Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Amid growing calls for his resignation following the CPN-UML’s poor performance in the House of Representatives elections, party Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down from the leadership anytime soon.
Speaking at a program organized by the party’s Organization Department on Wednesday, Oli urged party leaders and cadres to dismiss any rumors or doubts regarding an immediate leadership change in the party.
“Do not harbor any suspicion that I will throw down my bag, abandon the party in a lurch and walk away,” Oli said, addressing the internal friction within the party.
“I will confront these difficult circumstances, steer the party forward, and guide it toward success. Only when the time comes for retirement will I step down. That will happen strictly in accordance with the party’s official statute, procedures and system.”
Oli acknowledged that the party is currently facing a difficult period and said he had been elected chairperson to lead the organisation through both favourable and adverse circumstances.
“If conditions are favourable and one gets the opportunity to become prime minister, it is easy to move ahead enthusiastically. Leadership is not about running away when difficulties arise,” he said. “I was chosen as chairperson to lead the struggle and to face challenges when they emerge.”
While Oli defended his continuation at the helm, Vice Chairperson Bishnu Paudel admitted that the party cannot move forward under its existing structure and functioning following the electoral setbacks.
“The party cannot advance in its current form and manner. A complete reorganization is necessary,” Paudel said.
He added that the party secretariat has already formed a high-level task force to draft a comprehensive restructuring proposal.
“The task froce report will be deliberated within both the Secretariat and the Central Committee before any final decisions regarding organizational changes are made,” he added.
Acknowledging the jolt that the party faced in the recent elections, Paudel said the UML would expand its outreach to rebuild public trust. He also reminded cadres that obtaining or renewing party membership is not merely a bureaucratic exercise, but an acceptance of political ideology and systemic responsibility.
