Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has begun preparations to hold the party’s General Convention by Mangsir.
After resigning from the premiership under pressure from the Gen Z Movement, Oli convened a meeting of the party’s Secretariat. The meeting decided to call a Central Committee meeting from Asoj 27–29, where the date for the General Convention is expected to be finalized, according to a senior UML source.
Earlier, UML had held its Statute Convention in Godawari (Bhadra 20–22), amending the party statute to reappoint Oli as chairman. However, the subsequent Gen Z Movement forced him to flee Baluwatar by helicopter.
Despite growing concerns within the party that his continued leadership could harm UML’s future, Oli is reportedly determined not to step down as chairman. Sources claim he aims to swiftly organize the General Convention to secure his position once again.
Among party leaders, only Vice-Chairman Guru Baral, General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, and Bishnu Rimal remain firmly in Oli’s camp, while most other office bearers want him to step aside. Outvoted in the Secretariat meeting, Oli bypassed major decisions and directly called the Central Committee meeting.
Oli has also faced criticism for deciding not to renew the party membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Nevertheless, he is moving forward with plans to hold the General Convention quickly in an attempt to consolidate his leadership before the next elections.
Meanwhile, the government formed after the Gen Z Movement has announced that the next House of Representatives election will be held on Falgun 21.
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