Kathmandu: Internal disputes and debate over leadership change within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) have intensified after senior leaders openly questioned the leadership of party chairman KP Sharma Oli during the party’s Central Secretariat meeting.

The meeting, held at Oli’s residence in Gundu on Saturday, reportedly witnessed strong criticism of the party’s current direction and working style. According to leaders present at the meeting, Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai directly urged Oli to step down from leadership.

“The party cannot move forward under your leadership anymore. You should resign,” Bhattarai reportedly told Oli during the discussion.

Earlier, during Friday’s meeting, four UML vice-chairpersons had also indirectly urged Oli to “pave the way” for leadership transition.

Party General Secretary Shankar Pokharel is also said to have informed Oli that the party was facing a difficult political situation and could not continue in the same manner.

However, Chairman Oli firmly rejected calls for resignation. According to leaders attending the meeting, Oli said he would not leave the leadership under pressure and argued that he still retained strong support within the party’s Central Committee.

“You cannot pressure me like this. I will not leave like this,” Oli reportedly stated.

Following indications that he may be in the minority within the Secretariat, Oli has reportedly insisted that any final decision regarding leadership should be discussed in the broader Central Committee meeting.

Speaking to journalists after Saturday’s meeting, UML Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatta expressed dissatisfaction over details of internal discussions being leaked publicly.

He said differing opinions within the party were natural but stressed that leaders should maintain discipline and discuss disagreements within party structures.

“The political culture I come from teaches that internal discussions should remain within the party’s system, procedure and discipline,” Bhatta said.

According to him, five party secretaries presented their views during Saturday’s session, while four others are yet to speak.

The Secretariat meeting is scheduled to continue on Sunday at 11:30 am at Oli’s residence. During the meeting, Chairman Oli is expected to respond to the questions and criticisms raised by party leaders over the past two days.

Party leaders say the meeting could lead to significant discussions and possible decisions regarding the UML’s future leadership and organizational direction.