Kathmandu, Following the Gen-Z uprising that ousted KP Sharma Oli's government, Nepal has entered a new political phase. An interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been formed with a clear mandate to hold general elections on Falgun 21 (March 5, 2026). Immediately after taking oath on Bhadra 27, PM Karki dissolved the House of Representatives to pave the way for elections.

While the interim government is moving forward with the election agenda, Oli’s party, CPN-UML, has plunged into internal turmoil. Oli, who resigned on Bhadra 24, has not been seen publicly since. Sources claim he is under military custody, but the location and duration remain undisclosed.

Inside UML, uncertainty has grown. General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has become the de facto spokesperson, issuing party statements  though sometimes inconsistent. Initially, he criticized the interim setup, calling it unconstitutional, but within a week, shifted to saying the party would cooperate with the elections. This inconsistency has created confusion among party ranks.

Despite the crisis, no official UML meeting has taken place. Insiders say decisions are on hold until Oli gives direction, even from custody. Oli reportedly instructed leaders not to hold any meeting without him, refusing to appoint even a temporary acting leader  a move seen as clinging to power.

UML leaders recall a long-standing party tradition of delegating authority during absences, from Manmohan Adhikari to Madhav Nepal, but Oli’s reluctance to do so suggests he fears losing control permanently.

Meanwhile, discontent within UML is rising. Some leaders are calling for internal reforms, while others have begun quietly exiting the party. Senior leader Surendra Pandey warned the party cannot remain in limbo indefinitely without damaging public trust.

Historically, the UML navigated leadership transitions even during the Panchayat era and the monarchy. Today, however, the party finds itself paralyzed — with no meetings, no decisions, and its top leader silent behind military walls.