May 21, Kathmandu - ​​​​​​​The CPN-UML has proposed to return the land initially donated to businessman Min Bahadur Gurung, expressing gratitude for his previous gesture, during its Secretariat meeting held on Monday.

According to sources, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli presented a proposal to return the 10 Ropani 14 Aana land in Kalanki, which was previously allocated to Gurung, along with a ceremonial groundbreaking for building a house there. The gesture is seen as a move to mend past controversies related to the land donation.

In Ashwin 2081, Gurung had donated the same land to UML, promising to build a house, which sparked significant internal debate within the party. Several leaders, including Dr. Binda Pande and Usha Kiran Thapa, opposed the decision and were subsequently suspended from party responsibilities for six months.

Following protests during the Gen-Z Movement on Bhadra 23-24, which included arson at Bhatbhateni, Gurung reportedly withdrew his proposal, leading to a shift in the party’s stance.

UML has now decided not to accept the land and instead plans to construct its new office building on its own property in Balkhu. The party’s Secretariat also discussed renting a house as a temporary office until the new Balkhu building is completed. 

The party has also concluded that there will be no legal obstacles to constructing the new office in Balkhu, following the Supreme Court’s recent decision.

Since the devastating earthquake in Baisakh 2072 destroyed UML’s headquarters, the party has been operating from rented spaces. Initially, UML was based at the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Foundation in Dhumbarahi, but due to disputes and structural concerns caused by the Chakrapath expansion, the party relocated. 

Later, UML moved into a rented house owned by a businessman in Thapathali Heights, and in 2079 BS, the party shifted to the Tulsi Lal Memorial Foundation building in Chashel. However, the government has asked the Foundation to vacate the premises as the leasehold rights were not converted into ownership.