KATHMANDU: CPN-UML secretary Padma Aryal served as the Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation in the then KP Oli-led government.
She was elected to the House of Representatives defeating Nepali Congress leader and then Deputy Prime Minister Gopalman Shrestha from Syangja Constituency No. 2.
Aryal is one of the eight women to be elected through direct voting in the 2074 BS election to the House of Representatives.
She has been active in left politics since 2037 BS. Khabarhub’s Laxman Phuyal talked to leader Aryal on various issues, including UML’s election strategy, preparations, agenda, and the possibility of alliance in local level elections, among others. Excerpts:
How is the CPN-UML preparing for the local elections?
The party is working to form and reorganize committees to prepare for the local elections. We are also reviewing the work that we have done in the past five years at the local level. We are also observing what more can be done in the places that we have won.
What is your party’s commitment and manifesto preparation for the upcoming local election? What agenda is the UML carrying among the people this time?
In fact, we will carry on with our previous agenda of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” this time as well. In order to implement this, we will develop the development based on the characteristics of all the municipalities by looking closely at the issues related to the prosperity and development of the people there.
The party is also planning and preparing to make its commitment public at the local level.
How confident are you that the party will retain its legacy?
We are very much optimistic about retaining our previous positions. Our party got the mandate from the locals.
UML’s commitment has been criticized for not being fulfilled. What is your reaction to this?
The reason behind UML’s failure to fulfill the commitments was because of the then opposition parties’ continuous obstruction and conspiracy against the party. What we firmly believe is that UML has not been rejected by the people. The people’s vote was used to displace the mandate by using the force of the court. This is not UML’s fault. Moreover, the wave of people joining the party is increasing day by day. People have trust in the party. People want us again.
How has the UML decided to contest the local elections by forming an alliance with various political parties?
The ruling coalition has already conspired against the UML by announcing the electoral alliance. From the very beginning, the UML has been ignored. The five-party alliance is afraid to face UML. However, UML’s popularity is increasing day by day.
How has UML evaluated the work of the coalition government?
This is not worth commenting on it. We ruled for three and a half years. The government was aware of the needs of the people. However, the people have not felt the presence of the government now.
Instead of development, the incumbent government has cut development projects. The development process has been stalled. Parliament could not run smoothly.
What are the criteria for the distribution of tickets to the people’s representatives of local bodies?
The party has set certain criteria for ticket distribution. The municipality level is determined by the party’s central committee.
Will CPN-UML forge an electoral alliance with other parties?
In fact, CPN-UML is open to the electoral alliance when it comes to negotiating ideas and principles.
To date, there has been no discussion of an alliance with any party. The door is not completely closed for an electoral alliance.
There are reports that UML will forge an alliance with Rastriya Prajatantra Party?
Meetings with other party leaders should not be interpreted in a different way. Discussions and meetings are our culture and civilization.
Is Left unity possible now?
There has not been any discussion on the possibility of Left unity at present. Let’s see how things will move forward in the future.
Comment