Himal Press 
Oli-Gyawali
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has said that party-affiliated trusts and foundations should focus on the party’s movement and collective interests, not on personal gain.
Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Madan-Ashrit Memorial Foundation Chairperson Pradeep Gyawali at the party office on Friday, Oli said such organizations established in honor of prominent leaders and linked to the party should not become tools for exploitation.
“The Foundation was established in May 1993, following the party’s decision in the aftermath of the demise of the then General Secretary Madan Kumar Bhandari and then Organization Department Chief Jeevraj Ashrit, to advance the ideology of People’s Multiparty Democracy,” Oli said. “Later, when the party was not paying enough attention to honor these leaders, the Madan Bhandari Foundation was opened on a personal initiative.”
Taking a swipe at former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who has been trying to re-enter politics through the Madan Bhandari Foundation, Oli said its activities and leadership no longer demonstrate commitment to the movement. “Such institutions must remain loyal to the party and should not be used against its interests,” he added.
Oli urged the foundation’s new leadership to promote social studies, individual capacity, loyalty, and knowledge, as well as the development of human consciousness and discipline.
The post had become vacant after the death of Pradeep Nepal in May. The Foundation’s 31st general assembly, held last week, appointed Gyawali as the new chairperson.
Gyawali is the Deputy General Secretary of the UML.
