KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he is not part of the race among old leaders for power-sharing and has ruled himself out of the competition for the prime minister’s post.
In a video message posted on social media platform Facebook on Sunday, Prachanda said he remains committed to fulfilling the dreams of thousands of martyrs and is continuously engaged in struggle to that end.
“Many may think that I am the same as other old leaders. But I want to say this clearly: I am not part of that crowd,” he said. “I will never take part in power-sharing agreements that hold the country hostage. I am different, and I will prove it.”
He said his work and integrity would not be judged immediately, but by time. “Not today, but tomorrow will judge my work and my sincerity,” he said emotionally.
Prachanda said he has already lost everything there was to lose in his political journey. “This struggle is not personal; it is a journey to fulfill the dreams of thousands of martyrs,” he said, adding that he is confident the sacrifices of his family and comrades will not go in vain. “Change is inevitable. It will happen.”
Claiming that he has raised issues such as ending corruption, ensuring transparency and building a strong government since the time of the conflict, issues now also voiced by Gen-Z and youth, Prachanda said a directly elected executive system would be more appropriate than the current arrangement.
“My demand and that of the youth are the same. I am a traveler carrying the mindset of your generation,” he said. “I do not want to disappear from the pages of history as a villain. I will not rest until the country is taken in the right direction.”
Saying he is not ready to give up, Prachanda also said he welcomes the new generation. However, he cautioned against being misled by social media narratives. “Not everything that shines is a diamond. Social media can mislead,” he said. “I am here to appeal for independent thinking, not to ask for votes.”
Prachanda is contesting the House of Representatives election from Rukum East. Ahead of the March 5 election, while KP Sharma Oli from the CPN-UML, Balen Shah from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Gagan Thapa from the Nepali Congress are seen as prime ministerial contenders, Prachanda has distanced himself from the race.
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