Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Prithvi Subba Gurung has announced that he will contest for the post of General Secretary at the party’s 11th General Convention to be held in Kathmandu on December 12–14.
In an interview with Himal Press, Gurung confirmed long-running speculation about his bid for the party’s second-highest executive position.
Gurung’s announcement comes at a time when the UML is heading into a leadership contest. Party Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, who resigned as Prime Minister after the September 8 and 9 Gen Z protests, is seeking a third term in office. Senior Vice Chairperson Ishwar Pokhrel has also declared his candidacy for the post of chairperson.
Despite being seen as a critic of Oli in recent years, Gurung has now openly aligned himself with the party chair, ending speculation that he would join Pokhrel’s camp.
“I have always said that I will claim the General Secretary’s position,” Gurung said. “I believe Oli should be given another chance. The country needs a leader who can handle this crisis, and that leader is Oli.”
Asked why he is supporting Oli at a time when many within the party are arguing that the Gen Z movement called for new leadership, Gurung said the protests had actually reinforced Oli’s relevance. “The Gen Z movement created chaos and uncertainty. In such circumstances, the necessity of Oli’s leadership has become more crucial,” he argued.
Gurung also defended Oli’s long hold on the party, saying that duration alone should not be the yardstick to assess the leadership. “A good leader can lead not just for 11 years but even for 20,” he said.
When asked what he would do if Oli preferred another candidate for the position, Gurung insisted that he is not running as part of any faction. “I do not build teams. If the leadership considers me capable, I am ready. If not, there could be other options,” he said.
