Attempts to undermine Nepal’s communist parties will not succeed, says former PM

KATHMANDU, Dec 11: Former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has asserted that ongoing efforts by both domestic and international forces to weaken or eliminate Nepal’s communist parties will not succeed.
Speaking at a media interaction ahead of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) 11th General Convention, Oli argued that similar attempts in Nepal’s past have repeatedly failed, just as efforts to suppress communist movements in countries like Indonesia and Chile ultimately faced resistance.
Responding to questions about whether his fall from power shortly after a visit to China was coincidental or part of a broader conspiracy, Oli said that such manoeuvres have occurred before but have not altered the fundamental strength of Nepal’s communist movement.
The 73-year-old leader was ousted in September following massive youth-led protests over corruption and a controversial social-media ban, during which 76 protesters were killed due to excessive use of force—an event that has since become a central point of criticism against him.
Oli said he remains hopeful of being elected party chairman for a third consecutive term, preferably through consensus, though he welcomed healthy internal competition.
However, this year’s general convention—scheduled for December 13–15 in Kathmandu with about 2,260 delegates participating—poses a significantly tougher challenge for Oli compared to past conventions.
His rival, former senior vice-president Ishwor Pokharel, has gained notable backing, including from former President Bidya Bhandari and other senior party leaders.
Pokharel has openly criticised Oli for his handling of the September protests, arguing that Oli bears moral responsibility for the deaths and should appear before the government-appointed probe commission investigating the killings.
Oli has rejected this, claiming he does not know who authorised the shootings and calling the commission “illegitimate” under what he describes as an “unconstitutional government” led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
He expressed anger at suggestions that he must appear before the commission, saying such a decision is solely his to make.
Media reports indicate that the probe commission is preparing to summon both Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak as part of its investigation. (PTI)