Progressive Democratic Party Decides to Consolidate as Leftist, Progressive Force and Pursue Unity

Kathmandu. The Progressive Democratic Party (Pradepa) has decided to establish itself as a leftist, progressive, patriotic, and socialist stream. Furthermore, Pradepa has adopted a policy of unity and polarization with forces holding similar views.

The party's Chairman Council has also divided responsibilities for conducting meetings under the chairmanship of Santosh Pariyar until the first unity general convention. Exercising the authority granted by the expanded central committee meeting held on Baishakh 11 and 12, the Chairman Council has made public organizational and political decisions. 

The meeting conducted a rigorous review of the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21, 2082, and expressed serious self-criticism for the party not achieving the expected results. Concluding that defeat was faced due to organizational weaknesses, the short period of party formation, financial constraints, and electoral alliances, the party has resolved not to repeat past mistakes in the future.

Pradepa has decided to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and unity with new parties, groups, and individuals formed for socialist objectives in its future political journey. With this objective, a 'Central General Convention Secretariat' has been formed to complete the first historic unity general convention. This secretariat will include representation from the Chairman Council members, provincial in-charges, and departmental heads, while provincial co-in-charges and commission chiefs have been kept as invitee members.

The meeting also made decisions regarding internal party discipline. Citing anarchic and undisciplined activities by some leaders during the central committee meeting in Baishakh, Pradepa has decided to strictly control such activities in the future, as stated in a press release issued on Friday. 

For organizational strengthening, a work plan has been put forward to organize unity gatherings of people-oriented organizations and ethnic and regional fronts, and to form committees up to the local level. Similarly, a policy has been adopted to connect local levels with production activities to make the party financially self-reliant.

On social issues, Pradepa has demanded a just and long-term solution to the landless problem. Condemning the government's inhumane treatment of the landless, the party has decided to raise its voice in their support. Decisions have also been made for financial management, where central members and candidates will collect funds and the levy system will be regularized.

Meanwhile, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, who has been serving as the party's patron, expressed his desire to support alternative and transformative politics independently without holding any organizational responsibility. Respecting his personal choice, the party has extended its best wishes.

Similarly, following the public statement by Chairman Council member Suden Kiranti that he would not even be an ordinary member of the party, the party has wished him success in his future political journey.

The meeting has decided to hold a secretariat meeting soon to take appropriate decisions after necessary dialogue with inactive or resigned members and to formulate an overall plan for the general convention.