Internal pressure is beginning to build within the CPN-UML following the party’s unexpected defeat in Nepal’s recent parliamentary elections. In a notable development, the party’s Makwanpur district chairman, Shridhar Pokharel, has announced his resignation from the post, taking moral responsibility for the disappointing results.
Pokharel made the announcement on Sunday through a detailed statement shared on social media. He said his decision was guided by respect for the public mandate and the need to accept accountability for the party’s poor electoral performance. His resignation takes effect immediately.
Beyond stepping down from his own position, Pokharel has also called on the party’s central leadership to take similar responsibility. He urged senior leaders to acknowledge the causes behind the defeat and consider resigning if necessary to open the door for party reform and renewal.
In his statement, Pokharel reflected on the party’s long political journey—from its earlier days as the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist–Leninist) to its current form as the CPN-UML—and said the recent election outcome should prompt serious introspection within the organisation.
He criticised what he described as a tendency among leaders to avoid identifying the real reasons behind the party’s declining public support. According to him, vague explanations and attitudes driven by ego and internal rivalry will not help the party recover.
Pokharel stressed that responsibility must be taken at every level of the organisation, from grassroots structures to the party’s top leadership. He suggested that senior leaders, including the party chair and general secretary, should undertake a sincere review of the situation and take necessary steps to rebuild the party.
Although he has stepped down from his formal role, Pokharel said he remains committed to supporting younger leaders and believes a new generation can guide the party toward renewal.