Six Far-West leaders eye key positions at UML 11th general convention

Dhangadhi: The 11th General Convention of the CPN-UML is set to be inaugurated on Saturday in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, with Chairman KP Sharma Oli leading the opening ceremony. The convention, which will continue until Monday, aims to select the party’s new leadership.

Over 140 delegates from the Far West Province have been selected as national representatives for the convention. Additionally, at least 200 leaders from the Far West, including Central Secretary and Far West in-charge Lekhraj Bhatta, are expected to participate in the leadership selection process. More than half a dozen leaders from the Far West are aspiring for office bearer positions, primarily drawn from the current central committee.

Central Secretary and Far West in-charge Lekhraj Bhatta is reportedly staking a claim for the post of Vice President, though he has not publicly announced his candidacy. Sources indicate that Bhatta, who has served as Secretary and Sudurpaschim in-charge, aims to continue his work in protecting party leadership. Under his guidance, Sudurpaschim representatives in the Central Committee discussed the general convention and leadership aspirations in Shankhamul on Wednesday.

Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa is likely to vie for the post of Deputy General Secretary. Thapa has stated he is ready to compete for any post, whether Deputy General Secretary or Secretary. In addition to Bhatta and Thapa, five Far West leaders have openly expressed their aspirations for the post of Secretary.

Those aspiring for the Secretary position include former ministers and Politburo members Ganesh Singh Thagunna, Naradamuni Rana, and central members and former ministers Damodar Bhandari, Lal Bahadur Thapa, and Jhapat Rawal. Thagunna, Bhandari, and Lal Bahadur Thapa have already met Chairman Oli to submit their intentions. Thagunna emphasized his desire to serve as Secretary to support party leadership, while Bhandari expressed his aim to protect UML’s core legacy and strengthen its national influence. Lal Bahadur Thapa highlighted the need for balanced leadership development within the party.

Politburo member Naradmuni Rana, also in-charge of Kailali, confirmed his claim for an office bearer position but stated he will follow leadership guidance. Central member Jhapat Rawal, with 12 years of service, has sought support from party representatives for the Secretary post. Meanwhile, Politburo members Rajendra Singh Rawal and Lila Bhandari have indicated that while they aspire for office bearer roles, they will adhere to party policy and accept responsibility if assigned by the leadership.