Internal UML tensions: Bhattarai proposes discussion on Dhakal-Baskota notice dispute

Kathmandu – With Bidhya Devi Bhandari announcing her return to active politics within the CPN-UML, the tension within the party has begun to ease. Bhandari’s decision to rejoin the political arena has encouraged party leaders and members, who previously hesitated to speak openly, due to party chairman KP Sharma Oli’s leadership style.

Bhandari, the former president, declared her return to the UML on July 14, coinciding with Madan Bhandari’s birth anniversary. Even before this official announcement, she had been active in party activities, leading to growing internal conflicts within the party.

Party leaders are now publicly expressing their differing opinions and openly questioning Chairman Oli’s decisions and leadership style. As competition resurfaces at lower levels between Oli and Bhandari’s factions, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has urged various party forums to refrain from discussing future leadership until the upcoming legislative convention.

Recently, during a meeting of the party’s coordination mechanism for mass organizations, held in Chyasal, Pokharel instructed officials not to engage in leadership debates before the legislative convention. Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, also a member of the standing committee and head of the mass organization mechanism, urged members to stick to institutional decisions and advised against speaking against the party’s resolutions.

Addressing a gathering of organization in-charges and officials in preparation for the legislative convention, Dhakal warned officials who did not adhere to party decisions and expressed concerns about leaders openly backing Bhandari.

Demonstrating his strong support for Chairman Oli, Dhakal stated, “Thinking one becomes a leader by disregarding party policies and regulations needs to be abandoned. Some organization officials display a mindset that institutional decisions are optional. This is on the party’s radar.”

Following Dhakal’s warning to those outside the party’s establishment, Gokul Baskota, a leader instrumental in Bhandari’s political reactivation, took to social media to criticize Dhakal. Baskota posted on Facebook, mocking Dhakal’s “notice” and suggesting it was unnecessary, writing, “Notices seem to be popular, but people are claiming there’s ‘no need to teach.’ What’s so hard to understand? Anyone willing to enlighten me?”

After Baskota’s social media challenge to Pokharel and Dhakal, another leader, Yogesh Bhattarai, also took to social media to urge an end to the confrontational approach from Chyasal and to advocate for dialogue instead. He proposed transforming the growing divisions within the party into opportunities for collaboration.

Bhattarai wrote on Facebook, “Let’s end the practice of confrontation, sit down, and discuss. Let’s seek solutions through cooperation. This aligns with our philosophy and our duty to the nation, citizens, and UML, bringing us all together.”

Following Bhattarai’s suggestion for dialogue, UML central committee member Ushakiran Timilsena raised concerns about irregularities under Oli’s leadership, calling for discussions within the central committee.

Timilsena stated, “Despite emphasizing politics based on rules and ideology, inconsistencies under Oli’s leadership must be addressed. (The) issues you’ve pointed out, dear comrade, have occurred over the last 11 years. People are speaking against being cornered. Proper political action should follow the rules and ideological path. Let the central committee resolve outstanding matters.”

She further proposed a review of the “destructive actions” under Oli’s leadership, highlighting controversial appointments and electoral alliances. Timilsena added, “Let’s engage in discussion and scrutiny over these destruction acts done in the guise of committees and institutions—assignments like appointing Durga Prasain as a central member or making Ek Nath Dhakal a lawmaker, alliances with figures like Rajendra Lingden and Kamal Thapa, denying a ticket to Bhim Rawal, and revoking party membership.”

Timilsena concluded, “The alarm bells are ringing, indicating there’s no escape from the critical issues and questions we face. There’s no space for avoidance. Red salute.”