Maoists hold power in both government and streets: Prachanda
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Kathmandu, November 13 — Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister, stated that the Maoist party is currently in power both in the government and on the streets. He also emphasized that the only alternative to democracy is a stronger democracy itself.
Speaking at the Kantipur Conclave 2024 organized by Kantipur Media Group on Wednesday, under the session titled "Prachandapath: Street or Power?", Chairman Prachanda stated that the Maoists are active in both spheres: power and the streets.
"Our power is both in the government and on the streets. It's very clear," Prachanda remarked.
He further clarified that the Maoist Centre holds the position of the main opposition in Parliament, which he described as another form of power.
"In principle, the Maoists represent a 'government-in-waiting.' We lead 122 local governments. That is also a form of power. The current constitution recognizes local levels as part of the government," Prachanda explained. "And if the government engages in anti-democratic, people-opposing activities, we will continue to raise our voices. As the main opposition, I have raised concerns in the Parliament, and now, we are raising our voices in all 753 local bodies. Therefore, we are also on the streets."
However, Prachanda clarified that the Maoist Centre will not engage in the central power struggles anymore. He shared a metaphor about wolves and sheep, saying that while they had previously walked with the sheep, they are no longer inclined to do so.
Prachanda also stated that the only alternative to democracy is a strengthened democracy. "The alternative to democracy is not anarchy or authoritarianism; that cannot be," he asserted.
Acknowledging the need for further development and refinement of democracy, Prachanda said democracy will always be under question, and if not, it cannot evolve. "It is true that Nepal's democratic system has not been able to address the needs and desires of the people. But there is no alternative to it," he concluded.
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