KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that he might retain the party Chair position through the upcoming 11th National Congress if an agreement is reached or if elected by the delegates.

In conversation with editors organised by Press Chautari Nepal today, Chairman Oli expressed his belief that the party’s 11th National Congress would bring some changes to the status quo and that there would be gradual generational transition and handover in leadership.

Stating that he would not work under any pressure by setting any preconditions, party Chair Oli urged senior Vice Chair Ishwar Pokharel and other leaders to make efforts for consensus within the party rather than giving proposals from outside the party.

Former Prime Minister and UML Chair Oli stated that the UML, having a long history as a political party, is a party that operates according to public demand, and therefore is actively making itself involved in the path of nation-building.

He urged those who say they want to finish UML to come to the inaugural session of the party’s National Congress to be held in Sallaghari, Bhaktapur on December 13 to observe the status of UML.

Chairman Oli stated that he has held talks with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba regarding the national political issues including the restoration of Parliament, noting that the UML is in favour of Parliament reinstatement.

Referring to the context of having accepted the court decisions even if unsatisfactory, Chairman Oli mentioned that there is no legal provision requiring him to give a statement to the inquiry commission formed to investigate the September 8 and 9 movement.

The UML’s 11th National Congress is taking place on December 13-15.