KATHMANDU: With just a week remaining before the midterm elections, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), has said that circumstances may arise requiring renewed cooperation with Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.
Speaking at an interaction program with left-leaning intellectuals at the party’s central office in Parisdanda on Wednesday, Dahal indicated, apparently targeting the Rastriya Swatantra Party, that collaboration with the two major parties might be necessary to fight those who “burn the country.”
During the briefing, Dahal also claimed that the NCP stands a strong chance of emerging as the largest party if elections are held under the current circumstances. “If the election is free and fair, we (NCP) will become the largest party. Except for a few constituencies and areas, our position across the country is strong,” he said, citing research reports suggesting the NCP could win between 65 and 70 seats.
Dahal also briefed intellectuals on the possibility of renewed cooperation with the Nepali Congress and the UML, despite the political split that occurred in the last week of Asar 2081.
“We may need to talk with Congress and UML to fight those who burn state structures, including Singha Durbar. We may have to collaborate with them to fight foreign agents,” he said. “However, for such cooperation, Congress and UML must clarify their roles in creating the current situation following the protests of Bhadra 23 and 24.”
He further stated that the upcoming election would primarily see competition among the Nepali Congress, UML, NCP, and Rastriya Swatantra Party. “If we work intensively in the remaining seven to eight days, the results will place us first. Reports indicate the NCP can win 65 to 70 seats,” he said. “We must continue speaking out to ensure the election is free, fair, and without fraud. In a way, this election is like a referendum.”
Dahal urged voters not to support those who “burn the country” or are involved in the killing of students. “Voters must stand for saving the nation, not for them,” he said. “We are advocating for national independence and sovereignty. People say that among all parties, the NCP is the one capable of keeping the nation united and running the government in a planned manner. We are currently the only party not facing criticism and attacks.”
He added that the NCP now stands firmly for nationalism, people’s rights, and democracy. “People say the NCP is in a better position than before. Even our opponents acknowledge that our strength has increased,” he said. “As this election is like a referendum, if it is conducted fairly, we can emerge as the leading force.”
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