Kathmandu, December 18: Freshly re-elected as Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) for a third consecutive term with a commanding majority, KP Sharma Oli addressed newly sworn-in office-bearers and central committee members during the oath-taking ceremony at the conclusion of the party’s 11th National Convention. His speech, delivered amid a charged atmosphere following a landslide victory over rival Ishwar Pokhrel, blended expressions of gratitude to loyal party cadres with sharp criticism of the current government and veiled distrust toward state institutions compromised during the recent Gen-Z uprising.

Oli’s remarks, compiled from reports across Nepali media outlets, underscored the UML’s resilience while signaling a confrontational stance ahead of national elections expected in early 2026.

Gratitude for Party Loyalty and Cadres’ Dedication

Oli began by thanking delegates and party workers for their unwavering support, crediting them for his decisive win (1,663 votes against Pokhrel’s 564). He described the convention as a testament to the party’s unity and strength, emphasizing that the UML had “risen from ashes” despite past challenges, including the party’s near-split and his own ouster as prime minister in September 2025 amid youth-led protests.

“The faith you have shown in me and the party reaffirms that the UML remains the backbone of Nepali nationalism and democracy,” Oli reportedly said, praising cadres for rejecting “internal disruptions” and external pressures.

Distrust in State Institutions and Criticism of Government

In one of the most pointed sections, Oli expressed deep skepticism toward state mechanisms, alleging they had been “infiltrated and compromised” during the Gen-Z movement that toppled his government. He accused the current administration of veering toward “authoritarianism” and failing to create a conducive environment for fair elections.

“The government is walking the path of dictatorship,” Oli warned, adding that attempts to “trouble or suppress” the UML would “bring the country to a standstill.” He claimed state institutions had been undermined, eroding public trust, and vowed the UML would work to restore “peaceful and just governance” while protecting democracy from further erosion.

Assertions of UML’s Enduring Strength Against Threats

Oli portrayed the UML as an “eternal” force unbeatable despite repeated “attacks” on democracy and the party itself. “If anyone touches the UML, the nation will come to a halt,” he declared, framing the party as the ultimate defender against both external conspiracies and internal betrayals.

He reiterated themes from the convention’s opening session, insisting the UML would emerge as a “decisive national force” committed to prosperity and good governance, not “politics of stunts.”

The oath-taking ceremony followed the announcement of full results, where Oli’s panel dominated 17 of 19 office-bearer positions. Notable surprises included the election of young leaders like Asmita Thapa and Elisa Gautam as central members, signaling some generational shift amid Oli’s consolidation of power.

Political analysts view Oli’s address as a rallying cry for UML cadres ahead of upcoming polls, while highlighting lingering bitterness over his government’s fall. The speech sets the tone for an aggressive opposition strategy, with Oli positioning the UML as the guardian of nationalism in a politically volatile Nepal.