KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that the country has reached a critical political turning point and that broad unity among leftist and patriotic forces has become inevitable.
Calling the upcoming elections the only viable way forward, he urged citizens to participate seriously in the electoral process.
Speaking at a mass meeting in Dhangadhi on Friday, Prachanda said he holds a special emotional and political connection with the Sudurpaschim Province, noting that since the establishment of the republic, many key dialogues, visits, and development efforts have centered on the region.
“Immense sacrifices were made during the ‘People’s War and ‘People’s Movement’ in the Sudurpaschim. Recognizing that sacrifice, we have consistently prioritized this region in recent years,” he said.
He added that the recently formed Nepali Communist Party, created through the unification of 15 communist factions, has energized cadres across the country.
Appealing to “patriotic and revolutionary” UML members to join the new party, he said, “There is no need to say some are Maoists, some socialists, some centrists. We are all ‘Nepali Communists.’ The party’s name reflects this spirit.”
On the nationwide Gen-Z protest, Prachanda labelled the incidents of the Spetember 8 and 9 as a “genocide,” and reiterated that the demands of the youth are legitimate while the government’s use of force was wrong. He emphasized the need for political leaders and families to be introspective.
“We failed to give enough attention to our own children and grandchildren, who have entered a new world shaped by the internet and AI. We must educate our youth about history, nation and society from within our homes,” he said.
Recalling a political crisis “just a few months ago,” Prachanda said that on the night of September 10, there were fears that “the republic could be abolished.” He said that after receiving an emergency call from the President’s Office, he and Madhav Kumar Nepal went to Sheetal Niwas and played an active role in protecting the constitution and the republican system.
“A situation close to statelessness had emerged. Greater unity among leftist and patriotic forces is essential to prevent such crises,” he said.
Arguing that elections are the only path to stability, Prachanda criticized those who previously dissolved parliament but now raise the issue of restoration, calling their stance “like an unseasonal wind.”
Pointing at UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, he said, “The time has come for the people to teach a lesson to arrogant forces that try to take the country down the wrong path.”
He concluded by stressing the need for united efforts to transform the country through agriculture, industry, tourism, herbal resources, education, health, and infrastructure development.
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