Prachanda accuses government of protecting corruption

Surkhet, February 11 — Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ has stated that the government formed by the alliance of the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress is a protector of corruption.

In a press conference held in Birendranagar on Tuesday, Prachanda remarked, "We are not focused on the government. Let it run as long as it can; even if it lasts until 2027, we are not concerned."

He claimed that the government is opaque, unconstitutional, unnatural, and designed to protect corrupt individuals, adding that the Maoist Center would not act as a mere spectator.

Prachanda also accused KP Oli of being dishonest and undermining good governance. He said, "Sher Bahadur ji is honest, but there is no one more deceitful than KP." He further claimed that Oli misled him by talking about heaven and hell.

Prachanda emphasized that his party would not remain passive while the government makes mistakes.

"It’s not that we want the government to remain in power, but we have no concern with it," he said. "We are with the people, and the claim that the Maoist Center cannot go to elections alone is wrong; the by-election has shown otherwise."

He also asserted that the Maoist Center is capable of contesting elections independently, without any support from others.

Regarding internal party matters, Prachanda clarified that there were no issues within the Maoist Center.

"The issues regarding the student organization elections that have appeared in the media are not true," he stated. "All the students are from the Maoist Center. The organization is moving forward with good work."

On the subject of CPN (UML) vice-chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa’s remarks about the people's war being 'violence,' Prachanda said he had no intention to comment.

He also mentioned that discussions were ongoing within the Socialist Front about party unity.

"We are currently in the Socialist Front, and discussions about unity are taking place," he said. "However, the issue of unity has not yet taken solid form."