Political History of Khadga Prasad Oli: A Three-Time UML Chairman
Khadga Prasad Oli has been elected as the Chairman of the CPN (UML) at its 11th General Convention. Oli succeeded in becoming the party chairman for the third time by defeating his competitor, Ishwor Pokharel, by a wide margin of votes.
According to the final election results of the General Convention, Oli defeated Pokharel by a margin of 1,099 votes. By winning three consecutive General Conventions, Oli has completed a "hat-trick" in the position of Chairman.
Previously, in the 9th General Convention held at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, in Asar 2071, Oli was elected Chairman for the first time by defeating the then General Secretary, Madhav Kumar Nepal. In that election, Oli received 1,047 votes while Nepal secured 1,003 votes.
During the 10th General Convention held in Sauraha, Chitwan, in Bhadau 2078—following the UML party split—Oli wanted to become Chairman through consensus. However, voting took place after former Vice-Chairman Dr. Bhim Rawal filed his candidacy. In that election, Oli received 1,837 votes while Rawal received 223 votes.
Having continuously held the responsibility of party Chairman since 2071, Oli also remained in the role of Chairman following the party merger with the Maoist Center in 2075.
Who is Oli?
The life of CPN (UML) Chairman Oli is full of struggle. His real name is Khadga Prasad Oli. In politics, he is well-known by the name ‘KP Oli.’ His supporters affectionately address him as ‘KP Ba.’
Born on Falgun 11, 2008 in Tehrathum district, Oli rose to prominence in politics from a humble family background. His father, Mohan Prasad Oli, is an astrologer. After his mother passed away when he was young, he was raised under the care of his grandmother, Rammaya Oli.
After his residence in Balkot was damaged during the "Gen Z" movement, he has been living in Gundu, Bhaktapur, with his wife, Radhika Shakya.
Oli, who studied up to the SLC level, is known as a sharp orator in Nepali politics. He has served as Prime Minister four times: in 2072, 2074, 2078, and 2081. Due to his blunt and candid remarks, he occasionally finds himself in the midst of controversies.
Political Journey
Oli received political training from a Marxist study group in 2023 and became involved in student organizations affiliated with the then Communist Party of Nepal from 2025. After receiving party membership in 2026, he took on the responsibility of Deputy Secretary.
In 2029, he became the chief of the Jhapa Movement Committee. Oli is one of the prominent leaders of the famous Jhapa Uprising. Active in the leftist movement since the age of 17, he was forced to spend 14 years in prison before reaching the age of 22.
First arrested in Jhapa on Falgun 16, 2027, Oli was arrested more than 10 times on different occasions. He spent long periods in jails across Rautahat, Birgunj, Kathmandu, Nakhu, Pokhara, and Syangja. Eventually, he was released from Bhadragol Jail on Asar 11, 2044.
Open Politics and Party Roles
After his release from prison, he served as the founding Chairman of the Democratic National Youth Federation, Nepal, on Jestha 1, 2047. From 2049 to 2071, he remained a member of the UML Standing Committee.
Oli, who led the Lumbini Zone on behalf of the United Left Front during the 2046 People's Movement, played a significant role alongside Madan Bhandari in drafting the "People's Multi-Party Democracy" (Jabaj) during the fifth General Convention in 2049.
