Jhapa Leftist Leaders Call for Reorganization of Communist Movement After Electoral Defeat

Leftist leaders representing various parties in Jhapa have emphasized the need to reorganize the leftist movement following their embarrassing defeat in the recently concluded House of Representatives elections.

In a joint appeal issued by the leaders, they stressed the necessity of immediate self-reflection, structural reform, and the reorganization of the leftist movement, stating that the election results have pushed communists to the 'most serious juncture in history.'

Those issuing the joint appeal include Naresh Kharel, a leader of the 1970 Jhapa Movement, former CPN-UML central committee members Rabin Koirala and Ganesh Pokhrel, among others.

The appeal, issued by leaders including Jhalak Singh Darlami, Pushpa Pokhel, Jyoti Singh Darlami, Ranjit Tamang from the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Nilmani Baral from CPN (United), and Arjun Pandey from CPN (Maoist), along with Laxmidevi Neupane Saru from the Progressive Democratic Party, noted that the extent of the defeat in the parliamentary elections has raised serious questions about the future of the movement.

They interpreted the current situation not merely as a normal political fluctuation but as an indication of a deep crisis, citing the weakening of the leftist ideology, declining public trust, and growing skepticism towards socialism.

Furthermore, the leaders pointed out that the main reason for the defeat is internal weakness, rather than the influence of external powers as some might suggest. The joint appeal stated, 'Foreign interference always exists, but it is unacceptable for the leadership to try to hide their weaknesses by using it as an excuse.'

The appeal expressed strong dissatisfaction with the leadership's style of functioning, concluding that factionalism that has grown within the parties over a long period, violation of the statute, power-centric politics, and distance from the public have weakened the leftist movement.