UML Leadership Rebukes Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' Over Controversial Parliamentary Remarks

Kathmandu. The remarks made by CPN (UML) parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' during a House of Representatives session have sparked internal turmoil within the party.

Top party leaders have publicly expressed dissatisfaction, stating that Badal's statements contradict the official policies, principles, and the essence of the People's Multiparty Democracy (Jabaj) of the UML.

Vice-Chairman Bishnu Paudel criticized Badal's address, labeling it a move against the party's established norms. 'The views expressed by Ram Bahadur Thapa in his capacity as party leader in today's House of Representatives meeting are contrary to the party's established policies and principles,' Paudel stated on Facebook. He added that the issue would be discussed seriously at the Central Secretariat meeting and appropriate decisions would be taken.

Similarly, Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai refuted Badal's views by explaining the party's guiding principle, 'People's Multiparty Democracy' (Jabaj). Bhattarai clarified that the UML is a party that achieves superiority through competition, transforms society through peaceful and legal means, and respects public opinion.

Bhattarai stated, 'Respecting the public mandate and correcting weaknesses after a concrete review of defeat to regain public trust is the essence of Jabaj. Although the UML is currently an opposition party, it is a state-aligned party.'

Deputy General Secretary Bhattarai mentioned that the UML has no hostility toward state organs such as the army, police, judiciary, and bureaucracy, and that the party always maintains respect and trust in these bodies. 'Whether in parliament or on the streets, in government or opposition, this stance of the party remains unchanged,' he added.

During his address, Badal had claimed that the unprecedented victory of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was due to the roles of institutions and figures such as the Nepal Army, bureaucracy, Karki Commission, TOB, Barbara Foundation, and NGOs.

Emergency Meeting Called
The UML has called an emergency meeting of the Secretariat. The meeting was convened following Badal's remarks.

Vice-Chairman Gokarna Bista informed that the Secretariat meeting has been scheduled for Friday at 1:00 PM at the party office. According to UML leaders, there had been no prior discussion within the party regarding the statements made by Badal.