Khagaraj's reinstatement as Maoist Sudurpaschim PP leader delayed

Kathmandu, August 19 - The directive to appoint Khagaraj Bhatta as the leader of the CPN Maoist Center’s Sudurpaschim Parliamentary Party has stalled for over two months. Bhatta, who is also a member of the Standing Committee, raised concerns at the committee meeting on August 15 about the party's directive not being implemented.

In response, Prachanda stated that the issue would be addressed by the provincial consultation committee on August 28 and 29, Bhatta informed.

Bhatta explained to Ratopati, "I raised the issue in the Standing Committee meeting regarding the non-implementation of the party's directive. The chairman responded that it would be resolved at the consultation committee meeting on the 28th and 29th. Nothing further has happened."

The majority of the Maoist Sudurpaschim Parliamentary Party removed Bhatta from his leadership position in January and elected Man Bahadur Dhami, the chief whip, as the new leader. This decision was endorsed by deputy leaders Akkal Bahadur Rawal, Man Bahadur Dhami, Shiva Singh Oli, Om Bikram Bhat, Lakshmi BK, and Geeta Devi Mal.

However, as internal disputes continued, a parliamentary party meeting on May 18, led by Deputy General Secretary Giriraj Pokharel, reversed the decision and reinstated Bhatta. On June 26, President Prachanda, who was also Prime Minister at the time, intervened at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar, instructing that Bhatt should be the leader. Despite these instructions, the directive was not implemented, leading the party to issue a formal circular.