UML central committee members under psychological fear

KATHAMANDU, July 22: Most central committee (CC) members of the CPN-UML appear to be under psychological fear while speaking at the party’s ninth CC meeting.

On the very first day of the meeting on Monday, the issues of statute amendment and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s political journey became pressing topics. As a result, the CC members chose a middle-ground tone while expressing their views, revealing clear signs of psychological distress.

“Whether they spoke in favor of Chairman KP Sharma Oli or commented on Bhandari, members seemed confused about how to address both leaders equally. When discussing the draft of the statute, their hesitation regarding the age limit of 70 years and the two-term provision on party’s executive positions showed clear signs of fear,” said one CC member who attended the meeting.

According to that member, speakers also seemed fearful about facing disciplinary actions in the future if they openly supported Bidya at this stage. “So far, only Ishwar Pokhrel has openly spoken out. Since Pokharel is not strong enough to form his own faction, other members are not yet ready to rally behind him,” claimed the CC member.

According to another member, CC members from Gandaki Province began expressing their views on Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Poudel’s statute amendment proposal.

The CC members Rajiv Pahari, Padam Giri, Rabindra Adhikari, Surya Pathak, Ram Saran Basnet, Indralal Sapkota, Prabha Koirala, Balkrishna Kaucha, Tilak Mahat, Navaraj Sharma, and Kedar Sigdel took a moderate stance during their remarks.

During the meeting, the CC members Rajiv Pahari, Padam Giri, Rabindra Adhikari, Surya Pathak, Ram Sharan Basnet, Indra Lal Sapkota, Prabha Koirala, Bal Krishna Kaucha, Tilak Mahat, Navaraj Sharma, and Kedar Sigdel expressed moderate views. While they did not clearly state that former President Bidya Bhandari should not enter politics, they emphasized the need to maintain her dignity and honor.

CC member Sigdel stated that it is not appropriate for someone who has already served as president to return to active politics. However, he completely overlooked the issues of the 70-year age limit and the two-term provision.

Before the CC meeting began, provincial in-charges had instructed and briefed their respective lawmakers the night before on what to say and what to avoid.

CC member Pahari called on all CC members to support re-electing Oli as chairperson at the 11th General Convention. He said the UML must secure a majority in the 2084 B.S. elections under Oli’s leadership. CC who wanted to speak were given three minutes each in the meeting that began on Monday.

Vice Chair and head of the Statute Amendment Committee Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the statute amendment proposal. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel shed light on the organizational proposal to be presented at the Statute Convention.

Meanwhile, lawmakers from Madhesh Province Assembly expressed their clear opinions on the age limit and the 70-year provision. CC member Arvind Singh said it was not a good practice to modify the age limit as per convenience. “We must end the trend of adjusting the age limit to suit our interests,” he said. Singh stated that removing the 70-year age limit and two-term rule would increase competition among office-bearers. He also demanded a swift resolution regarding the role of the former President. “The responsibilities and membership status of the former President must be settled soon,” he added.

At the start of the meeting, UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Oli warned party leaders and cadres not to become spokespersons for former President Bhandari. This caused confusion among CC members during their remarks. Oli also clarified that he had met Bhandari the previous day at Chyasal.

“Bidya and I had a conversation yesterday [Sunday]. There is no need to make a big issue out of it. I shared a few things with her and have received a response,” said Oli. He mentioned that he informed her of the politburo's decisions during their meeting. “We clearly conveyed that national politics, the dignity of the presidency, and our republic should not be dragged into unnecessary controversy. She said she would think it over and inform us later. Once we receive her response, the party will make further decisions as necessary,” said Oli.

Party publicity department chief and politburo member Rajendra Gautam also said that party chair Oli informed the meeting about his interaction with the former President. Citing Oli, Gautam said the conversation was transparent and open.

“Yesterday (Sunday), the meeting between the party chair and the former President happened at her request. She said she had not been able to visit the party office for ten years and wanted to meet there, so we held the discussion at the party headquarters,” said Gautam, quoting Oli.

“All matters were discussed transparently during the meeting — from the current state of national politics, to the attacks on the UML, to how those seeking to undermine the party are moving. We also openly discussed the government's work and preparations for the Statute Convention. Regarding whether the former President will enter politics or not, the party chair presented the party's position based on ongoing developments. There is no need for any dispute regarding her party membership. The CC will make the final decision,” said Oli, according to Gautam.

According to the publicity Department Chief Gautam, 44 members have spoken so far. Members from Gandaki, Madhesh, Coordination Contact, and Valley Province Committees have shared their views.