KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has signaled possible disciplinary action against senior party leaders, including Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, Surendra Pandey, Gokul Baskota, and Binda Pandey.
Oli’s remarks, during a television interview ast week, triggered internal debate, with targeted leaders publicly criticizing his statements, highlighting growing factional tensions just weeks before the March 5 elections.
UML Chairman Oli made strong remarks about Bhattarai, Pandey, Baskota, and Binda Pandey. Oli stated that “Surendra Pandey and Yogesh Bhattarai are not in a position to win this time” and added that “Binda Pandey has no basis.”
The remarks sparked reactions within the party. Kavre leader Gokul Baskota criticized Oli, saying that divisions among party cadres had created “an awkward situation.” Despite the strong comments, political observers note that Oli is unlikely to take immediate action before the March 5 elections.
However, preparations appear to be underway to act against these leaders afterward, regardless of UML’s performance in Taplejung and Kavre-2. Sources indicate that Oli has instructed close aides to gather opinions and grounds for possible disciplinary measures.
In response, the leaders targeted by Oli have publicly voiced their dissent. Yogesh, Gokul, Surendra, and Binda have criticized the remarks, highlighting their impact on party morale. Binda stated that such statements from the leadership are “unacceptable,” while Baskota argued that “revenge politics will achieve nothing.” Surendra Pandey added that self-respecting UML workers have been hurt by Oli’s comments.
This internal tension comes at a critical time, as party unity is essential for the upcoming elections. Analysts suggest that Oli’s strategy of sidelining leaders who opposed him in the 11th General Convention, including Yogesh, Gokul, Surendra, and Binda, risks deepening internal divisions. Despite recommendations to prioritize Taplejung and Kavre-2, Oli has intensified efforts to identify and potentially discipline those who challenged his leadership.
Amid this, Oli has continued his election campaign, traveling to Taplejung to nominate Yogesh Thebe, visiting hilly districts to meet UML candidates, and reaching Sunsari and Dhankuta to strengthen support for UML candidates.
While actively campaigning, he has reportedly instructed party members to ignore directives from Yogesh and others. Preparations are also underway to take action against Gokul Baskota, with plans set to proceed after the March 5 elections, regardless of the electoral outcome.
According to sources close to Oli, “He is preparing to take action whether UML wins or loses in the constituencies of the two leaders,” indicating that disciplinary measures could be extended to other senior leaders who opposed him.
UML lifts action against Taplejung leaders to strengthen Thebe’s bid
UML Chairman Oli has lifted disciplinary action against two Taplejung leaders to consolidate support for Kshitij Thebe, who has been given the party ticket in the district. The leaders, former Taplejung District Committee chairman and Koshi Province Committee Advisory Council member Bal Bahadur Samsohang, and Koshi Province Committee Tourism Department Secretary Mani Shankar Pomu, were previously suspended but have now been reinstated.
The provincial committee suspended the two leaders, asking them to explain internal party conflicts and submit self-criticisms within 15 days. After reviewing their submissions, the committee lifted the suspension.
The decision was made public only recently via Pomu’s social media; Samsohang has not shared the letter publicly. Party sources suggest the move is aimed at signaling unity in Taplejung ahead of the elections and ensuring a smoother path for Thebe’s victory.
Oli has instructed Koshi Province Committee Chairman Ghanashyam Khatiwada to mobilize the reinstated leaders fully in support of Thebe, emphasizing that the election must be won at any cost. Observers note that Oli plans to continue pursuing action against Yogesh Bhattarai regardless of Thebe’s performance in the polls.
This is not the first disciplinary action involving Samsohang and Pomu. Earlier, both were suspended for a month for protesting against the unilateral formation of the Taplejung Youth Association district committee by the establishment faction. The dispute had escalated during a closed session of the district convention, leading to vandalism at the venue. Both leaders are considered close to UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, highlighting the factional tensions within the party.
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