KATHMANDU: A heated debate has erupted within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) over recent decisions related to party statute amendments, raising concerns about unity and stability within the party.

The controversy erupted following a late Thursday night Secretariat meeting that approved major changes, including removing the 70-year age limit and two-term restriction for leadership positions, dissolving the Secretariat, maintaining 15 office bearers, and expanding the Central Committee to 251 members.

UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel announced on social media that uncertainty over statute formulation had ended, emphasizing that the party now has strong leadership and unity needed for the upcoming “Mission 84.”

Senior party leaders, including Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel, challenged this view, stating that while serious discussions on the statute amendment draft have taken place, further examination and refinement are still needed.

Adding to the tension, Standing Committee member Karna Thapa objected to General Secretary Pokhrel’s assertion, arguing that ongoing discussions should not be presented as finalized decisions.

Thapa warned against the misuse of party positions and stressed the need for leadership neutrality, cautioning that decisions made by a small group without broad consensus would not be accepted by the party.