML have so far stopped short of pushing party chair KP Sharma Oli out of leadership, even as internal pressure grows following the party’s crushing defeat in the March 5 elections.
Leaders say Oli has not yet fully recovered from health complications following gallbladder stone surgery, and his condition has become a major factor delaying deeper discussions on leadership change inside the party.
The UML Secretariat meeting initially scheduled for Saturday at Oli’s residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, was postponed for two days and will now take place on Monday, according to Central Office Secretary Bhishma Adhikari.
Although dissatisfaction with Oli’s leadership has intensified after the election setback, party leaders appear unwilling to immediately force him out while he remains physically weak.
A Secretariat member said Oli is still struggling to spend long hours in meetings after suffering complications and infection following surgery.
“He has not fully recovered yet. He cannot remain in meetings for long periods and doctors have advised him against putting pressure on himself,” the leader said. “He will likely attend briefly, assign responsibilities and leave.”
Oli has remained largely confined to his residence in Bhaktapur’s Gundu area since his release from police custody and subsequent surgery.
The former prime minister was arrested on March 27 by the government led by Balen Shah over allegations linked to violent activities during the Gen-Z protests held on September 8 and 9, 2025. He was released after spending 13 days in custody.
The combination of the election defeat, Oli’s arrest and his health condition has pushed UML into one of the most difficult periods in its recent history.
Leaders seek review first, leadership debate later
Despite rising criticism, most senior leaders are currently focused on reviewing the election results rather than openly demanding immediate leadership change.
Vice-chair Prithvi Subba Gurung said the upcoming Secretariat meeting will focus on forming a task force to review the election defeat, organizational strengthening and division of responsibilities among leaders.
“The election review cannot be completed in a single day,” Gurung said earlier, stressing that speculation about leadership change was premature.
Party Secretary Bishal Bhattarai said the meeting would also discuss public expectations, government performance and the party’s future direction.
Several leaders within UML argue that removing Oli immediately while he is unwell could create further instability inside the party.
Party secretary Padma Aryal said Oli has not yet regained the physical strength required for lengthy political discussions.
Leaders close to Oli also accuse some rivals within the party of exploiting his health condition for political advantage.
UML whip and youth leader Neeta Ghatani defended Oli, saying some leaders were showing a lack of humanity by questioning the seriousness of his health problems.
Pressure continues to build inside UML
Even though no senior leader has openly challenged Oli so far, discussions about alternatives have intensified within UML circles.
Leaders seen as possible power centers include vice-chair Bishnu Poudel, Gokarna Bista, Raghuji Pant, deputy general secretary Yogesh Bhattarai and general secretary Shankar Pokharel.
However, UML insiders say no unified bloc has yet emerged capable of directly challenging Oli’s hold over the party.
One UML leader said many leaders were still politically dependent on Oli despite public criticism of his leadership.
“At this stage, no one has gathered enough strength to force Oli out immediately,” the leader said. “The review process will likely determine how the debate moves forward.”
Political analyst Shyam Shrestha said UML and other traditional parties would face deeper crises unless they adapted to changing political realities and allowed leadership transformation.
“Once Oli fully recovers, UML will eventually have to seriously discuss reform and leadership transition,” Shrestha said.
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