KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and Nepal Parivar Party (NPP) Chair Eknath Dhakal continue to share a close political relationship, even as both parties face internal criticism over leadership style and organizational functioning.Oli, who has a history of sidelining leaders such as Yogesh Bhattarai and Gokul Baskota after questioning their performance, has also neutralized challenges from the Ishwar Pokharel faction, further consolidating his control over CPN-UML.After coming under intense pressure to resign following the Gen-Z movement, Oli managed to reclaim party leadership and has since reverted to a strategy of settling scores with past challengers. Amid this backdrop, his continued alliance with Dhakal—whose Nepal Parivar Party lacks strong grassroots presence and organizational reach—has drawn attention for its strategic and unusual nature.The Oli–Dhakal partnership dates back to 2017 and remains intact ahead of the March 5 elections. On Sunday, UML and NPP formally agreed to cooperate in both federal and provincial elections. The agreement, signed by Oli and Dhakal, commits NPP to support UML candidates, while UML will ensure parliamentary representation for NPP leaders when required. Under the deal, NPP will retain its independent political identity outside parliament but stay aligned with UML’s parliamentary group.Their working relationship became more visible after Oli assumed UML leadership. In the 2022 elections, Dhakal was placed on UML’s proportional representation list, enabling him to enter parliament despite not being a formal UML member. Although UML statutes do not normally permit non-members to serve as party MPs, Oli facilitated Dhakal’s entry by bypassing internal rules, presenting him as a close political ally.Dhakal has consistently defended Oli on major national issues and publicly praised his leadership, benefiting from the political space and recognition extended by UML. Despite this backing, NPP’s influence at the local level remains limited, and Dhakal continues to depend on UML for broader political legitimacy.Dhakal is also known for his frequent foreign travel and links with religious organizations. He is associated with the Nepal chapter of the Universal Peace Federation, linked to the Unification Church founded by Korean religious leader Sun Myung Moon. While this affiliation has occasionally sparked controversy, his alliance with Oli has helped him maintain access to mainstream Nepali politics.Overall, the Oli–Dhakal relationship reflects a blend of strategic alignment, personal loyalty, and mutual benefit—factors that continue to shape party dynamics and electoral strategies as the upcoming polls approach.