The ongoing spat between the two factions of the UML-- one loyal to the party establishment and the other supporting senior leader K.P Oli - dominated Saturday's standing committee meeting of the party.

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 K.P Oli and Jhala Nath Khanal (File photo)

During the meeting held at the party headquarters Balkhu, standing committee members close to party chairman Jhala Nath Khanal complained that some party leaders [Oli supporters] had been violating discipline by challenging the party's decisions and giving statements against the leadership. They also raised objection to the parallel district committees formed by Oli faction in Dhanusa and Mahottari districts.

On the other hand, leaders loyal to Oli accused the leadership of not supporting the government led by the party and speaking in favour of a national government inclusive of the Maoists.

In an attempt to resolve the dispute in the Kathmandu district committee, the party decided to ask the dissident local leaders not to hold a separate tea reception they have been planning. Party chairman Khanal will personally discuss the issue with the district leaders to resolve the differences.

The standing committee also decided to intensify dialogue with other major parties to end the political impasse.

Likewise, the party has decided to hold the politburo meeting by mid November.

Meanwhile, UML chairman Khanal is scheduled to visit India from November 3 "at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister".

In the past few weeks, a number of political leaders including Rastriya Janashakti Party chairman and former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum chairman Upendra Yadav and UML leader Oli had visited India.

Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who returned from China after a nine-day long visit last week, is also said to be planning a trip to New Delhi soon. nepalnews.com