UML Meeting Turns Heated As Leaders Question KP Oli’s Leadership After Election Defeat

A Secretariat meeting of CPN-UML held to review the Fagun 21 election and discuss leaders’ work division turned heated on Friday, as senior party leaders strongly questioned Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s leadership. The meeting, held at Oli’s private residence in Gundu, lasted nearly six hours but reportedly failed to enter the main agenda of work division due to long debates over the party’s election loss and future direction.

According to party sources, tensions rose after some leaders suggested that Oli should take responsibility for the party’s defeat and give a political way out. However, Oli reportedly dismissed the ongoing debate on leadership change and party reorganization, calling it a meaningless discussion. He also suggested that some leaders should face action instead of pushing for restructuring, which angered several members in the meeting.

Vice President Bishnu Paudel reportedly told the meeting that UML is in a serious crisis and needs an honest, fact-based review. He said the party must be brought out of the current situation and argued that the leadership should take responsibility for the election defeat. Paudel’s remarks added pressure on Oli, as he directly raised the issue of leadership accountability.

The strongest reaction came from Vice President Prithvi Subba Gurung after Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ defended Oli’s leadership. Badal reportedly said it was time to protect the leadership and not support those weakening the party and movement. In response, Gurung strongly objected and said UML is not anyone’s private company.

“UML is not anyone’s private company. Many leaders and workers have given their blood, sweat, and hard work to build this party. No one can turn it into a private company,” Gurung reportedly said during the meeting.

Other leaders, including Raghuji Pant and Gokarna Bista, also stressed the need for an objective review of the election result and steps to revive the party. A leader present in the meeting said the debate became so long that the work-division agenda could not be discussed at all.

Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatta said the meeting ended after five vice presidents spoke for nearly six hours. The remaining leaders, including the general secretary, deputy general secretaries, and secretaries, are expected to present their views in the next meeting on Saturday.

The heated discussion shows growing internal pressure inside UML after the Fagun 21 election. While some leaders are calling for reform, review, and leadership accountability, Oli appears to be resisting calls for leadership change. The next meeting is expected to show whether the party moves toward compromise or deeper internal conflict.