Lekhraj Bhatta denies rumors of leaving UML

Kathmandu, January 14 — A video of an informal conversation by CPN (UML) Secretary Lekhraj Bhatta has recently gone viral on social media.

In the video, Bhatt expresses dissatisfaction with UML Chair KP Sharma Oli.

The conversation, which took place at Bhatta's residence in Attariya, Kailali, with former Maoist leaders and cadres from UML, highlights his grievances against Oli. Bhatta specifically mentions that several UML leaders, including Oli, exhibit arrogance.

Prior to this, there were rumors that Bhatta was planning to leave UML, but in an interview with Ratopati, he clarified that there was no such intention. He called the rumors baseless and accused Maoist leaders of orchestrating them.

"I have no intention of leaving UML. These rumors are baseless, and they were planted by the Maoists. I still have a good relationship with the party leadership and remain active in party work," Bhatta said.

However, Bhatta acknowledged that he disagrees with the party leadership’s view on the Maoist People's War. He expressed that if any UML leaders belittled the sacrifices and contributions made during the People's War, he would strongly oppose it.

"There are differences regarding the perspective on the Maoist People's War. I have opposed it in the past. My own contribution to the People's War, as well as that of Nepali workers, peasants, women, marginalized groups, indigenous people, Madhesis, Muslims, and Dalits, is what brought about the current system," he stated. "If UML leaders belittle the People's War, I will protest."

Bhatta also blamed Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) for the weakness of the Maoist movement, stating that the unification between UML and the Maoists was based on Prachanda's personal interests rather than ideological or theoretical grounds.

"The main issue behind the weakness of the Maoist movement is Prachanda. Without consulting us, he united with UML for his own interests. After their interests did not align, he broke the unity," Bhatta claimed. "I had warned against uniting with UML without ideological clarity, but Prachanda did not listen."

Bhatta also raised questions about why Prachanda failed to bring together the key leaders of the Maoist movement, like Mohan Baidya, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Baburam Bhattarai. He criticized Prachanda's approach, saying unity cannot be achieved by focusing on personal interests.

Following the split of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) in 2021, Bhatta, along with several other former Maoist leaders, remained in UML.

Despite the internal tensions, he emphasized that any future unity among Maoist factions should be based on collective commitment and a realization of past mistakes.