KATHMANDU: A dispute has surfaced inside Ashok Rai–led Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) as members of the party’s executive committee remain sharply divided over whether to pursue unity with the newly formed Nepali Communist Party (NCP) or align with Madhes-based parties.
According to leader Pradeep Yadav, the executive meeting that began on Monday will continue on Tuesday, with members presenting their positions on future strategy.
During Monday’s discussions, half of the executive members reportedly argued that the party should move toward a merger with the NCP led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
The remaining members insisted that the JSP should instead seek unity or at least a working alliance with Madhes-based forces.
“Fifty percent of members have recommended unifying with the NCP, while the other half have stressed forming a front or working unity with Madhesi parties,” Yadav told Khabarhub. “There is no dispute in the party. Everyone has shared their views, and the party chair will take the final decision.”
Yadav expressed confidence that the internal debate will not escalate into a split, describing it as a normal discussion within the party.
Ashok Rai formed this JSP last year after breaking away from the Upendra Yadav–led Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal. At the time, Rai had joined the KP Sharma Oli–led government.
Rai’s party now includes a significant number of leaders with backgrounds in Madhes-based parties. Leaders close to Rai are in favor of uniting with the NCP, while Yadav, Nawalkishor Sah, and others favor an alliance or merger with Madhesi forces instead.
The JSP is expected to reach a decision by Tuesday evening.
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