Internal rift widens in UML over policy and leadership reform

Internal divisions are deepening within Nepal's CPN-UML party as calls for a significant overhaul of its policies and leadership structure intensify. Party chair KP Sharma Oli, however, remains resistant to these demands, particularly those advocating for a special convention or a national representative council meeting.

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I have made it clear that the party will not be restructured unless it faces a major crisis. The word ‘restructuring’ is now being misused… Talk of a special general convention or a representative council meeting is an out-of-season tune.

Oli has dismissed such proposals as an "untimely tune," asserting that the current leadership, elected at the 11th general convention in December, is legitimate and requires no immediate review. He stated that the party would only undergo restructuring if it faced a "major crisis," and criticized the misuse of the term "restructuring."

The intraparty dispute gained momentum after a task force, led by Vice-Chair Bishnu Paudel and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, presented recommendations following discussions across seven provinces. Their report proposes a statute convention and a national general convention representative council to address leadership and organizational matters. However, Oli reportedly objects to the term 'restructuring,' preferring 'revival.'

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If legitimate suggestions coming from below are ignored, how can the party be restructured? It is appropriate to implement those suggestions.

Supporters of the task force argue that the recommendations, based on grassroots suggestions, cannot be substantially altered. They question how the party can be restructured if legitimate input from lower levels is ignored. The report is slated for discussion at the central secretariat meeting in early September. Meanwhile, party secretary Khagaraj Adhikari emphasized that decisions on restructuring or revival require the approval of the central committee, not a single leader.

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Only the central committee can do that.