Conflict within UML Sudurpaschim: Crisis Reaches Point of Removing Parliamentary Party Leader

March 22, Dhangadhi – Disputes over political appointments in the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) in the Sudurpaschim Province have escalated to the point where the parliamentary party leader may be replaced.

Rajendra Singh Rawal, leader of the parliamentary party, has been criticized by the UML Sudurpaschim Province Committee for making appointments, including to the hospital management committee, unilaterally and without consultation. The committee has communicated these concerns to the party’s central leadership.

“He has made political appointments within various government bodies without consulting the party committee. He has been recommending candidates on his own accord,” said UML provincial chair Krishna Prasad Jaishi. “We have sent a report on this matter to the party headquarters.”

Former Chief Minister Rawal has been accused of losing contact with the party. In response, the Krishna Pur Municipality Committee of the National Youth Union of Nepal in Kanchanpur organized a lockout at the parliamentary party office on Sunday, protesting his absence.

Participants in the lockout accused Rawal of acting unilaterally in political appointments, favoring individuals who obstructed candidates during the House of Representatives election, and ignoring repeated attempts to contact him.

Rawal’s Response

Rawal denied all allegations against him, stating there was no truth to the accusations. He clarified that so far, all appointments, such as those to the Mahakali Provincial Hospital’s management committee, were made based on party advice.

He emphasized that all recommendations were made after consultations with the provincial party chair and other leaders. “All appointments were recommended only after discussions, including with the provincial chairperson,” Rawal said. “It is unclear to me why they are spreading misleading claims now.”

He also noted that due to some health issues, he had not been able to maintain regular contact with party leaders.

Rawal added that attempts were being made to stir controversy when he recommended Jamuna Chand from Bajhang as chair of the Khaptad Tourism Development Committee. “Is it a mistake to recommend a woman for an executive role? These were suggestions made by them. The decision of the parliamentary party leader should also be respected,” he said, “It’s not my duty to merely follow whatever the provincial chair says.”

According to one party leader, questions over Rawal’s leadership style have prompted provincial leaders and lawmakers to actively consider replacing the parliamentary party leader. However, those aspiring to the position await guidance from the central party leadership.

“The party is facing problems due to his leadership style. Everyone agrees that it is necessary to seek alternatives and move forward,” said a lawmaker. “The province has already sent a formal note to the party headquarters. We are waiting to see what kind of directives come from the center.”

Three Leaders Aspiring for Leadership

The UML has 11 members in the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly. Among them, Rawal is the parliamentary party leader and Santosh Sharma Thapa serves as deputy leader.

Koilidevi Chaudhary holds the post of deputy speaker. Chakrabhadur Malla, elected from Doti, is the chief secretary, while Janaki Kunwar from Baitadi is the assistant secretary.

There are three ministers from UML: Surendra Bahadur Pal, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development; Birbahadur Thapa, Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Hira Parki, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law. Nirmala Saud serves as State Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development. Dharma Raj Pathak is chair of the Social Development Committee.

According to sources, three key leaders aspiring for the parliamentary party leader position are deputy leader Santosh Sharma Thapa, chief secretary Chakrabhadur Malla, and Social Development Committee chair Dharma Raj Pathak.

“All three are contesting the leadership position and discussing it in their own ways. However, personal ambition alone is not enough,” said one lawmaker. “The opinions, advice, and directives from the central party and provincial committee are also essential.”

Thapa considers it natural to vie for the leadership role since he is currently the deputy leader. Central member Malla is actively working to build support for his candidacy.

Dharma Raj Pathak claims that as a younger leader, he has the capacity to lead the parliamentary party effectively.