Maoist Center forms 17-member panel led by Shrestha to draft poll manifesto

KATHMANDU: The CPN Maoist Center has formed a committee under the leadership of leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha to draft manifesto for the November 20 elections.

A Standing Committee meeting of the party held at the party’s headquarters in Parisdanda, Koteshwor, on Saturday decided to this effect.

The 17-member panel includes General Secretary Dev Gurung, Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Barsha Man Pun, Janardan Sharma, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Lila Mani Pokharel, Ganesh Shah, Parshuram Ramtel, Amrita Thapa, Hari Roka, Jakir Husain, Parshuram Tamang, Bishnu Chaudhary, Bhima Dhungana and Jagat Simkhada as members.

Though the party is in discussion with coalition partners for the upcoming polls, the party is making preliminary draft of the party’s manifesto, according to sources.

The party also formed a 197-member strong Politburo comprising 125 full and 72 alternatives members.

Party Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had presented the names of members of the Politburo.

Moreover, the Standing Committee meeting also entrusted the task of filling vacant posts at various party-affiliated organizations and resolving issues to Chair Prachanda.

The meeting also decided that party levels at center, provinces and local levels would take initiatives to resolve and manage issues related to victims of people’s war.

Likewise, the meeting also decided to conduct various programs at the provinces targeting the November 20 elections.