Prachanda claims decline in public support for Congress, UML

Kathmandu, December 17 — The chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Prachanda, has stated that the results of the local level by-elections show a decline in the public support for the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML).

According to a circular sent to the party's committee, based on a briefing by Prachanda at the Standing Committee meeting held on December 13, the results of the by-elections were seen as encouraging for the party, with a positive trend in public sentiment towards the Maoist Centre.

A provincial committee chairman mentioned to Ratopati that in Prachanda’s briefing during the meeting, it was noted that the party had achieved encouraging results in the local by-elections, and the public opinion was qualitatively shifting in favor of the Maoists.

The circular, based on Prachanda's briefing, stated: “Despite the alliance between Congress and UML and the extreme abuse of state power in many places, the public sentiment towards these two parties is seen to be declining.”

The circular further highlighted that the unified effort of the party, with active involvement from leaders at every level, helped make the elections result-oriented.

However, despite these achievements, the Maoist party concluded that there were certain weaknesses. These included the loss of some previously won areas, the limitations in mobilizing the entire party apparatus for the elections, and the insufficient utilization of all necessary resources for the election.

The Maoist Center also stated that, learning from the by-elections, it will focus on uniting the party to reach new heights, expanding the party organization at the grassroots level, and strengthening its mass organizations.

Additionally, the party aims to firmly establish its leadership, ideological framework, and policy agendas.