KATHMANDU: A protest launched by CPN-UML demanding the release of party chair KP Sharma Oli has seen limited participation, with most senior leaders absent from the streets while cadres faced police action.
The agitation, announced from Saturday, was expected to mobilize party ranks nationwide. However, only a small number of supporters turned up, particularly in restricted areas, leading to several injuries among participating cadres.
Despite the protest being formally declared by the party’s central leadership, top leaders and office bearers were largely missing. The absence of leadership has raised questions over the effectiveness and coordination of the protest.
Following Oli’s arrest on Saturday morning, a secretariat meeting had assigned responsibilities, with General Secretary Shankar Pokharel publicly announcing protest programs and outlining parallel efforts for political dialogue and legal response.
However, none of the 17 office bearers, apart from Oli himself, were seen participating in the demonstrations. Similarly, leaders of sister and mass organizations, who were expected to lead street mobilization, were also not visible.
On Saturday, protests were held from Baneshwor to Maitighar and in the Chabahil area of Kathmandu. By Sunday, participation had shrunk to around 200 people, mainly confined to the Babarmahal and Maitighar areas.
Observers say internal differences within the party may have contributed to the low turnout. A faction led by former vice-chair Surendra Pandey had expressed reservations about mobilizing large numbers of cadres in street protests.
With senior leaders staying away and participation declining, concerns are growing that the UML’s protest movement could weaken further in the coming days.
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