CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held an extensive discussion with leading party cadres in Kathmandu.
During the meeting, Oli stressed the need to act strictly against tendencies that attempt to split the party, spread confusion against organizational unity, or support anti-movement elements. Sharing past and present experiences, he urged cadres to move forward with unity to strengthen the party.
Recalling the 1997 split led by Bamdev Gautam, Oli said, “At that time, our party was close to winning a two-thirds majority, but the split put us into serious crisis. We had to expel one another and struggle a lot to reach today’s position. Despite all odds, UML emerged stronger.”
Indirectly pointing at former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Oli said it was inappropriate for a former head of state to engage in activities against the party. “A former President should not behave indecently. Organizing gatherings of those who speak against the party is harmful in the long run,” he remarked.
On the membership dispute, Oli clarified: “There is a rumor that Chyasal swallowed the membership, but it is not true. No applications were filed, procedures were not completed. Membership renewal is not a personal choice; it is decided by the party.”
He further noted, “The meeting did not take place at Baluwatar as rumored; it was held at the party office.”
Emphasizing political decorum, Oli said, “The Constitution itself discourages former Presidents from returning to active politics. I respect the former President, but mobilizing against the party is indecent and ultimately harmful for the country as well.”
Responding to questions on the ideological line of Janatako Bahudaliya Janabad (People’s Multiparty Democracy – JABAJ), Oli asserted that the doctrine is neither personal property nor a family inheritance. “It is a historic policy of the party and movement, not something to be monopolized by an individual or a foundation.”
He added that a former President should be respected but not used to weaken the movement. He also expressed dissatisfaction over personal attacks against him, saying, “Baseless writings were circulated against me around the Ring Road.”
Oli criticized leaders like Ishwar Pokharel for straying from the path and Karn Thapa for misrepresenting the party statute. He accused journalists of spreading false rumors about membership distribution. “Such attempts to weaken the party will not be tolerated,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Oli recalled working closely with the late Madan Bhandari. “I did not reach here alone. It was a collective struggle that built today’s leadership. Yet some fail to see this and instead side with opponents,” he said.
Rejecting speculation about Bhandari’s possible future leadership, he stated, “The party cannot be run by symbolic figures. There is no possibility of Bidya Devi Bhandari becoming chairperson. Supporting her has even brought me disrespect.”
On nationalism, he clarified: “We do not politicize nationalism. That is the specialty of our party.”
He recalled supporting Rabi Lamichhane politically from the beginning and cited UML’s role in helping Rajendra Lingden win in Jhapa, challenging him to prove himself again in the upcoming elections.
Reiterating that JABAJ is collective, not personal, he emphasized that the upcoming party statute convention would be an “assembly of unity.” If unity fails, he said, accountability would be settled in the General Convention.
On the debate over term and age limits, Oli argued, “Looking at the aspirations of comrades and the needs of the time, there is no necessity to impose a 70-year age bar or term limits. As long as the party needs me and cadres trust me, I will not step down.”
Concluding, Oli highlighted his vision for the future: “Sometimes it feels like a dream. Through long struggle, we have reached here. Madan Bhandari’s contribution was greater than mine, but we worked together. The movement and organization are our greatest assets. Individuals are not bigger than the movement.”
He declared that UML would not accept attempts to weaken the movement: “Our Statute Convention will be one of unity. Otherwise, the General Convention will settle the scores. That is the collective wish of the party rank and file.”
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