KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 26

CPN-UML General-secretary Shankar Pokharel expressed regret that leftist political parties had split due to intraparty dispute among leaders or conflict of interest related to party policy and programme.

Delivering a speech of best wishes on the occasion of the CPN-Maoist Centre's eighth national general convention here today, General Secretary Pokharel underscored that honest efforts were made for party unification.

"Although the communist coalition was formed during the last election as per the mandate of the public, it was unfortunate that a split in the alliance could not be staved off," Pokharel bemoaned.

He expressed regret that the unity in the CPN-UML could not be kept intact. He argued that it was essential to move ahead in accordance with the expectation of the public than being swayed by intraparty disputes and conflict of interest.

"It's high time we introspected whether we would be able to deliver development and prosperity," said the general-secretary.

He reminded all of the peaceful rally he had led against the suppression of the erstwhile government on Maoist cadres when they had launched the armed conflict in Rolpa and Rukum districts.

Pokharel also shared that he had proposed that the constitution and restructuring of the state would also ensure outlet to the country. According to him, all the political parties should be able to forge a common viewpoint on matters related to nationality, sovereignty, foreign affairs and economic development.

He clarified that there were no differing viewpoints between CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre on socialism and prosperity envisioned by both parties, adding that they could move ahead in unison.

Pokharel said CPN-Maoist Centre Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal could be elected to the party leadership again.

A version of this article appears in the print on December 27, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.