Former UML vice chair Bhim Rawal has fiercely criticised KP Sharma Oli accusing him of shielding corruption and promoting autocratic practices.

Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Rawal alleged that Oli directed the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) not to file charges against Supreme Court Justice Kumar Regmi and Nabin Paudel, son of UML vice chair Bishnu Paudel, in the Lalita Niwas land corruption scam.

“Did the CIAA decide under Oli’s instruction that there was no need to file cases against Regmi and Paudel after they returned the illegally obtained land? Is there a law that pardons theft simply because stolen property is returned?” Rawal questioned.

The Lalita Niwas corruption case involves fraudulent acquisition of government land in Baluwatar, with high-profile figures implicated. Rawal claims that such actions undermine accountability and reflect a misuse of power.

Rawal also criticised Oli for adopting policies driven by arrogance and exclusion, which he said have fuelled conflict within the UML. “I became a victim of Oli’s bias. Was it a clarification or a charge sheet?” Rawal asked, referring to his expulsion from the party. Attempts to engage in dialogue with Oli, he said, were thwarted by the leader’s “intransigence.”

Furthermore, Rawal accused major political parties of ideological bankruptcy, corruption, and inviting foreign interference. “There is rampant corruption, and influential figures are being shielded. Power-hungry leaders are exploiting governance to serve their interests,” he added.

Rawal expressed scepticism over Oli’s promises of socialism. “Should we believe KP Oli’s rhetoric about delivering socialism?” he asked, challenging the credibility of such claims.

Last week, Rawal and two other leaders were expelled from the UML after opposing the decision to build the party headquarters using funds donated by a controversial businessman. The UML secretariat accused them of undermining the party and terminated their memberships.