UML Internal Party Dynamics: Potential Leaders under Chairman KP Sharma Oli

According to a leader close to Chairman KP Sharma Oli, the intense discussions among the establishment leaders in Gundu suggest that the Vice Presidents likely to be repeated are Bishnu Paudel, Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal', and Guru Baral.

Sources indicate that General Secretary Shankar Pokharel is highly likely to be repeated in his position. However, Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali has also not given up his claim for the post of General Secretary. 

Similarly, Prithivi Subba Gurung is telling his close associates that he will not abandon his bid for General Secretary under any circumstances. 

Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the three Deputy General Secretaries—Prithivi Subba Gurung, Pradeep Gyawali, and Bishnu Rimal—will be repeated.

For the Secretary posts, the incumbents from the current committee—Padma Aryal, Raghubir Mahaseth, Lekhraj Bhatta—are likely to be repeated.

Strong contenders for the remaining three Secretary positions include Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Sherdhan Rai, Jwala Shah, Suman Pyakurel, Mahesh Basnet, Rajan Bhattarai, Khagaraj Adhikari, Jagat Bishwakarma, Yam Lal Kandel, and Gorakh Bogati.

At a time when the Gen Z movement and the country are seeking out young leaders, Oli's panel in the UML shows no sign of change. While the repetition of old faces in the Oli panel seems certain, the Pokharel panel is likely to appear with a fresh perspective.