KATHMANDU: Internal rifts within the CPN (Maoist Centre), the main opposition party, surfaced during the recent Standing Committee meeting, highlighting growing dissatisfaction with party leadership.
As party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ urged self-criticism from those defying party norms, Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ responded that he was ready to face any consequences for raising concerns about the party’s direction.
In the meeting held on Sunday, Sharma pointed to the party’s sharp decline—from 3.1 million to just 1.1 million voters—and urged Prachanda to take responsibility for the downturn. He said leaders were privately declaring the party’s inability to return to its 2008 strength, which should prompt serious introspection.
“I’ve raised questions about rebuilding the party. If that calls for punishment, I’m ready to accept it,” Sharma stated. “But simply raising questions should not be misrepresented as an attempt to split the party.”
He emphasized his commitment to the Maoist Centre, saying he would not be shaken even if pushed out. Sharma stressed that if he bears any blame for the party’s decline, he is willing to self-reflect—but so should those in top leadership.
Meanwhile, Standing Committee member Ram Karki proposed a rotating leadership model, suggesting the current leadership alone is not enough to move the party forward. While not directly criticizing Prachanda, Karki said it’s time to share leadership roles in turns.
However, party Vice Chair Agni Sapkota dismissed Karki’s idea, saying it holds no relevance at the moment. “Most leaders support strengthening Prachanda’s leadership, which they believe is essential to revitalize the Maoist movement,” he told reporters.
Asked by journalists about the call for his own self-criticism, Prachanda said the meeting emphasized accountability only for those who have made mistakes: “It’s not about me. Whoever has erred should self-reflect. That’s what was discussed.”
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