Internal Struggles and Party Reforms
The recent meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPN (Maoist Centre) highlighted a deepening rift between Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma. This internal conflict has been a major topic of discussion, with both leaders engaging in public criticism that has raised concerns within the party.
Dahal expressed his dissatisfaction with Sharma’s public statements, arguing that such actions are detrimental to the party’s unity. He emphasized the need for all leaders to address internal matters internally rather than bringing them into the public sphere. This sentiment was echoed by other members, who called for a more cohesive approach to party management.
Sharma, on the other hand, has been vocal about his concerns regarding internal democracy within the Maoist party. He has criticized the leadership under Dahal, who has held power for over three decades. Sharma’s accusations have led to a cycle of mutual criticism, with both sides highlighting their grievances publicly.
Dahal also pointed out that the party has strayed from its communist principles, becoming more bourgeois in nature. He expressed concerns about the influence of various interest groups within the party, suggesting that these groups need to be dismantled to restore the party’s original ideals.
At the meeting, Dahal proposed a 10-point agenda aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and organization. This included plans to resume the stalled Mid-Hill Campaign by the end of August and to hold a central committee meeting after the Dashain festival in October. Dahal suggested that any grievances from Sharma could be addressed during this meeting.
Deputy General Secretary Haribol Gajurel mentioned that the meeting focused on expanding the party’s grassroots base and improving its organizational structure. The emphasis was on strengthening the party rather than engaging in government activities. Gajurel also noted that the central committee meeting would determine a new date for the party’s general convention.
Dahal also discussed the possibility of merging with like-minded leftist parties. He mentioned that discussions with Madhav Nepal’s CPN (Unified Socialist) were progressing positively. Dahal stated that there is a consensus within the Socialist Front to move towards forming a single party. However, there are reservations among some leaders of the Unified Socialist regarding the merger.
Several senior leaders, including former Prime Minister Jahalanath Khanal, have voiced opposition to the proposed merger. Additionally, the Maoist Centre has not considered a merger with Baburam Bhattarai’s Nepal Samajbadi Party. Bhattarai and Dahal were key figures during the 10-year Maoist insurgency, which ended in 2006.
Party spokesman Agni Sapkota mentioned that discussions about party mergers with various Maoist factions are ongoing. However, he clarified that there are no preparations or discussions for unification with Bhattarai’s party. Sapkota also noted that talks with parties within the Socialist Front have been positive, but the focus remains on unifying with those that have branched out from the main Maoist party.
Bhattarai, who joined Naya Shakti (New Force), has stated that communism is no longer relevant. As a result, the Maoist Centre has not engaged in discussions with his party. The party’s approach to unification remains cautious, with a focus on aligning with those who share similar ideological values.
