KATHMANDU: The Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9, 2025 sent a clear message to CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress (NC) former President Sher Bahadur Deuba: after repeatedly failing, it is time for them to step aside.
While the movement successfully dismissed Deuba, who served as Prime Minister five times, through a special general convention led by Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma, Oli appears determined to retain control and target those who question him.
Having ensured his faction’s dominance in the 11th UML general convention by nominating 138 representatives, sidelining dissenting voters, and postponing elections, Oli has now taken a similarly arbitrary approach to distributing tickets for the House of Representatives election on March 5.
Targeting opponents, rewarding loyalists
In this round of direct nominations, Oli has largely excluded members of Ishwor Pokharel’s faction, which had challenged him in the 11th General Convention. Pokharel himself was recommended for the presidency from Okhaldhunga, but the ticket was instead given to Asmita Thapa, vice-chair of Likhu Rural Municipality. Similarly, Yagyaraj Sunuwar, who could have balanced representation by caste, was overlooked.
Outgoing UML central vice-chairman Surendra Pandey was sidelined in Chitwan-1, with the ticket awarded to Krishnaraj (Kamal) Pathak instead. Gokarna Bista of the Ishwor Pokharel group received a ticket only after long discussions with Oli, while other aspirants, including young leaders Bishnu Rijal, Niraj Acharya, and Jhapat Rawal, were denied nominations despite strong support.
Yogesh Bhattarai insulted and ticket put on hold
Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, who has been a prominent face of the party, expressed dissatisfaction after candidates were finalized without clear criteria in a full-day meeting in Chyasal on Saturday. Bhattarai submitted a three-point note of dissent and walked out.
In a secretariat meeting, Oli reportedly stated that Bhattarai had “no chance of winning this time” and effectively blocked him from receiving a ticket. In retaliation, Oli put Taplejung’s nomination on hold, intending to favor Kshitij Thebe, a loyal supporter. Bhattarai later urged party members not to be disheartened and to work actively to secure victories for UML candidates despite the internal disputes.
Other controversial decisions
In Dailekh-2, young leader Bishnu Rijal had secured the highest votes in the internal selection process, but Oli awarded the ticket to Laxmi Raj Sharma instead. Similarly, in Gulmi-2, Pradeep Gyawali advised Oli on potential electoral issues, leading to Ramkumari Jhankri being elevated to the National Assembly, while other candidates were sidelined.
Overall, the ticket distribution reflects Oli’s strategy: reward loyalists and punish dissenters, consolidating control while marginalizing those who had challenged him within the party.
According to sources, Oli reportedly scolded Bishnu Rijal, who had been recommended as the top candidate, calling him a “fool.” Rijal had faced allegations that he mostly lived in Kathmandu and lacked local knowledge, but he proved himself capable during the party’s election exercise and was ultimately recommended as the first candidate.
Oli has also targeted several other leaders in apparent retaliation, including Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai; Surendra Pandey, a contender for the post of General Secretary; Gokul Baskota, who contested for Secretary; Krishna Gopal Shrestha; Binod Dhakal; Karna Bahadur Thapa; Ganesh Pahadi, the only open central member from the Ishwar panel; Jhapat Rawal; and Tara Lama.
In Kavre-1, Amit Lama, who rose to prominence through gangsterism, received a ticket, while Oli reportedly withheld the ticket from Gokul Baskota in Kavre-2, despite his consistent electoral victories. Similarly, Milan Gurung, also known as Chakre Milan, received a ticket from Gorkha-2, a constituency previously won by NCP coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’ Chakre Milan has a criminal record, and Amit Lama is also noted for gaining influence through hooliganism.
In Rupandehi-2, Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel moved to Palpa-2, a safer constituency, leaving Rupandehi-2 open. This decision disappointed Thakur Gaire, a leader who had won Rupandehi-2 in 2022 and frequently questioned Oli. Poudel had previously won Rupandehi with difficulty in 2022.
Oli has left two constituencies, Rukum East and Jhapa-3, vacant as a bargaining strategy with monarchist and NCP leaders. Jhapa-3, in particular, has been kept open to negotiate with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden.
Oli himself is contesting from his traditional stronghold, Jhapa-5, where he aims to seek support from royalist Lingden. In Jhapa-5, he faces competition from Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Sah and NCP Youth Leader Ranjit Tamang. This strategy mirrors his previous approaches in 2017 and 2022, leaving certain constituencies vacant to secure strategic alliances.
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