KATHMANDU: Following a recent CPN-UML meeting that further consolidated KP Sharma Oli’s power, the opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) has also gravitated around its long-time leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in ongoing internal discussions.
The party’s Standing Committee meeting, initially convened to hold a policy-level debate, has turned into a session heavily focused on Prachanda’s leadership.
Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ criticized Prachanda for the party’s significant electoral downfall from 3.1 million votes at its peak to just 1.1 million in the most recent elections.
However, Vice Chair Agni Sapkota said that despite internal debate, most leaders are not in favor of a leadership change.
Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun openly supported Prachanda, arguing that the party should unite under his leadership instead of seeking alternatives.
On the other hand, Standing Committee member Ram Karki proposed a rotational leadership model for the party. Still, according to Sapkota, apart from Sharma and Karki, most members supported Prachanda’s continuation.
Sapkota, who also serves as the party spokesperson, confirmed that the majority opinion in Sunday’s meeting was that there is currently no viable alternative to Prachanda in leading the party, parliament, and public movement efforts.
While Sharma had earlier emphasized the need for introspection and internal reform, Sapkota said Sharma didn’t push for a leadership change explicitly. He also downplayed the sharp drop in vote count, saying electoral fluctuations are natural, and clarified that no committee member demanded Prachanda’s public apology.
Prachanda, meanwhile, said that those who made mistakes should take responsibility and engage in self-criticism. But he defended the party’s electoral performance, attributing the decline to normal shifts in public sentiment.
Deputy General Secretary Pun noted that internal challenges were discussed openly and confirmed that Sharma had assured the party he would not leave, despite his critiques.
The Standing Committee is set to continue on Monday, when Senior Vice Chair and General Secretary will share their views. Chair Prachanda is expected to respond afterward and close the meeting.
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