KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey has commented on recent controversial remarks made by party chair KP Sharma Oli, stressing that the responsibility to keep the party united lies primarily with the leadership.
Taking to Facebook at what he described as a sensitive phase of the election, Pandey said statements from the top leadership should inspire and energize party cadres rather than weaken their morale. He underlined that this is a time when leaders must act to bring everyone together.
Pandey cautioned against publicly diminishing fellow party colleagues, saying such conduct does not reflect political maturity. He argued that internal differences should be handled with restraint and that external challenges must be confronted through institutional decisions and collective thinking.
“Publicly belittling one’s own comrades is not a sign of political maturity,” Pandey wrote, adding that the party’s strength lies in unity, especially when facing challenges from outside.
Referring to the recent debates surrounding ticket distribution, Pandey clarified that the “calculation” involved in the allocation of election tickets was accepted without protest in the interest of the party. However, he warned that prejudiced or unnecessary comments could weaken the UML’s shared resolve at a critical moment.
He also emphasized that leaders who hold ideological differences remain equally respectable members of the UML. According to Pandey, having differing views should not lead to prejudice against anyone, noting that maintaining respect amid disagreement has been a long-standing part of his political culture.
Pandey said that rather than getting entangled in rebutting remarks and counter-remarks, he has chosen to focus his energy on the ground. He stated that he is fully engaged in campaigning to ensure the victory of UML candidates and to safeguard the party’s organizational credibility.
His comments come amid growing discussion within the UML over Oli’s recent public statements, which have drawn mixed reactions from party leaders and cadres alike, particularly at a time when the party is gearing up for crucial electoral contests.
Pandey’s intervention is seen as a call for restraint and unity within the UML, highlighting internal concerns while reaffirming his commitment to the party’s electoral success and collective strength.
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