KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has publicly acknowledged his party’s failure to meet the evolving demands and expectations highlighted by the recent Gen-Z protests.
In a statement released on Thursday, Bhattarai also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
“September 8 showed us that not everything was right. Accepting this truth, we apologize for failing to address the changing needs and expectations,” Bhattarai said.
While highlighting the need for a judicial probe into state-led suppression of the Gen-Z movement, he also criticized violent activities on September 9 for tarnishing the protest’s message.
“The criminal acts on that day caused damage to national assets and structures of pride, distorting the noble demands of the Gen-Z protesters,” he added.
Bhattarai addressed concerns that Nepal was being turned into a laboratory for instability, but chose to refrain from elaborating, noting that the immediate priority was defending the constitution, restoring democratic processes, and guiding the country back on track through elections.
Highlighting the need to restructure both the party and the movement, the former minister said, “At every critical juncture in history, we have reorganized ourselves. Now too, we must collectively seek solutions while acknowledging our weaknesses.”
He urged party members to view calls for restructuring and transformation not as disrespect toward leadership but as efforts to honor it. “The push for reorganization and transformation is meant to strengthen, not undermine, the leadership,” Bhattarai stressed.
Drawing inspiration from Marx, Lenin, and Gramsci, he committed to acknowledging mistakes and moving toward reform. He warned against interpreting discussions about restructuring as attacks on the current leadership, saying, “Comrades, the grandeur of this movement, the strength of the organization, and our invincible ideology will ensure that respect for leadership and history endures.”
On international matters, Bhattarai briefly referenced geopolitical involvement, emphasizing that Nepal should not become a testing ground for external powers, including India and China. He called for continued positive support to safeguard Nepal’s democratic process, stating, “I firmly believe that no attempts will be made to turn Nepal into a laboratory. Constructive engagement is expected to protect our constitution and democracy.”
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