KATHMANDU: Jhalanath Khanal, the leader of Unified Socialist Party, has decided not to participate in the Maoist Center-led Socialist Front’s program after being excluded from the list of speakers.
Khanal expressed his dissatisfaction after not being included as a speaker at the public meeting organized by the Socialist Front at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu on Friday. In response, Khanal has chosen to refrain from attending the event.
Only four leaders have been selected to speak at the public meeting: Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Unified Socialist Party Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepal Socialist Party Chairman Mahindra Ray Yadav, and CPN Chairman Netra Bikram Chandra Biplav.
There have been recent rumors of a strained relationship between Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal within the Unified Socialist Party.
When asked about the issue, Khanal remarked, “I fully support this demonstration and meeting. I’ve also encouraged my friends to attend. But I cannot go.”
Explaining his decision not to attend, Khanal added, “I will be sitting at home, watching on television. It wasn’t suitable for health reasons to go to a crowded place.”
Despite his statement, Khanal will not participate in the program due to a syndicate formed to allow only four leaders to speak.
Sources reveal that a group of four leaders decided on this arrangement, and it is believed that Madhav Nepal should have included a prominent leader like Khanal, who has been a key figure in the left movement.
The protests by both the Socialist Front and pro-monarchy forces have caused significant traffic disruptions in Kathmandu Valley.
Comment