KATHMANDU, July 2: General Secretary of the ruling party CPN-UML Shankar Pokharel has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing debate over party leadership, claiming that the timing is inappropriate for such a debate. His remarks come amid growing speculation following former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return to active party politics.
Addressing a virtual party meeting on Wednesday, Pokharel emphasized that discussions on leadership should not take place before the date for the next general convention is even decided.
“With no date set for the general convention, the debate over leadership must be completely halted,” said Pokharel. “At a time when the party rank and file should focus on policy and procedural development, leadership debates do not serve the party’s interests.”
Bhandari’s announcement of her return to UML politics has sparked a wave of speculation within the party. The debate has intensified as factions begin to form around the possible future leadership of KP Sharma Oli and Bhandari. Pokharel’s directive appears aimed at preventing further division within the party.