KATHMANDU: The main opposition party CPN-UML, which was shocked by the results of the local elections, is engaged in an internal review of the party’s performance in the May 13 election.

The upcoming election has become challenging for the UML after the relatively poorer performance in the recent election.

After the UML-split, the party lost the hold on the provincial government and witnessed a poor performance in the local election as well.

UML has blamed the treachery in the party for the poor performance in the election. The UML secretariat is likely to take action against the leaders responsible for the defeat.

Khabarhub approached Asta Laxmi Shakya, the UML Vice-Chairman to discuss the election review, the issue of treachery, and preparation for the forthcoming province level and federal elections. Here are the excerpts of the interview:

How is UML reviewing the party’s performance in the recent election? Is it mulling over action against the leaders and cadres who defied party orders?

The ruling coalition should have ensured that the election has been free and fair. However, the alliance failed to conduct the election free, fair and impartial manner. The police administration acted against UML.

The alliance used the police administration against UML. We have evidence to support our claim. The second reason is the betrayal within the party.

We urged the local committees to recommend at least three names for the post at local levels. When one was picked out of three, the aspirants were likely to feel sad. Yet, they should have complied with the party’s decision.

Sadly, some took to avenging their fellow comrades. The main reason, however, is that the Election Commission could not work impartially.

Isn’t it too late for the review? 

Considering the fact that all cadres and leaders have to return to Kathmandu, we scheduled the review meeting a bit late.

We do not want to make baseless comments and announcements relating to the election result. Fact-finding takes time. We wanted to identify the problems and come out with rational solutions as well.

UML leaders speak only on the basis of facts. We don’t talk so much. Blaming someone just because one doesn’t like the person is not good.

The police administration was mobilized against UML.

Is it fair to blame others for your defeat?

We can present factual evidence.

How is the UML preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections? Do such issues get priority in secretariat meetings?

The secretariat meeting was crucial. The meeting discussed the reports from the local levels. We discussed our strengths and weaknesses.

What is vital in the review is to know one’s ground. We have to remove those shortcomings, patch the differences and go ahead united.

What is the UML strategy to break the ruling alliance and go for parliamentary elections?

First of all, the UML must be strong. Breaking someone’s alliance alone cannot make someone strong, does not mean that it is strong. So, we will attempt to make UML strong.

Is UML mulling over taking an alliance-formation proposal to Maoist Center Chairman Prachanda and Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Nepal?

That cannot be said right now. The situation is now unfavorable. In that case, we must work together to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation.

We need to know what our goal is. We have to review our past actions. Everyone should realize that the division in the communist forces makes the reactionaries strong. So, all parties with similar plans and visions should go ahead united.

Do you see the possibility of unity between CPN-UML and CPN-Unified Socialists?

Madhav Nepal left the party. In a live party, ideological differences or agenda-wise differences are natural. There are forums to discuss the differences and make a common strategy. However, he is gone.

Didn’t you split the party by not allowing him to stay in UML?

There can be dissatisfaction in every party. A party comprises people with different ideas, perceptions, and surroundings. The leaders like Madhav Nepal know it, he had been a key force in the party. We need to be together to make this party stronger.

UML Chairman KP Oli once hinted that the party will entice Maoist Center by offering it ‘milk and rice’. Is there a discussion about coordination or alliance with Maoist Center?

The election has just ended. We are suffering the consequences. Results show that the communist movements weakened, and the leftist movement weakened. This weakens the country. So we all should get united for the prosperity of the country.

In order to strengthen and consolidate federal democracy and republic, all must unite and defend it.

In this regard, the possibility of an electoral alliance with the Maoist Center cannot be ruled out.

Others blame your Chairman Oli for the party split and the poor fate of communist forces. What do you say about it?

When the communist movement goes weak, we should not blame an individual. Rather than making a molehill of a person’s shortcomings, all should move forward united for the sake of the country.

While you are advocating for the leftist alliance, there is a rumor that your chairman is mulling over taking disciplinary action against leader Ghana Shyam Bhusal for the latter’s television interview?

This is not a time to make a molehill of an individual’s weaknesses. The shortcomings or weaknesses should be corrected in the best interest of the party and the nation.

The way UML is preparing to take action against the leader who pointed out the shortcomings of Chairman KP Oli suggests that none can speak against the Chairman in UML. Is it so?

No. Everyone can speak what they think. However, they have to express themselves in the forums meant for doing so.

The party forums should make space for the people who want to offer different opinions. Provided everyone gets a forum to express himself or herself, there will be no need to express such things in public.