KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and Nepal Parivar Party (NPP) Chair Eknath Dhakal continue to maintain a close political relationship, even as questions and criticism over leadership style and party operations have caused friction within their ranks.
Oli, who has historically sidelined leaders like Under-Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai and Central Committee member Gokul Baskota over questions about their abilities, has similarly dealt with challenges from rivals in the Ishwar Pokharel faction, consolidating power within the party.
After facing intense pressure to step down following the Gen-Z movement, Oli successfully regained party leadership and has returned to a strategy of settling scores with previous challengers. However, his alliance with Dhakal, whose party lacks grassroots support and organizational structure, has drawn attention for its unusual and strategic nature.
The partnership dates back to 2017 and continues ahead of the March 5 elections. On Sunday, the UML and NPP formally agreed to cooperate in both federal and provincial elections. The agreement, signed by Oli and Dhakal, commits NPP to support UML candidates, while UML will provide parliamentary representation for NPP members where needed. The accord allows NPP to maintain independent political existence outside parliament but remain affiliated with UML’s parliamentary group.
Oli and Dhakal’s working relationship became publicly visible after Oli assumed UML leadership. In the 2022 elections, Dhakal was included in UML’s proportional representation list, securing a seat in parliament despite not being a formal party member. UML’s statutes do not typically allow non-members to serve as party MPs, but Oli circumvented party rules and national law to bring Dhakal into parliament as a “close ally.”
Dhakal has openly praised Oli and supported him on national issues, benefiting from political space and recognition granted by UML. Despite this, NPP’s influence remains limited at the local level, and Dhakal relies on UML for political legitimacy.
A notable aspect of Dhakal’s profile is his frequent foreign travel and affiliation with religious organizations. He is associated with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), Nepal chapter, linked to the Unification Church founded by Korean religious leader Sun Myung Moon. While this has raised occasional controversies, his alliance with Oli ensures continued entry into mainstream Nepali politics.
The relationship between Oli and Dhakal reflects a combination of strategic political alignment, personal loyalty, and mutual benefit, which continues to influence party dynamics and election strategies ahead of the upcoming polls.
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