ML general secretary Bamdev Gautam, who felt a strong threat during Pokhara gathering, expanded the party central committee immediately after his returning to Kathmandu. In present expansion, he has included 14 members in the central committee, ten of whom are Gautam supporter.

Gautam, took such a decision when ML’s powerful leader CP Mainali is visiting China. In this regard, many ML leaders have opposed Gautam’s present decision. The opposition voice may become much lauder after Mainali returns back from China.

Both Gautam and Mainali are trying to grasp party leadership. In the mean time, a third group has emerged in the party, which is seeking to return back in the UML.

Central committee members Hari Parajuli, Yamlal Kandel, Salim Miya Anshari, R.K. Mainali, Raghubir Mahaseth and many others have been developing contacts with the UML leaders in the process of returning back to the UML.

Bamdev Gautam himself may be willing to return back to the UML party by confessing all mistakes. But, his path may be blocked by Keshab Sthapit and Keshab Lal Shrestha. The UML leadership is not ready to accept these two persons in the UML again.

(Naya Current weekly, Tuesday, October 5)