If Oli Is Removed, Who Will Command UML? Bishnu, Shankar, and Surendra as Potential Contenders

KATHMANDU — Discontent within the CPN (UML) against Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s leadership has recently begun surfacing with growing intensity. Following the review of past elections, the view that the party has been unable to achieve expected momentum under Oli’s leadership is gaining ground within the party. This is not merely routine criticism but is being taken as a serious question mark over the party’s future direction and leadership structure.

According to analysts, Oli, sensing internal discontent, has attempted to shift the pressure toward external political issues by raising agendas such as “left unity.” However, critics say that while this may temporarily stall immediate debates, it does not resolve the core problem.

Party sources indicate that leaders including Vice Chairman Bishnu Poudel and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel are increasingly leaning in favor of a leadership change. They believe that under Oli’s continued leadership, the party cannot regain the energy of a people’s movement. Similarly, the faction close to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, considered to be opposed to Oli from the beginning, has further strengthened the current debate.

These developments suggest that the anti-Oli force within the UML is gradually becoming more organized and influential. The issue of leadership change is no longer confined to closed-room discussions but has evolved into a public debate.

What is the alternative if Oli is removed?

If Oli is removed as chairman under any circumstances, the question of new leadership appears to become even more complex. Vice Chairman Bishnu Poudel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, and Secretary Surendra Pandey are being discussed as potential contenders. However, since no clear ideological divide is visible among them, the question remains — how much difference would a leadership change actually bring to the party’s direction?