UML convention delegates discuss party’s draft statute

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 7: The Statute Convention of the ruling CPN-UML continued for the second consecutive day on Saturday in Godawari, Lalitpur, focusing on group discussions regarding proposed amendments to the party’s statute.

According to Rajendra Gautam, Chief of the UML Publicity Department, Saturday’s session, which began at 9:00 AM, saw delegates divided into 10 groups to deliberate on the party’s draft statute. 

These groups were organised along provincial lines, including the Kathmandu Valley, central party structures, mass organizations, liaison committees, and the diaspora.

Gautam stated that on Sunday, the leaders of these groups will present their reports to the full house assembly, incorporating suggestions and feedback gathered during the discussions.

Following these presentations, party Chairperson KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to respond to suggestions on the political report. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel will address feedback on the organizational report, and Vice-Chairman Bishnu Paudel will respond to queries related to the statute amendment proposal.

During the group discussions, some representatives expressed support for renewing the party membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari. 

In addition to the group sessions, chairpersons of four key party commissions presented their reports to the convention. 

These included Keshav Badal of the Central Disciplinary Commission, Dr. Pushpa Kandel of the Central Accounting Commission, Dr. Bijay Subba of the Central Election Commission, and Amrit Kumar Bohora of the Central Advisory Council.

Meanwhile, Standing Committee member Karna Thapa, who had submitted his differing opinion to the party’s central office on Thursday, was reportedly denied opportunity to present his views in the full assembly. 

Although Deputy General Secretary and party spokesperson Pradeep Gyawali had earlier stated that Thapa would be allowed to express his opinion, he was instead asked to present it within his respective discussion group.

The convention has seen participation from approximately 2,349 attendees, including 2,033 official representatives. 

According to the Publicity Department, representatives from the party’s 10th General Convention have retained their status for this convention as well.

The event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday.