Problems are occurring due to Nepali Congress; Coalition may be reconsidered in case of not having NA Chairperson: Barshaman Pun

Kathmandu: There are reports of increasing differences within the ruling coalition. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is said to be dissatisfied with the Nepali Congress, and there is speculation that the coalition itself may break due to this.

The coldness has further increased due to both parties staking claim over the post of National Assembly Chairperson. Along with struggles in the coalition, there is also talk of changing ministers.

Nepal Views has had a conversation with the influential leader and Vice General Secretary of Nepal Communist Party Nepal (Maoist Center) Barshaman Pun ‘Anant’ about the future of the coalition with the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre)’s claim over the post of National Assembly Chairperson, the mindset of the Prime Minister, the government’s effectiveness and other issues.

Q. There are reports of disturbances in the ruling coalition. Is the CPN (Maoist Centre) not feeling comfortable with the Nepali Congress?

Especially after the Congress General Committee meeting, three things have become a bit uncomfortable, theoretically. The Maoists’ “People’s War” has been written as irrelevant and absurd in the policy proposal submitted by Congress Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka on behalf of the President. Why has it become necessary at this moment? while Congress itself is a part of the peace process.

Another, Gagan Kumar Thapa, commented upon the future scenario after 4 years at this moment, and said that they would not be part of the coalition and cast a vote other than the election symbol ‘Tree.’ Why did the situation change into humiliating us when they became the biggest party with our votes and had to remain in power along with us?

Similarly, 22 central members and over 1,000 general convention representatives have opposed the constitution by recently proposing establishing a Hindu state. Why are they doing activities to spread anarchy on the streets and promoting Rightists? A serious question. has emerged.

The relations were already getting cold due to the National Assembly elections in Koshi and the issue of the Chief Minister. These latest three issues have further increased doubts.

The government was not getting the kind of support it should have received from the coalition parties. The Prime Minister wanted to change some ministers based on their performance. But Congress had not even agreed to this for 2-3 months. Our standing committee meeting had a serious discussion on these issues.

Different opinions have increased in the coalition rather than a big problem.

Q. CPN (Maoists Center) is taking a stand on not leaving the candidacy of the NA Chairperson. Congress seems somewhat certain that they will get the designation of Chairperson. Isn’t there a possibility of the breaking up of the coalition over this issue?

In the past, there were initial discussions regarding Krishna Prasad Sitaula. However, the increasing disbelief in the coalition due to the recent political developments has made the opinion even stronger about not giving up the designation of NA Chairperson as we are the largest party in the National Assembly.

After 8-10 months we will be giving up the designation of the Prime Minister. By then we will not hold any constitutional positions. Except for the third party, there will be all the Top 5 largest parties. So there is an agreement within the party that we must give candidacy for the NA Chairperson. Although there has not been any official decision, we will be registering our candidacy. But this should not hamper the coalition. Congress needs to be flexible.

Q. With the emerging problems in the coalition, CPN(UML) seems to have increased its activity. If the relation relations with Congress keep getting cold, what will be the possibility of forming a government by aligning with CPN (UML)?

Now when there is some coldness within the coalition, it is natural for the main opposition party to try to break it or bring one side under their influence. It appears they are making efforts, speaking publicly, and also approaching through various channels. But at present, the coalition will not break just due to this reason.

Q. Time and again there are discussions of leftist alliance and unity. It has been heard that the CPN (Maoist Centre) is discussing it with the CPN (UML). What is the matter?

In principle, it is always relevant for the leftists to sit together. While making electoral coalitions, and forming governments, it is naturally easier among those with similar ideological proximity.

But in the context of our past unity with UML to form CPN, the Prime Minister of that time dissolved parliament, and violated the constitution – we had to protest those acts and make an alliance with Congress. That was contextual. Even now, it is relevant to complete the remaining peace process tasks.

Theoretically, we are in favor of left unity. We have not rejected debate, discussions, and closeness among left forces. That should not happen either. In practical terms, we believe the basis of the alliance with Congress is appropriate.

Q. Some seem to be apprehensive that Maoists will betray Congress when the time comes to hand over power. How much truth is there to this?

If we do not agree ideologically or policy-wise, we will formally tell Congress. We have been saying this in the past as well. If the coalition needs to change, we will do so based on justification by informing Congress. But currently, there does not seem to be any need to change the coalition.

Q. Will it be true if we say the fate of the coalition depends upon the election of the NA Chairperson?

There is some truth to this. But now Congress needs to be flexible. It is a responsible party. I think they have a good sense of the need and rationale for the current coalition. It will be our effort to move forward with the coalition.

As the largest party, we will claim the National Assembly speaker position as well. After 8-10 months we will hand over the Prime Minister’s position. By then, the Prime Minister and President will be from Congress.

Q. Despite the repetative assurance of the Prime Minister of working, the government’s effectiveness has not been visible. What might be the reason?

The Prime Minister has been making a lot of efforts. He also has the urge to work. He has been trying. He is very active too. However, similar actions and action-oriented working styles are lacking in ministers. That’s the reason, he said he would change the ministers with poor performance, during the first completion anniversary. But due to the coalition, he has not been able to make changes. I think the coalition partners should support him by changing the ministers.

Q. It is said that neighboring countries have certain roles in forming and changing the ruling coalition in Nepal. Is that still happening now?

This is purely our domestic political issue. People have many apprehensions and try to link parties to propaganda. The reality is not like that. It was not like that in the past either. Currently, there is no pressure or manipulation of any kind.

Q. Let’s change the context. One Deputy General Secretary has expressed dissatisfaction in writing regarding the division of responsibilities during the standing committee meeting. Doesn’t this indicate growing dissatisfaction towards the Chairperson within the party? What do you think?

In a living party, there are always debates and discussions. There were serious debates during the general convention as well. We have reached some common conclusions. Committees must be elected through elections, which makes the cadres responsible. It makes the leaders accountable and oriented towards the cadres. I think such debates make the party stronger and more democratic.

Rather than any serious ideological issue, this is more about some dissatisfaction regarding the division of responsibilities. It is not that big of an issue.

Now we are moving towards a special general convention. We are in the process of choosing and electing the leaders. Through the special general convention, we will attempt to build a new lineup of leadership as the older generation seems to be dominant in bearing the responsibility. Right now, all leaders need to get elected. All must be given responsibilities. That has been done, this should not be taken otherwise.

[The Nepali version of the Interview was published on 1st March, Friday]