UML to Decide on Merger with Maoist Center Through Central Committee Meeting

Kathmandu – The Communist Party of Nepal (UML), led by Madhav Kumar Nepal (Bipul), has moved forward with plans for party unification with the Maoist Center (CPN-MC). A recent informal standing committee meeting at Bipul's residence in Harisiddhi decided to convene a Central Committee meeting on Bhadra 22 (early September) to finalize the merger.

Key Developments

• The standing committee meeting on Saturday did not discuss unification details, as the Maoist Center’s official stance is still pending. However, UML spokesperson Karnajit Budhathoki confirmed that all discussions and decisions will occur during the upcoming Central Committee meeting.

• Maoist Center spokesperson Agniprasad Sapkota previously announced their intent to merge with UML, but Budhathoki emphasized that unification must be based on a "socialist revolutionary agenda" prioritizing national, public, and class interests.

Conditions for Unification

Budhathoki clarified that the merger would require:

1. Ideological clarity on revolutionary polarization.

2. Organizational and political transformation aligned with socialist revolution goals.
   The UML had initially approved unification during last year’s Baishakh Central Committee meeting, but progress stalled due to Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)’s inaction, sparking dissatisfaction from UML General Secretary Bipul.

Next Steps

The Bhadra 22 Central Committee meeting will formalize UML’s stance. While the Maoist Center’s decision is viewed positively, UML insists on a transformative unity framework rather than a superficial alliance.

This move signals a potential reshaping of Nepal’s leftist politics, though ideological alignment remains a critical hurdle.