Sudurpaschim Assembly: Maoist opposition role weakens as factional disputes escalate

Dhangadhi, September 18 — Disputes within the CPN (Maoist Centre) parliamentary party in Sudurpashchim Province have started to surface during the provincial assembly meetings. On Monday, the Sudurpashchim provincial government presented its budget for the current fiscal year. However, the opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the CPN (Unified Socialist), boycotted the budget presentation, claiming it was unconstitutional. Interestingly, while the Maoists boycotted the budget, a faction within the party did not attend the meeting.

The ongoing dispute regarding responsibilities within the parliamentary party has led to the Khagaraj Bhatta faction's absence from the assembly. Five MPs from this faction were also missing during the budget presentation. Participation from Khagaraj and his faction in assembly meetings has been sparse.

As the CPN (Maoist Centre) grapples with internal conflict, its role as the opposition in the province appears to be weakening. The disputes between the factions seem to be escalating rather than resolving.

Ramesh Singh Dhami, an MP aligned with Khagaraj Bhatta, stated, “We have internal problems. There is a prevailing sense of chaos within the party. Leadership has been ignored. The issues within the party are manifesting in the provincial assembly. We have decided not to attend meetings until party decisions are implemented.”

In response, parliamentary party leader Man Bahadur Dhami criticized the MPs from the Khagaraj Bhatta faction. Accusing them of being unaccountable to the public, he suggested that if they were only showing up to collect salaries and allowances, they might as well resign from their positions.

Dhami remarked, “Everyone has their own responsibilities. If someone neglects their duties, what can we say? If that's the case, they should resign.”

The internal conflict within the Sudurpashchim Maoist party has become increasingly complicated since Khagaraj was removed and Dhami appointed as the parliamentary party leader on February 4. The disputes were prominently highlighted during a recent consultation meeting of central members and provincial officials in Dhangadhi on August 28 and 29.

Some leaders believe that party chairman Pushpakamal Dahal “Prachanda” had directed the appointment of Khagaraj Bhatta as the parliamentary party leader to resolve the disputes. However, leaders aligned with Dhami have consistently stated that Prachanda did not issue any directives regarding a change in party leadership.

Following his removal on February 4, Bhatta has protested the decision, claiming it was unjust. At that time, out of ten MPs, four supported Bhatta while six backed Dhami.

Currently, both factions have equal representation in the parliamentary party, with five MPs each. Bhatt's supporters include Shiva Oli, Jhapat Saud, Ramesh Singh Dhami, and Janaki Paudel Kunwar, while Dhami's supporters are Akkal Rawal, Om Bikram Bhat aka Saral, Laxmi Bik, and Gita Mal.