CPN (US) leaders consider senior role for Bamdev Gautam

Kathmandu, December 20 — The CPN (Unified Socialist) has started discussions about managing potential leaders who may join the party, including former CPN-UML vice-chairman and communist leader Bamdev Gautam, Bhim Rawal, and leader Prem Bahadur Singh.

The internal focus is particularly on Gautam's potential role. Party leaders believe that a respected or senior leader position could be offered to Gautam if he joins. However, they argue that it is essential to align on ideological and theoretical matters before any formal decision.

Currently, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal is in the 'respected leader' position in the Unified Socialist.

Senior leaders in the party include Dr. Beduram Bhusal, Pramesh Hamal, and Ghanendra Basnet. Bhusal, Hamal, and Basnet were prominent figures supporting chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal when they rebelled against the UML leadership.

On Tuesday, December 17, the standing committee meeting of the Unified Socialist formally decided to initiate talks with leaders like Gautam regarding their potential joining.

After the meeting, vice-chairman Jagannath Khatiwada informed the press, stating, "Some top leaders of other parties are in talks with us. Comrade Bamdev is in discussions, and he is also positive." He added that the party would proceed with dialogue following the formal process.

Following this decision, Party chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal met with Gautam on Thursday for discussions. Leader Balaram Banskota confirmed that Gautam is positive about joining the Unified Socialist.

While chairman Nepal has not clarified what position Gautam would be offered, informal discussions among party leaders suggest he may be placed in a senior or respected leader role. However, no official discussion has yet been held in the party committee.

"There is a suggestion from the chairman that Gautam could be placed in a senior or respected leader position within the Secretariat. However, no formal discussion has been held in the committee," said one Unified Socialist official.

The challenge is that if two respected leaders are placed together, Jhalanath Khanal might object. Thus, it is suggested that Gautam could be placed in a position following Khanal's seniority, with Dr. Beduram Bhusal currently holding the third position in seniority.