UML’s PR picks spark outcry as old faces dominate new list

KATHMANDU, Jan 2: The CPN-UML began its candidate selection for the March 5 elections on Thursday—but controversy has erupted over its proportional representation (PR) picks. The dispute arose as the party started the selection process in districts with only one constituency.

Critics say the party is prioritizing those who have repeatedly enjoyed opportunities in the past, sidelining younger members. Even after reaching the Youth Central Committee following the 11th general convention, many past beneficiaries appear to dominate the PR list, raising questions about UML’s commitment to change.

The PR list submitted to the Election Commission shows that out of 110 seats, four former ministers and 11 former lawmakers have been given repeat chances.

Ram Bahadur Thapa, vice-chairperson in the post-Oli party hierarchy, has been a recurring figure in UML politics. Elected to the Constituent Assembly in 2008 and the National Assembly after 2017, he served as Defense Minister under Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Home Minister under KP Oli. Known for his staunch support of Oli’s faction, Thapa—and his wife Nainkala Thapa, a former minister and lawmaker—have repeatedly benefited from party opportunities.

Thapa has now been placed as the top PR candidate for the indigenous nationalities category, a move criticized by UML leader Gokul Baskota as disrespectful to the community. After failing to secure a National Assembly seat, Thapa returns to the PR list at the top.

Other prominent repeat picks include Secretary Padma Aryal, former State Ministers Jit Bahadur Darji and Nardevi Pun, and ex-Vice-Chairperson Guru Prasad Baral. Several lawmakers who have already held PR seats—such as Nirudevi Pal, Komal Oli, Ushakala Rai, and Shanta Chaudhary—have been included again, while former directly elected lawmakers Bishmalal Adhikari Danuwar and Gorakh Bahadur Bogati also appear on the list.

Despite these repeats, UML claims that over 90% of new candidates have been given opportunities this time, with relatives and close associates excluded. The party insists that only those essential for effective parliamentary performance were repeated.

Still, internal dissatisfaction is growing. Critics argue that veteran figures could have been assigned party work, giving younger members a chance to shine in Parliament—an opportunity the party missed to send a message of renewal.

List of Candidates by Category:

Khas Arya:

Padma Aryal, Tukabhadra Hamal, Nirudevi Pal, Komal Oli, Narbadevi Siwakoti, Anjila Thapa, Menuka Kafle, Lata Prasain, Yasudakumari Baral, Lilakumari Bhandari, Sanumaiya Khadka, Narayankumari Khanal, Prabha Baral (Paudel), Kranti Burlakoti, Kalpana Sharma Joshi, Bijaya Dhital, Bhagirathi Kumari Chand, Guru Prasad Baral, Pushparaj Kandel, Gorakh Bahadur Bogati, Naresh Prasad Pokhrel, Prem Parajuli, Parshuram Adhikari, Lal Bahadur Mahtara, Ram Bahadur Thapa (Syangja), Harishankar Yogi, Balaram Sharma, Durgabahadur Shahi, Deepak Bahadur Paudel, Thaneshwar Prasad Basyal, Lal Bahadur Rawal, Daphkumar Bastola, Bambahadur BC.

Indigenous Nationalities:

Bhumika Limbu Subba, Gangadevi Shrestha, Anita Kandangwa, Ushakala Rai, Taradevi Gurung, Lucky Sherpa, Mausam Rai, Nardevi Pun, Bhaktakumari Lama, Meena Baram, Yamuna Ghale, Mankumari Titung, Kanta Rai, Sharmila Gurung, Sumitra Rajbanshi, Harusara Rana, Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar, Kulbhakta Shakya, Yuddhabhakt Chitrakar, Indrabahadur Tamang, Sonam Chiring Lama, Bidyanand Singh Rajbanshi, Santbahadur Praja, Baglal Budha Magar, Om Bahadur Gharti Magar, Jehendra Singh Aitwal (Sauka), Prem Ghale, Dalbahadur Gurung, Bijay Singh Lama Tamang, Naveen Rokka Magar, Bishmalal Adhikari Danuwar, Rajkumar Shrestha.

Madheshi:

Rigala Yadav, Yasodhakumari Yadav, Binakumari Sah, Sharmilakumari Yadav, Manju Mahto, Anshu Singh, Babita Das, Asha Yadav, Chandeshwar Mandal, Arbind Sah, Ramcharitra Sah, Rajesh Agrawal, Sushil Kumar Srivastav, Chandeshwar Yadav, Anil Kumar Singh, Bichariprasad Yadav, Sachidanand Sah.

Dalit:

Bishnumaya BK, Nita Ghatani, Radhika Bhujel Saki, Anju Nepali, Mayadevi Podeni, Urmiladevi Pasman, Maina Achhami, Sabitra Ghimire, Jit Bahadur Darji Gautam, Yam Bahadur Pariyar, Manohar Bishwakarma Nepali, Nirmal Deula Pode, Som Portel, Bom Bahadur Bishwakarma, Jag Bahadur Nepali.

Tharu:

Manjukumari Chaudhary, Shanta Chaudhary, Ichchhakumari Chaudhary, Asradevi Chaudhary, Kriparam Rana, Shivaprasad Chaudhary, Jazirprasad Chaudhary.

Muslim:

Sajida Khatun Siddiqui, Ruhi Naj, Rojiran Khatun, Mohammad Harun Halwai, Iqwal Miyan.