Oli urges UML Far-west lawmakers to end factionalism and focus on unity

Dhangadhi: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has made a decisive intervention in the dispute that has emerged within the party’s Sudurpaschim Province parliamentary party and the evolving power equation.

Amid growing differences among lawmakers over the leadership of the parliamentary party, Oli called all 11 provincial assembly members from the Far West to Gundu in Bhaktapur for a special discussion. The meeting, held at a time when a faction dissatisfied with the working style of parliamentary party leader and former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal is demanding a leadership change, is being viewed as significant.

During the discussion, Oli instructed the lawmakers to set aside internal disputes, strengthen the party, and prepare for possible elections. Following the meeting, CPN-UML Sudurpaschim Province Chairman Krishna Prasad Jaisi told Ratopati that there was no formal discussion on changing the parliamentary party leader. He said Oli had emphasized the need to move forward unitedly in the upcoming provincial and local elections.

“The Chairman focused on how to make the role of our 11 MPs in the provincial assembly and government more effective and how to improve weaknesses within the party,” Jaisi said.

Oli also reviewed the previous election results during the meeting and expressed concern over the party’s weak performance.

“With provincial and local elections approaching, the Chairman has instructed us to begin work at the grassroots level to improve results and move forward in a dispute-free manner,” Jaisi added.

At present, a coalition government is in place in the Far West, led by Nepali Congress leader Kamal Bahadur Shah, with UML as a partner. The meeting also discussed the effectiveness of the government and coordination with the Congress.

Oli questioned why the party lagged behind despite cooperating with the Congress, noting that UML does not hold a majority on its own in the Far West. However, the internal desire among some lawmakers to change the parliamentary party leader and the possibility of a new power equation remain unresolved.