Kathmandu. CPN (UML) Chairman and Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has issued a stern warning that factionalism within the party, under the names of various leaders or groups, will not be tolerated. Addressing the 24th General Convention of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU), Oli stated that even before the convention was officially announced, there were plots to weaken the party by spreading rumors about who would assume leadership.
“There’s a lot of talk now, they’re mentioning ‘this group’ and ‘that group’ down below,” Oli said. “There’s no need for any of that. Another game is trying to play out here, ‘so-and-so is coming,’ and so on. There’s been no party discussion about who will be chairman or vice-chairman. The general convention hasn’t been announced. You must neutralize those who are trying to weaken the party by spreading rumors outside and disrupt the morale of party workers. Respond to their statuses and other nonsense.”
Oli warned that if party matters were taken outside through Facebook or interviews to tarnish the party’s image, it would be considered an external attack and would be responded to accordingly. He asserted that throwing stones at the party from outside would no longer be considered an internal matter, expressing his exasperation with such behavior. In this context, he cited Bhim Rawal as an example of someone who has consistently criticized the party from outside for years.
Hint at Rethinking 70-Year Age Limit in UML
Prime Minister Oli indicated that the 70-year age limit implemented in the UML has “failed.” After Bishwakant Mainali, the first speaker at the ANNFSU General Convention ceremony, stated that he had retired from politics after turning 70, Oli commented that the provision was no longer applicable.
Chairman Oli cited examples of Communist parties in China and Cyprus that also removed age limits, arguing that leadership could be provided based on necessity as long as one’s health permits and capability exists.
“Bishwakant Ji said he got a bit old,” Oli stated. “Now, the 70-year age limit has failed in UML. I am 74; there’s no going back four years, so didn’t 70 as a retirement age fail? In China, there was a system where the General Secretary and President could only serve twice, but that was removed during Xi Jinping’s tenure when the need for continuity was seen. He is now 72 years old. They had a 65-year limit there; the Communist Party of Cyprus also removed their 65-year age limit. Now, the party will make decisions on this based on its own needs.”
Oli also claimed that Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal were not removed from the chairmanship due to the 70-year age limit, but rather when there was no longer a need for them to serve. He further cited the example of Manmohan Adhikari, who served as party chairman until the age of 78.
Oli’s Rebuke to Madhav Nepal
Prime Minister Oli also took a jab at Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist), accusing him of threatening to destroy the party he led for 14-15 years.
Oli stated, “He was a leader in that very party for 14, 15 years. And then he threatens to turn that party to ashes. He says he’ll turn it into dust. He says he’ll grind it to powder. He says he’ll make it so you can’t find it even with a flashlight. What kind of animosity is that towards the party? Leaders who led the party for three decades gather in one place and say they will finish off that very party.” He questioned the motive behind such attempts to destroy the party.
However, Oli noted that he himself was not allowed to participate in party activities for 15 years, yet he never complained. “For 15 years, I couldn’t go anywhere within the party, couldn’t meet anyone,” Oli said. “I couldn’t even step foot in the Youth Federation that I founded for 10 years. But I never complained. I never said anything. I never uttered a word.” He emphasized that he always spoke only about political matters and in favor of the party.