CPN-UML Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' Likely to Become Parliamentary Party Leader After Officials Fail in Direct Elections

Kathmandu. After none of the 11 CPN-UML officials who contested direct elections on February 21 won, Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' is almost certain to become the parliamentary party leader. Vice Chairman Thapa, a former Maoist leader, was elected as a member of the House of Representatives through the proportional representation system.

Out of the 19-member UML secretariat, Secretary Padma Aryal, along with Thapa, became a proportional representation MP. In the direct elections, the UML Chairman, General Secretary, Vice Chairmen, Deputy General Secretaries, and Secretaries all failed to win.

The UML won 9 seats in direct elections and 16 through proportional representation. Following the failure of the Chairman and other officials to win the direct elections, informal discussions are underway among UML leaders to make Thapa the parliamentary party leader based on seniority, according to one leader.

Although formal discussions have not taken place as Chairman KP Sharma Oli is currently in mourning for his father, a leader close to Chairman Oli stated that in terms of 'weight,' the possibility of any MP other than Badal becoming the party leader is slim.

'The Chairman is currently in mourning for his father. No discussion about that will happen while he is in mourning,' said one official. 'But among the elected MPs, Vice Chairman Thapa appears set to become the party leader.'

It is true that there has been a voice within the UML suggesting that appointing a younger generation MP as the party leader would give a slight impression of change in the party. Those who won direct elections from the younger generation include Suhang Nembang from Ilam-2, Khitij Thebe from Taplejung, Rajendra Rai from Dhankuta, and Ain Mahar from Bajhang. Additionally, Yagya Bahadur Bogati from Achham, Laxmi Prasad Pokharel from Dailekh-2, Mohammad Ishtiyak Rai from Banke-2, Ganesh Singh Thagunna from Darchula-1, and Arjun Kumar Karki from Sankhuwasabha are among the MPs who won direct elections.

'Although there is a voice within the UML that it would be good to select the party leader from the younger generation in the changed situation, that voice does not seem to be heard,' says a young MP. 'Among them, Suhang Nembang, who won from Ilam, might be suitable, and we had a brief discussion about it, but ultimately, whoever the Chairman names will be the one.'

UML Secretary Padma Aryal stated that no formal discussion has taken place within the party regarding the selection of the party leader.

'The Chairman is in mourning. After he recovers from his grief, a meeting will be held for discussion. Nothing is certain right now,' Aryal told Ratopati. 'The UML is not in a position to form or join the government for the next five years, so the leader will be chosen to play the role of a strong opposition.'

Secretary Aryal stated that the UML's role from the opposition bench will be to protect the mandate of the people and bring the government onto the right track. Emphasizing that the UML's role in parliament will be strong in the interest of the people and the nation, she said they are in favor of supporting good work and strictly monitoring wrongdoings.

MP Nembang reacted that he has not had any discussion or conversation with the Chairman regarding the party leader yet.

'It is not the right time to talk to the Chairman now, nor have I spoken to him,' Nembang told Ratopati. 'There is no rush either. We will abide by whatever decision the party makes.'

Suhang is the son of former Constituent Assembly member Subash Chandra Nembang. He entered parliament for the first time in the by-election held after his father's demise.

'It would send a good message if one among Suhang, Khitij, and Rajendra were made the party leader,' said one official. 'However, it is understood that the Chairman wishes to make Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' the leader.'

Thapa has been known as a leader close to Chairman Oli since the time of the CPN, formed by the merger of the then CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre). Even when the CPN split and Oli and Prachanda resumed leadership of their respective parties, he remained with the UML. Thapa, who left Prachanda to join Oli, has since been seen as a leader who has received the most opportunities.

During the split of the CPN, leaders including Badal, Lekhraj Bhatta, and Top Bahadur Rayamajhi also remained in the UML. Thapa, who received the Vice Chairman post at the 10th General Convention of the UML held in Chitwan in 2078 BS (the first after the CPN split), secured his Vice Chairman position in the 11th convention as well.

In the elections held after the 'Jyanji' movement (referring to the general election following the political developments), while many UML officials contested direct elections, Thapa successfully secured his MP position by remaining on the proportional representation list at Oli's behest.

In the elections following the 'Jyanji' movement, only the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Shram Sanskriti Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) succeeded in becoming national parties. The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected MPs is scheduled for Chaitra 12.