UML Leader Bhattarai States: Badal’s Old-Age Rhetoric Cannot Represent UML Policy

March 10, Butwal – Central member of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Khimalal Bhattarai, has voiced dissatisfaction and opposition regarding statements made by Acting Chairman and Parliamentary Party Leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal. Through social media, Bhattarai remarked that the language, style, and approach used by Badal are inconsistent with UML’s policies and traditions. He particularly criticized Badal’s use of terms such as “seizure,” “attack,” and “enemy” during a district committee meeting held in Pokhara on March 9.

Badal had earlier targeted UML Vice Chairman Vishnu Prasad Paudel with sharp remarks and accused elements within the party of undermining its policies and attempting to weaken UML from within. In response, Bhattarai stated, “The language, style, and perspective presented by Comrade Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ at the district committee meeting in Pokhara on March 9 stand opposed to party policy and UML’s foundational teachings.” Emphasizing adherence to the path of the people’s multi-party democracy, Bhattarai clarified that rhetoric involving seizure and aggression does not align with UML’s political stance.

Bhattarai added, “Words like seizure, attack, and enemy are not part of UML’s discourse. The guiding principle of people’s multi-party democracy absolutely rejects such terminology. We do not intend to seize power forcibly; rather, we strive to win the hearts of the people and advance through healthy competition. Our policy is not about seizing power by force or attacking others; instead, we secure victory through peaceful struggle. We compete, not create enmity. This is UML’s mode of struggle.” While Bhattarai stressed respect for the acting chairman, he emphasized that the wartime style of language is incompatible with UML’s policy.

He further explained, “I am not trying to teach the acting chairman, but merely pointing out that his old combative rhetoric cannot serve as UML’s policy.” Bhattarai also commented that Badal appears disconnected from the current situation of the party and lacks understanding of how to mobilize party workers and supporters effectively. “He failed to assess the current state of UML and was unable to devise strategies to organize activists and well-wishers. What we observed was a mindset, language, and approach akin to a time of war,” he said.

Bhattarai recalled that he had previously regarded Badal as a theoretically conscious, soft-spoken, and courteous leader, but recent remarks have caused him disappointment. He also expressed concerns over the weakened leadership role during the party’s current complex situation and urged senior leaders to pay careful attention. Bhattarai, considered close to UML Chairperson KP Oli, has ignited discussions within UML regarding leadership style and the party’s future direction. Internal disputes have intensified over Badal’s appointment as party leader despite his prior roles as UML’s Kaba chairman and proportional representation lawmaker. Earlier, Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel had also criticized Badal’s remarks in Parliament. The party secretariat held a meeting reviewing Badal’s expressions and concluded that such views were contrary to party principles and policies.