KATHMANDU:  Amid growing factional tensions within the CPN-UML, party Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has called for an immediate end to confrontational rhetoric centered around the party’s central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Bhattarai wrote: “Challenging Chyasal, challenging from Chyasal — let’s please stop this approach. Let’s sit down and discuss among ourselves. Let’s seek solutions through cooperation. This is the true essence of People’s Multiparty Democracy. The nation, the people, and UML — these are the foundations on which we all must stand together.”

His remarks come at a time when internal disputes are intensifying following the return of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari to active party politics.

Bhandari, a former UML vice-chair, has begun lobbying for the party chairmanship at the next general convention, fueling friction between her supporters and those aligned with current party chairman KP Sharma Oli.

While Bhattarai did not name any individuals, his message is widely interpreted as a plea to both camps to de-escalate tensions and resolve differences internally.

Party insiders view Bhattarai’s post as an attempt to preserve party unity and uphold the spirit of democratic deliberation within the UML, especially as it prepares for a leadership transition.