UML adamant on controversial office building plans

Kathmandu, October 15 — Following the donation of land by businessman Min Bahadur Gurung and Sabitri Gurung in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, criticism has emerged both within and outside the CPN-UML party regarding the party's plans to construct its central office building on that land.

UML leader Binda Pandey publicly expressed her disagreement with the decision to build the party office on land donated by a businessman who has been implicated in the Lalita Niwas scandal, and several other leaders also deemed it "inappropriate."

"A party office building is a good thing. However, given the businessman’s recent controversies, constructing a party office on the land he donated does not send a good message," stated a top UML leader, speaking on condition of anonymity. "To accept such a large donation to build a party office while leading the government, especially when floods have displaced citizens, is quite embarrassing."

Gurung and his wife donated 10 ropanis and 14 annas of land in Ward No. 2 of Kirtipur Municipality to the UML. On October 12, the party's chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, along with the Gurung couple, laid the foundation stone for the building. The UML has stated that they plan to construct a modern and fully equipped building on the site within a year.

However, UML Standing Committee member Dr. Binda Pandey argued that accepting land donations from a businessman would humiliate the party’s 550,000 members and disrespect 2.8 million UML voters, calling for the decision to be reconsidered.

No reversal of decision: Gautam
Despite such comments from responsible party leaders, the UML has made it clear that it will not reverse its decision. UML publicity department chief Rajendra Gautam stated that the decision to build the party office at that location was made after discussion in the party's central secretariat meeting, and thus, the decision cannot be changed.

"There is no possibility of reversing the decision," Gautam told Ratopati. "Businessman Min Bahadur Gurung and his wife Sabitri Gurung have donated 10 ropanis and 14 annas of land to build the UML's party office."

Gautam noted that Gurung had publicly declared his support for the UML during the foundation-laying ceremony and mentioned that he has been helping various parties.

As Gurung is ideologically close to the UML, Gautam emphasized that accepting such a 'donation' during times of crisis should not be subject to criticism when it comes from a supporter and well-wisher.

"Either we should refuse all donations, or we shouldn't be making double standards," Gautam pointed out, addressing Pandey and others who criticized the decision. "We need to clarify whether we will accept any form of donation or support and stand on our own feet. If we say that, then we may have to avoid many things."

He asserted that the UML's central secretariat formally accepted the donation from Min Bahadur Gurung and his wife to construct the building, stressing that the decision was not made in a moment of emotion, passion, or excitement.

"This is not about emotion, passion, or excitement, nor is it a matter of seeking cheap popularity," Gautam said. "The notion that this decision would humiliate 2.8 million voters and lower the heads of 550,000 party members is absurd, and the decision will not be reversed."

Both accepting and giving donations is wrong: Pandey 
UML Standing Committee member Binda Pandey commented that while it is indeed a duty for businessmen to contribute transparently to social work as part of their corporate social responsibility, both political parties accepting such donations for office construction and businessmen giving them are wrong.

"This is a step that lowers the dignity of 550,000 party members and disrespects 2.8 million voters. While it is a duty for businessmen to contribute transparently to social responsibilities, it is wrong for political parties to accept such assistance to build offices, as well as for businessmen to give it. The reasons behind their giving will be known to them," Pandey wrote on social media platform Facebook.

She further warned that such decisions, made without proper discussion and knowledge at the party's decision-making levels, could prove to be self-destructive in the long run.

"The time is not yet over. If we want to preserve the dignity of the party founded by Manamohan and Madan, which has a glorious history, and uphold the pride of our party line for future generations, this wrong decision must be corrected. We need to think in time," Pandey stated.

Criticism from within the party and allies
Not only within the UML but also from leaders of the ruling coalition party, the Nepali Congress, criticism has started to emerge over businessman Gurung’s donation of land and the UML's acceptance of it.

Ramhari Khatiwada, who is also the chair of the Parliament's State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, commented that this move has not enhanced the credibility of either Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli or businessman Gurung.

He wrote on social media platform X, "Neither Prime Minister KP Oli nor social worker Min Bahadur Gurung has gained credibility in the CPN-UML party office issue. It would be better to understand what is happening. I wanted to stay silent, but my conscience did not allow it."

Khatiwada questioned why, at a time when the government is leading during a disaster that has harmed the public, the party is prioritizing the construction of a billion-dollar central office building.

"It would have been much better if both had helped the disaster victims at this time," Khatri's question reads.