KATHMANDU: Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party leader Janardan Sharma has said Nepal’s communist movement has weakened because leaders at the highest levels failed to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
Speaking at the launch of a book written by former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal in Kathmandu on Monday, Sharma argued that the communist leadership itself bears responsibility for the weakening of the movement and the rise of populism.
He said the Nepali people repeatedly entrusted communist forces with power because of their role in leading historic revolutions, political movements, and the people’s war, which he described as major milestones in the country’s social and economic transformation.
However, Sharma said the current situation emerged because communist leaders failed to make proper use of the public’s trust and the opportunities they were given.
He also criticized the leadership for failing to translate communist ideology, principles, and slogans into practical improvements in people’s daily lives. According to Sharma, the inability to put ideological commitments into practice has gradually eroded public confidence.
Calling for a renewed communist movement, Sharma stressed the need to reorganize it under a new generation of leaders.
He further emphasized the importance of building a society based on social justice by eliminating class, caste, and regional discrimination, arguing that such a foundation would enable Nepal to advance toward socialism and eventually scientific socialism.
The event featured the launch of Jhalanath Khanal’s new book and was attended by leaders from various political parties as well as intellectuals.
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