KATHMANDU: Talks are ongoing for party unification among the CPN-Maoist Center, CPN-Unified Socialist Party, and the Communist Party of Nepal, but no final agreement has yet been reached. Socialist Party Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal says discussions are being held with all like-minded forces, though the unification process has not entered its concluding stage.
Chairman Nepal has urged people to remain hopeful about party unification before the Maoist Center’s general convention, but cautioned against placing full reliance on it. Responding to calls for his resignation, he humorously remarked, “I have advised leaders demanding my resignation in the media to speak only the right things. Leaders in Nepal who have crossed 60 years say that if someone chooses to retire, they should be garlanded with flowers. If others decide, I will also accept it.”
When asked whether he had initiated the resignation debate, Nepal replied, “No, whoever started it should take responsibility.” Referring to respected leader Jhalanath Khanal, he added, “Whatever the party decides, everyone should accept it. I believe our senior leaders should also respect the party’s decision.”
The following is an edited excerpt from a conversation with Nepal on current political developments and the CPN-UML’s latest situation.
The party — Unified Socialist and Maoist Center — are on the verge of uniting, right?
We had already decided to pursue unification among various communist parties, and this was included in our party manifesto when it was formed. We have raised issues of forming fronts and cooperation with supporters of the republic, the constitution, and other socialist forces. If our ideas, principles, programs, and goals align, we have put forward the possibility of unity. This has been a recurring topic in National Council meetings and general conventions.
For unification with the Maoists, certain conditions must be met: abandoning Maoism as a guiding principle, changing the party’s name, adopting a new election symbol, and embracing the program of socialist revolution. We remain ready to unite with like-minded forces, but such unity must be based on mutual respect.
How do you define “respect” in this context—would it mean both Prachanda from the Maoists and you from the Socialist serving as chairpersons or coordinators?
We are open to uniting with anyone we choose, but we will not join those who insult us or lack respect. Unity should never come at the cost of our dignity. It is better to remain separate than to live under the same roof and fight. Unity will be established with forces whose principles, ideas, and values align with ours.
Decisions about positions will come later; Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplab’, and I will not fight for posts. Our focus is the movement itself. Patriots must be brought together, and any anomalies or distortions within the communist movement must be addressed courageously. The communist party has a duty to correct these deviations.
Have all preparations for unity between the Maoists, Unified Socialist, and NCP been finalized?
Discussions are ongoing. The party secretariat and standing committee meetings have moved the process forward, but the final decision rests with the central committee. Some leaders have expressed caution, while others have suggested that unification should not happen.
Since our party functions on collective decisions, the majority view prevails. All disciplined members who respect party decisions come together. The issue of unity has also been discussed with Biplav, Upendra Yadav, Mohan Baidya, and the Nepal Samajwadi Party, among others.
Do you believe unity with the Maoists is possible?
Yes. They are also committed to saving the communist movement. Everyone must share responsibility, and there is no intent to belittle anyone.
When did you and Prachanda discuss unification?
Formal and informal meetings have been held, along with phone discussions. The talks began before Tihar, and we continue discussions by phone.
Some party leaders, including General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal and several vice-chairmen, reportedly oppose unity with the Maoists. How do you respond?
Rumors circulate easily, but they are not true. Our goal is to unite the communist movement and patriotic forces, including all those committed to change, ending corruption, and advancing social, economic, and cultural transformation. Everyone’s voice and sentiment must be included in this process.
Is there a dispute between you and General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal over party unity?
No, there is no dispute. There are discussions within the party, and whatever decisions the committee makes based on those discussions are accepted by all. Calling discussion and deliberation a “dispute” is a weakness of some people.
But reports suggest that some leaders of the Maoists and Socialist Party are rebelling because of party unity?
Those are all illusions. We have clearly stated in our documents that we will unite with forces that share our views, and the Maoists have said the same. One or two individuals here or there do not matter. Of course, there are some with bad intentions, but that is different.
General Secretary Bhusal, some vice presidents, and Ram Kumari Jhakri have reportedly asked for your resignation over questions about corruption. Is that true?
Let’s open everyone’s files, see who took bribes and how much, and get statements from anyone involved. Then we will know who the bribe-taker is and who has abused their position. Everything should happen after proper investigation.
So, is this the real reason behind calls for your resignation?
No (laughd). Where is this coming from—rumors? Who is really asking for my resignation? I have told leaders who speak out of turn to only speak the right things.
The idea of making older leaders guardians and giving leadership to the third and fourth generation has gained strength, correct?
Yes. Everyone over 60 should retire. I am ready to garland the first person who makes that decision. I am also ready to step aside. But there must be clarity about what “new generation” means—those with new ideas, new faces, and the ability to strengthen the party. Anyone proposing this must be capable of leading the party and winning elections.
Are you ready to promote the new generation into leadership?
I am ready. But we must define the new generation carefully. We need to identify people with the ability to strengthen the party and help it win. Only then can leadership transition be meaningful.
Does uniting with the Maoists clarify the justification for the UML rebellion?
Yes, the justification has been fulfilled. The House of Representatives has been restored, our organizations are active nationwide, and we have people on our side. We are working to form a larger party by bringing together communist forces and building the party to strengthen the country.
Instead of waiting, shouldn’t the party be handed over to the new generation as they are demanding?
We have already promoted many young leaders. But we must consider whether they will respect nationhood and the country, and whether they will protect the constitution and federalism. I am not opposing anyone, but the people are concerned. Even the so-called new leaders need to reflect on this. We must move forward while tempering our passions.
Finally, will the party unify before the Maoist general convention?
I hope so. However, it is not entirely up to us. The decision depends on the majority of leaders across all parties. We have said that after unification, matters like the party’s name, flag, and election symbol will be discussed and decided collectively. No leader is strictly for or against this. Whatever happens in our party will happen through unity, and sooner or later, unification will occur. Initiatives are already being taken.
So, are you preparing to unify before December?
What will happen will be decided through the unity process. Some decisions may come after the central committee meeting.
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