Oli’s ‘jholes’ become his challengers

A year after embracing the label 'jhole', a term critics used to describe his blind followers, KP Sharma Oli, chairman of Nepal's CPN-UML party, has adopted a new moniker for some of his former loyalists: 'awara,' meaning aimless and irresponsible. This linguistic shift signals a significant internal power struggle within Nepal's largest communist party.

Oli's change in tone comes as several party leaders who once stood firmly behind him are now openly questioning his leadership and advocating for organizational reform. Ironically, some of these dissenting voices were prominent participants in last year's 'I am a jhole' campaign, which Oli himself championed. The current confrontation has reignited a central debate within the UML: can a party founded on dissent and internal discussion truly accommodate criticism directed at its own chairman?

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I am a jhole who carries the bag of the people’s interests, the bag of their welfare and the flag of change.

The irony of Oli's latest remarks is stark when contrasted with events of the past year. In May 2025, the UML, then leading the government, held a separate Republic Day celebration. Critics on social media frequently labeled UML supporters as 'jholes.' Oli, who was both prime minister and party chair, transformed this insult into a political slogan. At a party event in June 2025, he declared, “I am a jhole who carries the bag of the people’s interests, the bag of their welfare and the flag of change.” This sentiment was amplified by a social media campaign, with senior leaders and cadres posting photos with the slogan.

However, the political landscape within the UML has dramatically shifted in the past year. Key figures like Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel and General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, who once defended Oli, are now reportedly discussing the need for a leadership change. Oli's response has been to label some of his critics as 'awara.' At a recent meeting, he dismissed those discussing his removal as party chair, stating, “Drinking tea at a canteen, these awaras are talking about removing the chair.” This comment has, in turn, sparked an 'I am awara' campaign on social media, highlighting the deepening divisions within the party.

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Drinking tea at a canteen, these awaras are talking about removing the chair.