Reviewing my past I will return to my legacy: Mani Thapa

Kathmandu: Mani Thapa carries the legacy of the CPN (Maoist Centre). He was also part of the Maoist insurgency. But, he was not part of the CPN (Maoist Centre) recently but was in the CPN (UML).

CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoists Centre) united to form CPN in 2074 Bikram Sambat (B.S.). But when the unification ended in 2077 B.S., he remained in the UML and became the Minister for Water Supply.

But, after the 10th UML General Convention in Sauraha, he remained only as a standing committee member. And became gradually inactive. He took a short leave but later submitted his resignation to CPN (UML) Chairperson K.P. Sharma Oli. But, his resignation was not approved.

However, the CPN (UML) Standing Committee meeting approved his resignation last Thursday. This vacated his position.

Now, he has expressed his desire to return to his schooling and legacy. We have asked a few questions regarding his life. Here is the edited version of the conversation:

CPN (UML) removed you from the position. How have you taken it?

I have welcomed it. It has happened as per my desire. I wanted it. I resigned one year ago. But, it was approved a bit late. It should have happened a bit earlier.

But, you were bearing vital responsibility? Why did you leave CPN (UML)?

Yes, I was placed on the standing committee. But, I went far from it through my will. This is not the wish of anyone.

Why didn’t you like staying in the CPN (UML)?

That’s not the matter, but I wanted to protect my schooling. I will do it. For that reason, I left the party.

Schooling as in …?

I am talking about the Communist Revolution of Nepal, about its legacy. Now, I will do politics for my schooling to defend my legacy.

What about the party?

Let’s not talk about the party at the moment.

Will you again return to the CPN (Maoist Centre)?

I have already said it, I will not speak on this topic now. It has also not been decided yet. I will decide after some time. You will know it.

Now, if you talk about schooling and legacy, CPN (UML), itself is a communist party, but you left it. Now, you have to either return to the old party CPN (Maoist Centre), form a new party or join a small communist party. What will you do?

There is nothing about forming a party. There is no thought of joining a small party. I will take an appropriate decision. You will know it.

That means, will you return to CPN (Maoist Centre)?

I have not decided yet. Anything can happen.

Is it, like you are going far from politics?

No, I will do politics. I have already talked about schooling and legacy.

Nepali version of the interview