KATHMANDU: UML Chair KP Sharma Oli was reportedly left stunned after senior leaders considered close to his camp openly called for a leadership change within the party.
According to a party source, vice chairs Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Prithvi Subba Gurung raised the issue during a meeting held at Oli’s residence following the March 5 election.
The two leaders, who had strongly backed Oli during the party’s 11th General Convention, reportedly argued that the UML now needs a new leadership direction.
During the meeting, Paudel is said to have expressed regret over the party’s decision to scrap the age limit and two-term provision for leadership positions. He reportedly stated that the party could no longer move forward under the existing style of leadership.
“This is not the way the party can function. All of us, including the leadership, must correct ourselves, otherwise the party will head towards decline,” a source quoted Paudel as saying.
He also argued that Nepal’s political context had significantly changed after the February 21 election and the protests of September 8 and 9, 2025, adding that the UML could not continue with its old working style.
Likewise, Gurung reportedly said the UML was not anyone’s personal company and that Oli should not remain in the chair indefinitely.
According to the source, Gurung’s remarks visibly upset Oli, leading to a tense exchange between the two leaders during the meeting.
“After leaders who had long stood by him started distancing themselves, Oli appeared frustrated and angry,” the source claimed. “The discussion briefly turned heated after Gurung remarked that UML was not a private company.”
The source further claimed that Oli warned leaders who fail to support the party during difficult times could face consequences during future responsibility allocations.
Party insiders say Oli appeared disappointed after hearing criticism from leaders he had personally backed into top positions during the 11th General Convention.
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