KATHMANDU: The CPN (Unified Socialist) is heading toward a potential split after deepening internal rifts surfaced over Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal’s decision to unite with the CPN (Maoist Center).
A faction opposed to Nepal’s unification move held a separate gathering at Navadurga Party Palace in Sukkedhara on Saturday. The meeting, attended by senior leader Jhalanath Khanal and several disgruntled members, marked a clear indication of division within the party ranks.
Party insiders said the dissenting faction expressed dissatisfaction over Nepal’s unilateral decision to merge with the Maoist Center without wider consultation inside the party. “Chairman Nepal’s decision to move ahead with unification has not been discussed or endorsed by the central committee,” a senior leader close to the rival camp said.
The growing discontent has raised questions about the future of the Unified Socialist, which was formed in 2021 after splitting from the CPN-UML. Leaders close to Khanal and other senior figures argue that the party should first strengthen its organization and clarify its ideological stance before pursuing any merger.
Meanwhile, the party Secretariat meeting called by Chairman Nepal to formalize the unification process is expected to face resistance from several central members. The dissenting leaders have begun internal consultations on whether to remain in the party or form a new political front.
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