Himal Hub/ The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or CPN-UML, has decided to organise a national workers’ gathering in Kathmandu during the first week of Mangsir, 2083, as part of its wider effort to advance party activities across different levels of its organisation.
The decision was taken at a Standing Committee meeting held at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Thursday, October 8, according to reports from party leaders. The gathering is expected to bring together provincial and district-level office-bearers, local-level party leaders and elected representatives from different tiers of government.
Party secretary Mahesh Basnet said the gathering could draw around 20,000 participants. The event is expected to serve as a platform for discussions on organisational priorities and the party’s upcoming political activities.
CPN-UML Sets Dates for Ward and Local-Level Conventions
Alongside the national gathering, the party has announced a timetable for its ward and local-level conventions.
The ward-level conventions are scheduled for Mangsir 26, 2083, while local-level conventions are planned for Poush 4, 2083. Provincial-level gatherings are expected to follow the completion of the ward and local-level conventions, according to information shared after the Standing Committee meeting.
The sequence indicates that the party intends to continue its organisational activities from the local level before moving towards broader provincial engagements. These conventions are important opportunities for party committees to review their organisational arrangements, select leadership where required and coordinate future activities.
The implementation of the schedule will depend on the party’s preparations and any subsequent decisions regarding the events.
Around 20,000 Participants Expected in Kathmandu
Basnet has indicated that the national gathering is expected to attract approximately 20,000 participants. The planned attendees include provincial and district committee office-bearers, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of rural municipalities and municipalities, as well as elected representatives from federal, provincial and local levels.
The gathering will bring together party representatives from different organisational and governmental levels in one forum. Its significance will depend on the issues discussed, decisions adopted and priorities established for the party’s next phase of political activity.
The announcement comes as CPN-UML continues to organise meetings and conventions below the national level. The upcoming events are expected to provide a framework for coordinating party activities and communicating decisions to its wider organisational network.
Party Moves to Address Vacant District Leadership Positions
The Standing Committee also discussed organisational gaps in districts where the party chairperson’s position remains vacant.
According to reports of the meeting, 13 districts have vacant chairperson positions. The party has decided that the respective district-level bodies should make decisions on filling these positions, convert the arrangements into organisational committees and forward them to the higher committee for approval.
The decision is intended to address outstanding leadership vacancies and clarify the organisational structure in the affected districts. The appointments and their subsequent approval will be important steps in implementing the party’s organisational decisions.
Bidya Devi Bhandari Takes Oath as Senior Leader
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari attended the Standing Committee meeting and took the oath of office as a senior leader of CPN-UML, according to reports published after the meeting.
Her participation was another notable development from the party’s organisational proceedings. However, the main decisions announced from the meeting focused on the national workers’ gathering, the timetable for local conventions and the management of vacant district leadership positions.
Public Concerns May Feature in the Party’s Next Phase
Basnet has also spoken about giving greater attention to issues affecting the public, including rising prices and corruption. Reports indicate that the party may pursue political mobilisation around such concerns following the national gathering.
The precise nature, timing and format of any such programme should be distinguished from the organisational decisions already announced. Further details would depend on formal announcements from the party.
For CPN-UML, the coming months will involve a series of organisational events, beginning with the national workers’ gathering and continuing through ward, local-level and provincial activities. The outcomes of these meetings, along with any subsequent political programmes, will help clarify the party’s priorities and approach in the months ahead.
