Dispute in UML Sudurpashchim Parliamentary Party Resolved as Rawal Offers Self-criticism

The internal dispute within the CPN-UML Sudurpashchim Province Parliamentary Party has been temporarily resolved following self-criticism by Leader Rajendra Singh Rawal. Party Chair KP Sharma Oli convened all provincial assembly members from Sudurpashchim at his residence in Gundu to discuss the conflict. During talks addressing the allegations against Rawal and demands for leadership change, emphasis was placed on government reshuffling, with Oli instructing all MPs to maintain unity. Dated 30 Baishakh, Dhangadhi.

Tension within the parliamentary party eased after Leader Rajendra Singh Rawal acknowledged concerns about his conduct. Chair Oli had earlier summoned all Sudurpashchim provincial assembly members to his residence in Gundu for discussions regarding the dispute. On 23 Baishakh, he first met with the provincial MPs, followed by separate dialogues with Deputy General Secretary Lekharaj Bhatt, Province Coordinator Ganesh Thagunna, Chair Krishna Prasad Jaishi, and Leader Rawal.

During the discussions, Rawal accepted self-criticism regarding questions raised about his leadership style and behavior, committing to collaborate more effectively moving forward. He apologized if his words or demeanor caused discomfort but maintained that he had not engaged in activities detrimental to the party. The demand for government reshuffling was raised during the talks in Oli’s presence, with Rawal pledging to address his weaknesses, which diminished calls for leadership change within the parliamentary party.

Calls for Rawal’s removal as party leader came from Deputy Leader Santosh Sharma Thapa, Chief Whip Chakra Mall, and MP Daman Bhandari, who had separate consultations with Chair Oli and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel. However, during discussions in Gundu, these leaders focused more on government reshuffling than leadership change. According to one leader involved in the talks, those dissatisfied with Rawal’s style proposed reorganizing the cabinet before the upcoming fiscal year budget to ensure their inclusion in the government. Chair Oli directed Rawal to unify all parliamentary members and lead cohesively.

Regarding the government reshuffle, leaders indicated decisions would be made after further consultation with others. Sources report ongoing high-level discussions on whether to maintain the existing power-sharing arrangement with Nepali Congress or to form a new political alignment as proposed by the CPN-UML. Meanwhile, parliamentary party leader Rajendra Singh Rawal declined to comment publicly on the discussions held in Chair Oli’s presence, requesting instead that inquiries be made directly with the Chair. Some provincial assembly members had long been dissatisfied with Rawal, accusing him of unilateral decisions on budget allocation, political appointments, and government management. As tensions escalated, despite health issues, Chair Oli actively engaged in efforts to resolve the dispute. Groups pressing for Rawal’s removal are currently monitoring his conduct and have indicated they will consider further action if improvements are not observed.