KATHMANDU: The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has made public its inter-party directive, incorporating decisions taken by the party Secretariat meeting held from May 18 to May 24.
According to the directive, UML has assigned central committee member Niraj Acharya the responsibility of heading the party’s publicity department. Central committee member Ram Kumari Jhakri has been appointed in-charge of Press Chautari Nepal, the party-affiliated journalists’ organization.
UML labels government ‘authoritarian’
The party concluded that the government led by Balen Shah is moving in an authoritarian and autocratic direction.
The UML accused the government of undermining democratic values, weakening the parliamentary system, and exerting pressure on independent media institutions.
The party further alleged that since assuming office, the government has attempted to weaken Parliament, govern through ordinances, control media outlets, and treat landless settlers in an inhumane manner.
In response, UML said it would launch protest campaigns both inside Parliament and on the streets against what it described as anti-democratic activities.
Task force formed to review election setback
Reviewing the party’s electoral defeat, UML has formed a task force under Vice-Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa to recommend measures for party restructuring.
Party Chair KP Sharma Oli said the election results had been seriously reviewed and that the task force was established to strengthen the party ideologically, politically, and organizationally.
The party concluded that a revival and resurgence of UML is possible through greater unity, discipline, and organizational activism.
Office-bearers’ hierarchy determined
The directive also formalized the order of precedence of office-bearers elected from the party’s 11th General Convention.
According to the hierarchy, KP Sharma Oli remains chair, followed by first vice-chair Ram Bahadur Thapa, second vice-chair Bishnu Paudel, third vice-chair Prithvi Subba Gurung, fourth vice-chair Gokarna Bista and fifth vice-chair Raghuji Panta.
Shankar Pokharel serves as general secretary, while Lekh Raj Bhatta, Yogesh Bhattarai and Raghubir Mahaseth are deputy general secretaries.
Nationwide awakening campaign
The party has also decided to launch a nationwide “Party Awakening Campaign” aimed at strengthening the organization.
Under the campaign, central leaders and committee members will be assigned responsibilities at provincial, district and local levels.
UML said it would intensify organizational expansion and membership renewal drives in preparation for upcoming local and provincial elections. Responsibilities have also been distributed among central leaders for various districts and constituencies.
The directive instructs subordinate committees to complete the renewal of organized memberships by June.
According to UML, membership renewal and distribution of new memberships will be conducted through a digital system. The party stated that only members committed to party policies and statutes will have their memberships renewed, while special provisions have been made for members from professional sectors.
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