Prachanda issues stark warning to government from the streets

Kathmandu, October 26 — The CPN (Maoist Centre), the main opposition party, demonstrated its power in Kathmandu, delivering a warning to the government. On Saturday, during a street demonstration, the Maoist Centre critiqued the government's actions and sought to clarify its own policies.

Following the protest, party leaders addressed a rally where the chief speaker, party chairman Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda, discussed the backdrop of the current coalition government, its ties to corruption, business interests, and intermediaries, as well as the future policies of his party. He condemned the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) as corrupt, expressing regret for past collaborations with those parties and stating that in future elections, the Maoist Centre would proceed independently.

Prachanda emphasized that the Maoists did not take to the streets to topple the coalition government, but rather to highlight its complicity with corrupt entities and its abandonment of the state during crises. He questioned the whereabouts of the government during disasters, as well as the progress of various investigations during his tenure as Prime Minister, including scandals related to the Balmandir land issue and Bhutanese refugees.

In the mass meeting, Prachanda criticized the current government, alleging it was established in the dead of night in the homes of brokers, asserting that it had confirmed his concerns within just a hundred days. He remarked that the government was created to protect corrupt individuals, rather than to uphold good governance, and accused it of being formed through deception and conspiracy.

Prachanda clarified that the demonstration was not aimed at toppling the government, as he believes it will collapse under its own corruption. He asserted that if the Maoists fail to address the government's corrupt activities, it would jeopardize the federal democratic republic itself. He underscored the necessity of vigilance for the protection of the constitution and the republic, clarifying that their intention was not to incite a revolution but to ensure accountability.

He also refuted rumors of meeting former King Gyanendra, asserting that such claims were unfounded and aimed at discrediting him. He stated that he could not even imagine meeting the former king and criticized those spreading misinformation after his meeting with Rabindra Mishra.

Prachanda further responded to allegations that the Maoist Centre held the rally to protect Rabi Lamichhane, emphasizing that if any corruption was found, it should be prosecuted, regardless of party affiliation. He noted that while he has faced scrutiny, he has consistently called for accountability across the board.

In questioning the government's actions regarding various scandals, including the Bhutanese refugee issue, he asserted that the current government lacked the will to investigate, being more inclined to cover up than to expose wrongdoing.

Prachanda expressed that his party had erred in previously collaborating with corrupt and capitalist entities. He stressed that the demonstration was meant to alert the government against further misconduct rather than to incite a coup. He conveyed confidence in the Maoist Centre's future, stating their commitment to return to the people and continue fighting for complete liberation until they achieve their goals.

In a light-hearted remark, he acknowledged his advancing age but asserted that his spirit remained undiminished, declaring his readiness to lead another revolution if necessary. He called for significant reforms in the electoral system to effectively combat corruption and uphold democratic values.