For decades, Narayan Man Bijukchhe has remained a formidable yet enigmatic figure in Nepali politics. As the longtime leader of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, his influence in Bhaktapur has been unshakable, even as larger national parties like the Nepali Congress, UML, and Maoists have dominated the political landscape elsewhere.
Under his party’s leadership, Bhaktapur Municipality has gained recognition for its focus on urban cleanliness, cultural preservation, and grassroots governance—earning praise from figures like Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah.
At 85, Bijukchhe continues to lead the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, a party he has led for over five decades. Despite stepping away from parliamentary politics in recent years, his ideological and strategic imprint remains evident, with Prem Suwal representing the party in the House of Representatives and Sunil Prajapati serving as Bhaktapur’s mayor.
Bijukchhe’s approach to leadership is unconventional—he avoids mobile phones, rarely makes public appearances, and relies on close associates for political communication. Yet, his party’s stronghold in Bhaktapur remains intact.
What makes Bijukchhe’s political model so resilient? How has he maintained public trust in an era of shifting political loyalties? In this exclusive conversation, Khabarhub spoke with Narayan Man Bijukchhe to understand his perspectives on governance, party ideology, and Nepal’s contemporary political landscape.
Excerpts:
Congratulations on being elected as the party chair again.
Thank you. When my comrades asked me to continue as their guardian, I had to accept the responsibility once more.
You have held the chairman’s position continuously for 50 years. While this has sustained enthusiasm within the party, some argue that it has also prevented the emergence of new leadership within the party. What is your response to that?
The enthusiasm within our party remains strong. There is a significant difference between our party and others. In other parties, there are internal conflicts over ministerial positions and the distribution of government resources. But we are different.
Our primary objective is to engage with the people and continue the struggle against feudalism, colonialism, and expansionism. We believe in educating the masses and advancing towards a socialist society. Our party has grown through the hard work and contributions of the people. After this general convention, I am confident that my comrades will work with renewed enthusiasm. I had to step forward once again because they urged me to do so.
At 85 years old, do you still feel the same enthusiasm for leading the party?
Just as one must fulfill their duties in life until the very end, a political leader, whether in office or not, must always fight for their principles. My commitment remains firm. Society must be advanced in the interest of the nation and the people. I will continue working toward this goal, and so will my comrades, including those even older than me.
Your party has many young members, yet leadership remains unchanged. Wouldn’t it be possible for the older generation to step aside and guide from behind the scenes?
We are actively training the younger generation. Experience is invaluable, which is why our comrades have entrusted us with the responsibility of preparing future leaders. The individual is not what matters most—the principles and actions of the party are what truly count.
Some question what we have accomplished. There is confusion regarding the difference between a general convention and a regular conference. A general convention has the authority to change the party’s name, principles, leadership, and even the flag. However, it also has the right to decide that no leadership change is necessary. That is why even the younger members supported me.
Will there be a generational shift in leadership at the next general convention?
The new generation will take over leadership roles, just as it happens in every household. They are ready, and the transition will occur in due time.
What plans do you have to engage with the people following this general convention?
Our objective is to serve the country and its people selflessly. True service is service to ideology. We aim to educate the Nepali people on who their real friends and enemies are. The feudalists, colonialists, and expansionists are our enemies, while the working class and oppressed communities are our allies.
Another critical issue in our country is the ignorance of our leaders. Many ministers don’t even know the names of world leaders beyond the capitalist figures from the U.S., U.K., and India. They remain unaware of leaders who have sacrificed for their people. We seek to educate both our cadres and the wider population about such figures.
We are launching a nationwide program to educate small groups of our members on topics typically taught in schools and colleges. We are also addressing global issues, such as the war in Ukraine and the oppression of Palestinians.
Our organization is present in 43 districts, and we are working to educate people in those areas. Unlike other parties, we have no interest in securing ministerial positions—our focus is on real change.
Your party has reached only 43 out of 77 districts. Is there a plan to expand further?
Our priority is improving people’s living standards. Current government leaders, despite holding PhDs in economics from abroad, have led the country into massive debt. This is due to flawed economic policies. We are educating the people about these issues so they can understand the failures of the ruling class.
Why has your party struggled to gain influence outside Bhaktapur?
Parliamentary politics is not our primary focus. Some label us as a parliamentary party, but we do not believe socialism can be achieved through parliament alone.
There are two types of parliamentary parties. One that seeks a majority and enters government, aligning themselves with capitalist forces. And others that oppose the capitalist system from within, even at great personal risk.
We belong to the second category. Historically, during the Russian Revolution, parliamentarians opposed the Tsar’s oppressive taxes and were imprisoned, forced into military service, and even executed. That is what it means to be a revolutionary. In contrast, today’s so-called parliamentarians engage in corruption and personal enrichment. We reject that path.
What is your stance on unifying communist parties?
Many so-called communist parties today have entered the government and abandoned true communist principles. We cannot unite with them. However, we are open to uniting with those who genuinely serve the people and oppose the capitalist system.
Who do you consider to be real communists?
Real communists are those who work for the people without seeking power or personal gain. Many parties claim to be communist in name only. That is why our party identifies as a worker-peasant party—to avoid confusion.
Do you interact with leaders like KP Oli, Madhav Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Jhalanath Khanal, Netra Bikram Chandra, and Baburam Bhattarai?
There is no interaction now. In the past, we worked together, but their focus is on securing ministerial positions. Their interests and ours do not align. They seek government power while we seek to serve the people.
What about Chitra Bahadur KC?
We had interactions before, but not anymore. His party has also compromised for self-interest.
Do you engage with anyone in the government?
No, we do not.
Doesn’t this isolate your party?
Not at all. Even heavenly bodies have solitary leaders—Jupiter stands alone, but it remains Jupiter. The North Star stands alone, but it guides the way. We are not isolated; we are the guiding force.
Can the communist movement in Nepal move forward in unity?
A true communist party must stand against capitalist forces. This government protects the interests of the wealthy while neglecting the poor. It shields corrupt officials and fails to address issues like cooperative fraud. We must fight for the socialization of production and ensure fair wages for workers. The ministers you mentioned have failed the people. They cannot be our allies.
Is your party part of the Mission 2027 electoral strategy?
We view elections as a barometer, not as our main objective. Just as a thermometer measures body temperature, elections indicate public sentiment. If our vote count increases, it signals that revolutionary change is coming. Where we receive fewer votes, we recognize that those areas lack revolutionary consciousness.
You don’t carry a mobile phone. How do you stay informed?
I have office and home telephone numbers, and comrades update me on national and international events. I also read newspapers daily, starting at 6 am, and study books on history and politics.
However, reading newspapers sometimes saddens me. Nepali media is filled with reports of corruption and fraud, often involving high-ranking officials. If journalists did not expose these issues, the public would remain unaware.
What message do you have for the Nepali Congress-UML-led government?
Nepal must stand on its own feet. Our leaders blindly follow the directives of foreign powers. For example, the MCC agreement was signed under external pressure, with no transparency. When I was Vice Chair of the Planning Commission, I saw firsthand how corruption plagued decision-making. Ministers deflect responsibility, pointing fingers at each other.
This government is heading in the wrong direction—passing land ordinances without discussion, protecting corrupt officials, and failing to bring cooperative fraudsters to justice. The people are losing hope. It is our duty to inform them of these failures and fight for a just society.
Is communist unity possible in the future?
True communists will unite in time. The ones in power today are fake communists. The real ones will emerge when the people demand change.
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