Kathmandu, March 28 — Leaders of the CPN (UML) have strongly condemned the arrest of party chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, calling it a clear case of political vendetta by the government.
Speaking to the media at the party’s central office on Saturday, Vice Chairman Gokarna Bista criticized the move and demanded Oli’s immediate release. He described the arrest as an act of political revenge and urged party cadres to remain disciplined while standing firmly for justice.
Similarly, UML leader and former minister Pradeep Gyawali accused the government of bias and warned of strong resistance. He stated that the party would challenge the move through both legal and political means, hinting at a nationwide campaign against what he termed an attempt to sideline the UML.
“This is an act of revenge. We will oppose it legally and politically,” Gyawali said, adding that the party’s position is already clear.
Another UML leader, Bishal Bhattarai, alleged that the government acted in retaliation by implementing the report of a Karki-led investigation commission. He claimed the report was controversial, accusing it of selectively focusing on incidents from September 8 while overlooking larger घटनाहरू on September 9. He also questioned the neutrality of commission chief Gauri Bahadur Karki, warning that such actions would not ensure long-term peace and stability.
Meanwhile, UML leader and former Home Minister Khagaraj Adhikari also termed the arrest “illegal and retaliatory.” He called for Oli’s unconditional and immediate release, stating that the move violates constitutional provisions, legal norms, and principles of justice.
“This action will only fuel conflict in the country. UML is prepared to resist both legally and through street protests,” Adhikari said.
Oli was arrested from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, on Saturday morning in connection with a serious criminal charge.
