Kathmandu: The leadership tussle inside the CPN (UML) has intensified as Senior Vice President Ishwor Pokharel formally announced his candidacy for party chairman on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a power struggle ahead of the party’s 11th general convention.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Pokharel declared that he would contest for the top post during the upcoming general convention. “Based on the ideas mentioned regarding party building, I have come to the conclusion that I will present myself as a candidate for the post of party chairman in the 11th national convention. I have accepted the requests and suggestions made by friends across the country for party reorganization and transformation,” he stated.

Pokharel expressed confidence that current party chair KP Sharma Oli would facilitate a smooth leadership transition. Emphasizing collective leadership and merit-based allocation of responsibilities, he said, “I am committed to developing the CPN (UML) as a decisive national force through collective leadership and initiative, while assigning responsibilities according to the qualifications, capabilities and interests of party comrades.”

He further remarked, “I expect that party chairman Comrade KP Sharma Oli will play a positive role in the leadership handover, respecting the principles he himself has put forward regarding the party's internal democracy. I request the party chairman to ensure a smooth exit through a parental role.”

Pokharel has also urged caution and fairness in the selection of delegates for the general convention scheduled for Mangsir 13, signaling the beginning of a competitive internal race for the party’s future leadership.