Internal Rift Deepens in CPN-UML in Sudurpashchim, Leadership Change Discussed

Dhangadhi. An internal conflict is currently visible within the CPN-UML in Sudurpashchim. Sources indicate that the dispute, which began over political appointments, has now escalated to the point of changing the parliamentary party leader in the Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly.

The dispute within the UML has taken a new turn, primarily due to growing distance between the party's provincial committee and the lawmakers close to the parliamentary party leader and former Chief Minister, Rajendra Singh Rawal, concerning his working style.

Leaders claim that the main cause of this deadlock is political appointments. Rawal, the parliamentary party leader, is accused of making appointments to various government bodies without any coordination with the party's provincial committee.

Leaders including CPN-UML Provincial Chairman Krishna Prasad Jaishi are displeased after Rawal unilaterally recommended appointments for hospital management committees and other political posts.

‘He has not consulted the party committee regarding appointments to various government bodies. Recommendations have been made arbitrarily,’ said UML Provincial Chairman Jaishi. The Provincial Committee has interpreted Rawal's working style as an attempt to run a parallel government and has formally informed the central leadership about this matter.

The dispute did not end there. The situation became more complex on Sunday when the Krishnapur Municipal Committee of the National Youth Union Nepal, Kanchanpur, locked the parliamentary party office. The youths accused Rawal of being out of contact and appointing individuals who were uncooperative to the party.

However, leader Rawal has dismissed these allegations as baseless and misleading. He claimed that the appointment to the Mahakali Provincial Hospital was made in consultation with the party.

‘Recommendations were made after consulting with the Provincial Chairman and other leaders. I do not know why misinformation is being spread now,’ Rawal stated.

Although he stated that he was out of contact for some time due to illness, the opposing group has labeled this as irresponsibility.

The dispute intensified further after Jammuna Chand from Bajhang was recommended for the post of Chairman of the Khaptad Tourism Development Committee. While Rawal claims he showed courage by bringing a woman into an executive role, the provincial committee views this as factional politics.

Although Rawal stated he used the special privilege of the parliamentary party leader, the party considers this against institutional decisions.

Most of the 11 CPN-UML provincial assembly members currently appear in favor of finding an alternative to Rawal. Internal discussions to change the parliamentary party leader have intensified.

The names of three main individuals are being discussed for the position of party leader. Among them, Deputy Parliamentary Party Leader Santosh Kumari Sharma Thapa is in the first position. Thapa claims to be the natural successor. She considers herself a strong candidate due to her position as a woman leader and Deputy Leader.

Similarly, Chakrabahadur Malla has also staked a claim for the party leader position. Elected from Doti, he holds the role of Chief Whip. With good relations with the party center, he is actively working to build momentum in his favor.

Dharmaraj Pathak is also claiming the position of parliamentary party leader. He is the Chairman of the Social Development Committee.

Pathak has presented himself as a young and capable leader. He stated that his claim is to move the parliamentary party forward with new energy.

Although they are staking claims for the parliamentary party leader position, sources indicate that the process to change the party leader will not begin until a directive comes from the party center.