KATHMANDU: A quiet but intense competition has emerged within the Maoist camp over who can win over Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav,’ the general secretary of the Nepal Communist Party.
On Monday morning, CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ visited Biplav at his Harisiddhi residence in Lalitpur for extended talks. According to Prachanda’s press advisor, Govinda Acharya, the two leaders discussed current political affairs, including the prospect of party unity and the broader socialist alliance.
“Discussions focused on decisions taken by both parties regarding unity,” Acharya said.
But no sooner had Prachanda departed than Maoist Centre deputy general secretary Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ arrived at the same residence for his own round of talks with Biplav.
The maneuvers reflect a growing tug-of-war. Earlier this month, Prachanda secured a Standing Committee decision to pursue unification with Biplav’s party, underscoring his determination to bring the faction into his fold. In contrast, Sharma has in recent weeks drawn closer to Biplav, exploring an alternative front together with Unified Socialist general secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal.
Biplav himself appears to be hedging his options, signaling interest in building a new communist center under his leadership even as multiple leaders — including senior Maoist vice-chair Narayan Kaji Shrestha — continue dialogue with him.
For Prachanda, whose grip over the Maoist Centre has faced challenges, drawing Biplav closer would mean consolidating his dominance. For Sharma and others, aligning with Biplav could lay the foundation for a fresh leftist pole outside Prachanda’s shadow.
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