KATHMANDU: In what can be dubbed as a significant development, the Chairman of Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, and Nepal Samajwadi Party (NSP) Chairman, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, are slated to engage in decisive talks aimed at unifying the two political parties.

The meeting between Prachanda and Bhattarai on November 17 in Baluwatar marked a notable shift in Bhattarai’s stance towards unity with the Maoists, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.

While the specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed, a Maoist leader stated that the meeting focused on party unity efforts.

Maoist leader Dev Gurung said that a significant discussion between the two leaders centered on resolving ideological and theoretical issues.

The negotiation coordination committee of both parties, which convened on Sunday, recommended further discussions between Prachanda and Baburam without making a final decision on unity.

The proposal suggested forming a joint committee and emphasized the need for top leaders to come together to make a conclusive decision.

According to NSP sources, a central committee meeting of the party is scheduled for the 22^nd and 23^rd of November in Kathmandu.

The agenda of unity is expected to be a key focus during this meeting.

Despite the renewed efforts for unity, there are underlying complexities.

Prachanda’s initial reluctance to meet with Baburam raised questions among other NSP leaders, prompting discussions on whether Baburam might reconsider his position.

The history of strained relations between the two parties adds another layer of complexity.

The NSP contested provincial and House of Representaitves (HoR) elections a year ago, with Dr. Bhattarai extending a 9-point letter for unity.

However, Prachanda’s delayed response and subsequent overture to another NSP leader further strained the relationship.

Dr. Bhattarai’s divergence from the unity process led him to focus on expanding NSP’s organization rather than pursuing collaboration with the Maoists.