Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

In a clear and strong message, Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal of the CPN (Unified Socialist) has asked one of the party’s senior-most leaders, Jhala Nath Khanal, to take a moral leave from the party. The reason behind this suggestion is Khanal’s recent statement in which he said that splitting the UML (Unified Marxist–Leninist party) was a mistake.

The comment made by Khanal has sparked disagreement within the party. Speaking on Friday during a discussion in Biratnagar, Madhav Nepal made it clear that Khanal’s actions and words are against the party’s decisions and overall policy. He said that if a senior leader keeps going against the decisions made together by the party, then their statements lose meaning and value.

Khanal’s Statement Triggers Internal Dispute

Jhala Nath Khanal, once a strong figure in Nepali politics, said that the split from the UML may have been the wrong decision. This statement goes against the reason why the Unified Socialist Party was formed. Madhav Nepal, who led the breakaway from UML, did not take Khanal’s remark lightly. He said that when someone constantly speaks against the organization’s decisions, then it’s time for that person to take responsibility and step back.

He added that such comments not only confuse the people but also damage the unity and discipline within the party.

Constitution Allows Political Return of Former Leaders

While answering questions from the public and reporters, Chairman Nepal also spoke on another topic. He said that the constitution of Nepal and the country's laws do not stop any former president or vice president from returning to politics. He explained that it is their personal decision if they want to come back into active politics or not.

This response came after discussions in political circles about whether former top leaders could again enter the political field.

No New Government Formation on the Horizon

Chairman Nepal also touched upon the current political scenario in the country. Many people have been hoping for the formation of an alternative government due to dissatisfaction with the present leadership. However, Madhav Nepal stated clearly that forming a new government is not possible at this point. He said that as long as Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the Nepali Congress, and KP Sharma Oli, leader of UML, continue to stay united, there is no space or possibility for a new political setup.

He did admit that the current government has failed in many areas and sectors. People are suffering, and important reforms have not taken place. But still, changing the government will not be easy.

Focus on Strengthening the Party Organization

Instead of running behind power or trying to form a new government, the Unified Socialist Party is now focusing on something else. Madhav Nepal said that the party is working hard to grow stronger. The goal is to make the party more active across the country and increase public support.

He also mentioned the “Socialist Front,” which is a joint front of leftist parties in Nepal. The party is focusing on this front and trying to build better cooperation among socialist and progressive forces.

No Merger Plans with Maoist Centre

There have been rumors and talks in some circles that the Unified Socialist Party may merge with the Maoist Centre. But Chairman Nepal made it clear that there is no such plan at all. He said that while the party is ready to work together on common goals with the Maoist Centre and others in the Socialist Front, there is no plan for a full merger.

He believes that working together is important, especially in today’s political environment. But merging into one party is not on the table.

In short, Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal has sent a firm message to both his party and the public. He wants discipline and unity in his party and expects leaders like Jhala Nath Khanal to either follow the party line or take moral responsibility and step aside. At the same time, he is not in a hurry to change the government. His focus is on building the party and creating stronger cooperation among leftist forces in Nepal.

This recent development shows that even within political parties, internal disagreements can become public matters. But how these differences are handled can show the maturity and strength of any political organization.