KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has pointed out that while major political parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have seen regular changes in leadership since the establishment of multiparty democracy, the same cannot be said for the Maoist party.
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, Pokharel highlighted that since the 1990 political movement, leadership in both Nepali Congress and UML has undergone several transitions, reflecting internal democratic practices. However, he suggested that the CPN (Maoist Centre) has remained under the control of a single individual since its inception.
“After the restoration of multiparty democracy, UML has had leaders like Madan Bhandari, Manmohan Adhikari, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, and KP Sharma Oli at the helm,” Pokharel wrote.
“Similarly, the Nepali Congress has seen leadership changes from Krishna Prasad Bhattarai to Girija Prasad Koirala, Sushil Koirala, and Sher Bahadur Deuba. In contrast, the Maoist Centre has been under the uninterrupted leadership of Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’,” he added.
Pokharel’s remarks subtly question the internal democratic processes of the Maoist party, suggesting that while other parties have adapted and evolved through leadership changes, the Maoist Centre has remained stagnant in terms of its top leadership.
Comment