UML's 11th General Convention kicks off in Bhaktapur

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 14: The 11th General Convention of the CPN-UML began at Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, on Saturday.

Party Chair KP Sharma Oli formally opened the convention by hoisting the party flag through a remote control. The inauguration ceremony was attended by thousands of party leaders and cadres. 

Leaders from various political parties, including acting Vice-President of the Nepali Congress Purna Bahadur Khadka, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Dev Gurung, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chair Rajendra Lingden, and Nepal Communist Party General Secretary Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’, among others, attended the inaugural session and conveyed greetings on behalf of their parties.

The convention has brought together 2,262 elected and nominated delegates along with 309 observers. It will elect the party’s new leadership during the closed sessions scheduled for Sunday and Monday at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. 

A UML secretariat meeting held on Friday decided that the new leadership structure will include 15 central office-bearers and a 251-member central committee.

Addressing the gathering, party chair Oli said the 11th General Convention should emerge as a decisive force committed to democracy and the interests of the people. 

He said the large turnout reflected public trust in both democracy and the UML, and stressed that the party was steering the country towards prosperity and well-being.

Oli described the convention as a genuine commitment rather than a political stunt. He claimed that all forces seeking good governance and development have supported and will continue to support the UML. 

He added that a   stronger communist movement strengthens national sovereignty, noting that Nepal’s communist movement has set several proud benchmarks over the past eight decades.

He further said the UML has led inclusive politics by ensuring representation from all sectors and remains a driving force for socialism tailored to Nepali realities. 

He further said that his party advocates grassroots and participatory development while also pursuing large-scale development projects.

Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, addressing the event, said the convention had begun amid a national crisis but would deliver a message of unity and serve as a campaign to safeguard the country. He reaffirmed the UML’s commitment to preventing the nation from heading in the wrong direction, restoring democracy, reinstating Parliament, and fulfilling its national responsibilities. According to the party, around 10,000 volunteers have been mobilised to manage the event.

The UML’s 10th National Congress was held in Sauraha, Chitwan, in 2021.