Kathmandu, 17 October (H.S.): In a significant political development, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that his party, the CPN-UML, will boycott the upcoming general election called by the interim government. He also definitively rejected calls to step down from his position as party chairman.In his concluding speech on Friday at the CPN-UML’s Central Committee meeting, Oli declared the formation of the Sushila Karki government as unconstitutional.

Therefore, there is no justification for participating in an election conducted by an illegal government, he stated. Oli claimed the current administration was formed outside the constitutional framework under external pressure and asserted that when he left office, he had urged the President to find a political solution within the constitution.

Oli’s declaration to boycott the polls was immediately met with opposition from within his own party. Two vice-chairpersons, Ashta Laxmi Shakya and Yuvraj Gyawali, voiced their dissent, leading to a brief commotion during the meeting. While the rival faction demanded participation in the election, Oli countered by stating that the majority of party members believe they cannot grant legitimacy to a poll held by an unconstitutional government.

Responding to demands that he resign as party chairman, Oli was resolute, stating he has no intention of stepping down. He announced he will once again contest for the chairmanship at the party’s next general convention and would only leave the post if he were to lose that election.

Additionally, Oli addressed the issue of granting party membership to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, stating that it is not possible. He made it clear that no party leaders should advocate for her membership, as a final decision has already been made to deny it, and the party stands by that verdict.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar