It had been a long time coming for KP Oli, who on Tuesday defeated Chairman Jhal Nath Khanal by a margin of 23 votes to become the parliamentary party leader for the UML at the constituent assembly. Five years ago at the party’s eighth general convention in Butwal, Oli could only watch on in despair as Khanal won the race for the top post. Now, he can finally have the last laugh and also extend his sphere of influence within the UML.
Before this week, the public perception of Oli was that of a clownish political figure who had a proclivity for colourful speeches. But now that he has the responsibility of overseeing all of UML’s activities within the CA hall, people will be forced to take him more seriously. Senior leaders, who were tired of seeing Khanal and Madhav Kumar Nepal hog the limelight, are also happy with Oli’s victory.
While his contemporaries, Nepal and Khanal, have both made it to Singha Darbar, the post of prime ministership has so far remained out of Oli’s grasp. This is not to say he has never had ambitions to be the head of government. On the contrary, close aides claim he has been preparing for the top job for almost a decade now. Having gained the trust of national and international powers, it won’t be surprising if Oli moves into Baluwatar in a few months’ time.
The UML has a long history of breaking apart after such partisan elections. But after the Butwal meet, party members have shown the maturity to accept democratic results. Another positive aspect of having Oli lead the CA, is that the UML will finally have a clear ideological standpoint on the assembly floor.
Critics often say the UML see-saws when the going gets tough. Fortunately, Oli has always made his position clear. He isn’t close to the Maoists so he will keep the UCPN (M) under check, but nor will he be subservient towards the NC. There will, of course, be some problems when the party is led by one and its lawmaking is handled by another, but Oli’s appointment will go a long way in ensuring that the UML becomes a dominant leftist force in Nepal.
The newly elected parliamentary party leader will, however, have to pay his supporters handsomely and Bamdev Gautam tops the list of allies. Despite Oli’s consummate people’s skill, he will face stern challenges from those who want to drive wedge between him and Gautam.
The other charge hurled at Oli is that he doesn’t pay attention to problems. But he is a confident man and has proved his mettle over the years. When he was home minister, the head of the police praised him for fulfilling all the promises he made. He left a good impression as a decision-maker when he was deputy prime minister, minister for foreign affairs, and also while handling the discussions on Bhutanese refugees.
Detractors within the party say Oli has risen to the top on muscle power. But other UML members are eager to work under him because he has a reputation of taking supporters under his wings. All politicians use money and might, but Oli is different in that he never plays his cadre against each other. His time has come.
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