KATHMANDU: Senior Vice-Chair of UML, Ishwar Pokhrel, is expected to formally inform the UML Secretariat about his decision to contest for the party chair. Pokhrel’s announcement sets up a direct challenge to incumbent Chair KP Sharma Oli, who is seeking a third term as the party leader.
A top UML leader close to the developments said, “Comrade Ishwar will formally notify the Secretariat about his candidacy today. Chair Oli has not yet indicated whether he will respond or not. We will observe the chair’s reaction after this notification.”
Pokhrel is slated to officially declare his candidacy on November 24, after which other leaders are expected to join his team. “As far as possible, we aim to announce the full team on the same day. If not, the team will gradually take shape after his formal declaration,” said a leader close to Pokhrel.
The decision to back Pokhrel comes after former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s UML membership renewal was not approved by Oli. Leaders supportive of Bhandari are reportedly aligning with Pokhrel, strengthening the possibility of a tough contest in the upcoming convention.
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