CPN-UML taps Niraj Acharya to lead publicity as Ramkumari Jhakri takes on Press Chautari role

The CPN-UML has made a fresh internal media shake-up, appointing central committee member Niraj Acharya as chief of its Publicity and Publication Department and assigning central committee member Ramkumari Jhakri as in-charge of Press Chautari Nepal, the party’s affiliated media wing.

The changes were finalized through an internal party circular after a secretariat meeting in Kathmandu, signaling a renewed focus on how the party manages its messaging, media outreach, and organizational communication.

Why this move matters

For a major political party like the UML, publicity and press coordination are not just administrative tasks. They shape how the party frames policy, responds to criticism, and projects unity during politically sensitive periods.

Naming Acharya to oversee publicity suggests the party wants a more centralized communications strategy, while Jhakri’s role in Press Chautari points to a push to tighten coordination with journalist-facing networks and media supporters linked to the party.

Key appointments

Niraj Acharya has been moved into charge of the party’s Publicity and Publication Department, a role that places him at the center of official messaging and publication work.

Ramkumari Jhakri has been given responsibility as in-charge of Press Chautari Nepal, the UML’s associated media organization.

Both leaders are central committee members, which underscores that the party is entrusting these communication posts to senior figures rather than treating them as purely operational assignments.

Political context

The appointments come at a time when Nepal’s political landscape remains highly active, with parties paying close attention to election strategy, public perception, and internal discipline. In that environment, control over publicity and media coordination can be as important as formal organizational structure.

Acharya is already known within party circles for his role in election-related work, making his selection a notable continuation of his visibility in UML strategy and outreach.

Jhakri’s assignment is also significant because Press Chautari Nepal plays a role in how the party connects with media professionals and communicates its positions through a broader support network.

What to watch next

The immediate question is how these changes affect the party’s communication style and whether the new setup leads to a more disciplined public message.

If the UML is preparing for a more intense political season, these appointments suggest it is treating media management as a strategic priority rather than a background function.