Samjwadi Morcha: Activities Dormant, What will be the future?

Kathmandu: A question is rising upon the existence of the Socialist Front(Samajwadi Morcha). The front was formed on 19^th June (4^th Asar). But no one knows whether the front still exists or not. The front comprising of the ruling party CPN (Maoist Centre), Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), CPN (Unified Socialist), and Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’-led Nepal Communist Party appears to be in a dormant state.

The front is not able to organize even regular meetings. In such a scenario, the conduction of programs by the front is just like a dream. All the parties in the front are busy with their schedule.

The front decided to complete the tasks of organizing meetings, programs, and expansion within the month of Shrawan. But, even with the beginning of Bhadra, the front is unable to perform any activities till now.

Fifteen points of agreement including defense and fortification of the Federal Democratic Republic, forming the basis for socialism, a revolution in favor of the community deprived of economy, society, and culture were made during the formation of the front. Then, why did the front become passive?

The leaders of the front, defend the front not being passive. They claim the front moving ahead successively. But, the front is not active like the claim of the leaders. The discussion regarding the front has nearly stopped as the front is unable to conduct periodic meetings.

During this period, the Lalita Niwas land grab scandal, Gaur Massacre, and other scandals came on the horizon. These factors seem to have affected the activities of the front.

Unified Socialist’s Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal, who is also the chairperson of the Front, has been accused of involvement in the Lalita Niwas scandal. This has resulted in Nepal being suspicious of Maoist(Centre)-led government. One of the officials of Unified Socialist said to Nepal Views, ‘Chairperson Comrade Nepal has been minutely observing the subject matter. Even an internal discussion is taking place regarding the subject.’

Many leaders of the Unified socialist have outpoured their dissatisfaction with the matter. The official said, ‘Some of the party members have shown dissatisfaction with the scandal being dug out now.’

Similarly, JSP is also dissatisfied with the government regarding Gaur Massacre, which took place seventeen years ago. JSP had held a press conference claiming the Maoist Centre plotting a conspiracy against their party.

The then cadres of the Madheshi People’s Rights Forum had brutally murdered 27 Maoist cadres on 21^st March 2007 (7^th Chaitra, 2063 B.S.). JSP Chairperson Upendra Yadav has also become suspicious of the government as the Massacre has come to the horizon now.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has been claiming no one getting an excuse from the investigation. A five points agreement has been signed between the victims and the government to initiate the investigation into the case. This has shocked Chairperson Yadav.

However, President Dahal tried to clear the misunderstanding during the meeting of the ruling coalition. During the meeting, he said, ‘I am the Prime Minister. There are also 2-3 cases against me. No one should be scared in the context of court cases.’ This seems to be an attempt by PM Dahal to clear misunderstandings among the leaders.

‘Front is not dormant’

The leaders coined the front not losing its pace. But, they accept the front has not been able to conduct regular meetings.

Lilamani Pokhrel, the Secretary of the Maoist (Centre), said, ‘How can the socialist front be passive? We are in regular meetings and discussions.’ He added, ‘We will expand the front in province and districts. And move forward. The procedures have been finalized.’

Similarly, Manish Suman, the spokesperson of JSP, also disagrees regarding the deactivation of the front. Sharma said, ‘We have not slowed down. The work is on. Our leader Rajendra Shrestha has been regularly attending the meeting of the front.’

Upon the question regarding the distance created between the JSP and the government after Gaur Massacre, Speaker Suman said, ‘That is a separate subject. The matter regarding the Front is different. It is better to deal with these issues separately.’

Unified Socialist’s Deputy Secretary General Jagannath Khatiwada also said that the leaders were in regular communication despite the absence of regular meetings. Khatiwada said, ‘We have not been able to conduct a regular meeting, but it will happen soon. The leaders of the political parties are in constant communication with each other.’