KATHMANDU: Reports have surfaced suggesting that NCP Co-Coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal is dissatisfied with the cooperation between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP).
However, in a brief conversation with Khabarhub, Nepal clarified that the three-point understanding between the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) and CPN-UML was prepared after consultation between Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and himself.
He acknowledged that they had discussed the need for both parties to be serious and flexible while working together. Nepal also denied reports claiming that he had said he would flee the country, adding that he would arrange a reward for anyone who could provide evidence of such a statement.
According to Nepal, leftist forces need to unite to protect the constitution, democracy, and the nation. He said that as there is no party unification at present, the NCP’s other political activities will continue independently.
Following is an edited excerpt from Khabarhub’s conversation with NCP Co-Coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal regarding recent questions raised about the NCP and UML-CPN cooperation:
Are you dissatisfied with the cooperation between the NCP and UML?
All the rumors circulating outside are baseless. There is no misunderstanding with Prachanda. As you know, Prachandaji came to meet me when I was bedridden with a fever. During that meeting, we discussed moving forward through cooperation in the provinces to protect the constitution, democracy, and the country’s achievements. Prachanda and I agreed that both parties must be serious and flexible while collaborating. We also agreed that each side should be prepared for cooperation only after a mutual understanding is reached.
Are you raising questions about the agreement?
The three-point agreement is absolutely correct. I support it fully. It was reached after discussions between us. I have also read reports claiming that I would flee the country. I have never said such a thing anywhere, and such rumors should not be spread. You may ask Prachandaji as well. We were in complete agreement about forming an alliance between the NCP and UML. After the alliance was formed, I only emphasized that all forces involved should be flexible and that an environment of understanding and cooperation should be created.
Did you ever say that you would flee the country?
How could I say such a thing? Nepal (this country) is my family, and the people are patriots. These are mere rumors. I will never make such a decision under any circumstances. When the Nepal Communist Party split, I stood firm and said that I would continue the struggle together in every situation.
In the current circumstances, we must move forward together to save democracy, the constitution, and the country. We are committed to involving all political forces in Nepal’s politics and working dedicatedly to protect the constitution, the republic, and the Nepali people.
My view is that everyone should be included, whether leftist or democratic forces. This is also our party’s position. If it is not possible to include all forces, then compatible forces should unite and work together to protect the constitution and democracy. If I were to flee the country, democracy, the constitution, and the republic would be endangered. We reached this point by risking our lives. If anyone can provide evidence that I said such a thing, I will arrange a reward for that person.
What did you discuss with Prachanda on Monday at Parisdanda?
We discussed implementing the agreements that had been reached and continuing to work in consultation with each other. Prachanda and I share the view that everyone should come together to protect democracy and the constitution. We spent a long time together during the Foreign Department meeting. Discussions also focused on how governments would be formed in different provinces and how cooperation with the Congress and other parties should be pursued.
So you were aware of all the issues regarding cooperation between the UML and the NCP, and you have no disagreements?
There is no disagreement between Prachanda and me on this matter. We discussed it several times and reached a consensus. Prachanda and I spoke over the telephone multiple times regarding this agreement. We also met and held discussions two or three times. Many planned rumors were spread outside, and we have begun to identify the elements behind those rumors.
How will the government be formed in Madhes and Gandaki now?
Discussions are being held with all other political forces. Talks with the Nepali Congress have also moved forward. The matter will be decided through consensus. It can be stated only after further discussions. At present, nothing definitive can be said regarding the two provinces.
Why did you agree to form a left alliance?
In Sudurpaschim Province, despite cooperation between the Nepali Congress and UML, the budget could not be passed, which created problems there. Disagreements increased and contradictions within the Congress-UML alliance became more visible. Similar concerns were seen in Karnali and other provinces. When it appeared that cooperation between those two parties might not continue effectively, we discussed how to move forward and reached a conclusion accordingly.
We have also held talks with the Congress and are still in dialogue with them. Our intention is to take the Congress along as well. However, cooperation could not be achieved because Congress leader Gagan Thapa advanced the principle that one party should remain in the opposition.
We are also in dialogue with smaller parties. When other forces became more flexible toward cooperation with the left, we did not want to act arrogantly, because saving the country is the more important issue. When another force said that all of us should unite to protect the country, Prachanda and I reached an agreement after considering that proposal.
You and Prachanda had previously concluded that cooperation with Oli would not happen. Can it now be said that relations have improved?
It was never said that cooperation would never happen. However, there has been no discussion about forming a single party at this time. No single individual alone can be regarded as the protector of nationalism and the constitution. The condition of the party and the country has become more important than personal matters. Relations at the party level have improved; let us not focus on individuals now.
Will this cooperation eventually lead to party unity?
Nothing can be said about that now. The future will decide it. It also depends on how flexible and self-sacrificing the concerned forces are toward the alliance. At present, it is only cooperation. Since no single party has a majority, various forces need to come together.
There have been no party meetings in the NCP, and youth leaders are saying the party has become a puppet of you and Prachanda. What do you say?
I do not think such accusations have been made within the party in a serious manner. We are clear about the party’s regular activities, including the general convention. We are trying to carry out all regular party activities on time. Right now, there is cooperation with the UML, not party unity. The necessary activities that our party must undertake will continue.
What is the status of the party’s general convention and other organizational issues?
We have stated that the general convention will be held in November, and preparations are being made accordingly. We have a 45-member working committee, and its meeting will also be convened soon. The next meeting will finalize some of the preparations and related tasks.
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