Oli Responds to Leaders Demanding Resignation: ‘Don’t Try to Persuade Me, I Will Not Step Down’

Chairman of Nepali Congress UML, KP Sharma Oli, made it clear during the Secretariat meeting that he will not step down. Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai openly urged Oli to pave the way forward. However, Oli stated that the issue will be taken to the Central Committee meeting for a decision. 9 Jestha, Kathmandu.

After most leaders requested clarity and direction during the Secretariat meeting, Oli himself declared he will not retreat. The UML Central Secretariat meeting, ongoing since Friday, has seen leaders present their views continuously. On Friday, five vice-chairpersons shared their opinions, and on Saturday, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel along with three deputy general secretaries and five secretaries gave their views.

Among those speaking on Saturday, Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai openly requested Oli to clear the path forward. General Secretary Pokharel, in contrast, used indirect language to express that the party cannot progress under the current circumstances. According to Deputy General Secretary Bhattarai, Oli listened to leaders patiently during the meeting and also provided guidelines.

As pressure on the leaders for party transformation and resignation increased, Oli expressed that he is not in a mindset to comply. Quoting Oli’s statement from Saturday’s meeting, a leader said, “I cannot be convinced this way. I will not yield. I will not resign in this manner.” While leaders were requesting a clear path during the Secretariat meeting, Oli began to argue that he still holds strong support within the Central Committee. He said the matter will be taken to the Central Committee for a decision. Four secretaries remain to present their views. After hearing these four, the proposed agenda will proceed and necessary decisions will be made, according to leaders.