KATHMANDU: Senior leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Jhala Nath Khanal, has welcomed the possibility of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari returning to active politics within the CPN-UML if it serves the cause of unifying Nepal’s leftist forces.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Dallu on Saturday following his recent visit to China, Khanal stated that the CPN-UML remains the largest left-wing force in the country, and if Bhandari’s re-entry into its political fold is aimed at fostering left unity, “it should be taken as a positive development.”
He, however, expressed concern that a faction within the UML has been reluctant to unify with other left forces, which has left Nepal’s communist movement divided.
“If the UML truly wishes to work towards unity, there’s still the possibility of a major left alliance,” Khanal said.
Khanal, a former Prime Minister, also said that his party would welcome Bamdev Gautam if he wishes to join the Unified Socialist to support the communist unification agenda.
Speaking on the corruption case filed against his party chair and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Khanal said that it is an unprecedented development in Nepal’s political history and one that concerns all 30 million citizens.
He said while criticisms and public reactions are expected, the judiciary’s decision must ultimately be respected.
Khanal also criticized the current coalition government, led by the two major parties — Nepali Congress and CPN-UML — as being “highly incompetent” and said the country is not satisfied with its performance.
On the ongoing controversy involving Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane, Khanal refrained from declaring him innocent but said the state appears to be overstepping in its actions. “Mistakes may have occurred, but the state’s handling feels excessive,” he commented.
Khanal returned from a five-day visit to China on Friday night. During the trip, he attended various programs and met with top officials of the Communist Party of China, he informed.
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