BHAKTAPUR: The eighth meeting of the CPN-UML Secretariat is underway for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday at party Chair KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur.
According to party leaders, four secretariat members, including Sherdhan Rai, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Yamlal Kandel and Khagraj Adhikari, are yet to present their views in the ongoing meeting.
The meeting has exposed growing pressure within the party leadership for organizational reform following the UML’s recent electoral setbacks.
Leaders participating in the discussions said a majority of Secretariat members have called for party reorganization and leadership review, arguing that the UML suffered a serious political setback in the elections.
Chair Oli, who consolidated strong control over the party following the 11th General Convention held six months ago, is now reportedly facing increasing internal criticism. According to leaders, 10 members in the 19-member Secretariat have so far expressed views in favor of reorganization.
Some leaders, including Yogesh Bhattarai, have reportedly raised the issue of leadership resignation, while leaders previously seen as close to Oli, including Vice Chair Bishnu Poudel, Vice Chair Prithvi Subba Gurung and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, have emphasized the need for party restructuring.
So far, Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa “Badal” and Secretary Mahesh Basnet have openly defended Oli’s leadership, according to leaders familiar with the discussions.
Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatta and Secretariat member Padma Aryal have taken comparatively moderate positions during the debate.
Bhatta reportedly argued that if the party is to undergo reorganization, leaders above the age of 60 should also consider stepping aside. Aryal, meanwhile, stressed the difficulties faced by grassroots party workers and said problems should not be viewed solely from the leadership’s perspective, although she did not oppose calls for reform.
Secretariat member Raghubir Mahaseth said the party should seriously review the reasons behind its weakening position. Other leaders, including Secretaries Rajan Bhattarai, Hikmat Karki and Chhabilal Bishwakarma, also reportedly emphasized the need for review and corrective measures.
Leaders said the Secretariat meeting, expected to conclude today, will finalize the division of responsibilities proposed by Chair Oli with certain amendments.
The meeting is also expected to form task forces related to election review and constitutional amendment, while preparations are underway to convene a Central Committee meeting in the coming days.
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