UML Gen Secy Pokharel’s statement sparks suspicion within Nepali Congress

Kathmandu, February 11 —  "Supporters of instability, who are disillusioned with the current power structure based on the 7-point agreement, are cultivating various kinds of confusion and rumors against cooperation," wrote CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel on his Facebook page late on Monday. "No matter what efforts they make against the power structure, their objectives will not be achieved, and they will not be allowed to succeed."

Pokharel also stated that the collaboration between Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) is a natural result of the current political situation.

This statement from Pokharel came as a continuation of his previous post. On Sunday night, Pokharel had written about a conversation with Barshaman Pun, Deputy General Secretary of the Maoist Center. Pun had claimed that Pokharel had called him to request support for an ordinance during a program in Gulmi on Saturday.

After Pun made this public claim, Pokhrel had to issue a long clarification on Sunday, stating that the conversation was a matter of courtesy among leaders. Pokharel accused Pun of promoting the informal conversation as a formal request from the UML General Secretary.

"Now it seems that one has to be cautious even about informal conversations with him. Responsible party leaders sometimes speak informally with individuals and groups they consider necessary. Informal conversations should not be publicized, and such discussions should not be made public," Pokharel said.

Pokharel further warned that by revealing such internal matters, Pun and his party would harm themselves. He also expressed that any claims about the need to build strong national power due to a phone conversation with Pun were nothing but false publicity by Maoist leaders and activists. He expressed sympathy only toward such views.

Pokharel's statement suggests ongoing discussions and negotiations between the CPN (UML) and the Maoist Center about cooperation. However, this has raised concerns within the Nepali Congress, as they now see the increasing interaction between UML and the opposition Maoist Center.

As a result, Nepali Congress leaders are reportedly preparing to meet their party president Sher Bahadur Deuba to inquire about the situation and seek clarification on Pokharel's statements.

Nepali Congress Chief Whip, Shyam Ghimire, stated that only after discussing with President Deuba would the exact meaning of Pokharel’s remarks become clear. Ghimire mentioned that he would meet with Deuba on Wednesday to discuss the matter.

"Shankarji should explain why and in what context he talked about cooperation with the Maoists. Only he can answer that," Ghimire said. "This has raised suspicions. It would have been better if it hadn't been publicly stated while cooperation with Nepali Congress is ongoing."

Ghimire confirmed that a discussion with Deuba on this issue will take place on Wednesday.

Another Nepali Congress leader, Min Bishwakarma, speculated that Pokharel might have been trying to have a "side talk" with Maoist leader Pun about ordinances, possibly with the consent of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. 

"There are many things like ordinances and bills. The Prime Minister might have instructed second and third-level leaders to have side talks with others. It seems Pokharel may have been trying to talk with Pun in that context," said Bishwakarma. "We will understand more after further discussions with the leaders."

The government had introduced six ordinances to amend 31 laws during the period when Parliament was not in session. However, the ordinances have not yet been presented for decision.

The ordinance process has been halted due to the lack of a clear majority in the National Assembly.

The ruling party is now attempting to garner support from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, but JSP Nepal has already stated that it cannot support the land-related ordinance.