GANDAKI PROVINCE: MAOIST LEADER DEMANDS CHIEF MINISTER POST

Pokhara. Amidst discussions of changes in power equations in the provinces, debates have also begun in Gandaki Province. In this context, the leader of the parliamentary party of the main opposition party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Haribahadur Chuman, has put forth a condition that the government leadership should now be given to the CPN (Maoist Centre). Here is an excerpt from a short conversation with him:

How do you view the new political equation that has developed in the context of the main opposition party in Gandaki Province?

This change in equation, as per the decision at the top level, will also come to the provincial level. Our belief is that at least the provincial government should not have faced any disruption during this term. As the progenitor of federalism, we have a greater affection for this structure. Currently, there are occasional talks of abolishing the provincial structure. We have a clear stance that the old democratic parties should not make decisions that support this. However, the new equation that started in Sudurpaschim is now showing its impact in Gandaki as well. Although official decisions from the center have not yet arrived. Once the decision comes, it will be implemented.

The ruling party at the federal level, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has mentioned significant changes in the provincial structure in its political document. If such events are repeated, won't it strengthen that proposal? What will change by altering the current equation?

I have already stated that we have supported the government in good work and criticized it in bad work. We are ready to cooperate and criticize. Our desire is that the equation should not be disturbed. However, we are reading news that it has broken. Although, there has been no discussion with the central leadership. We are still in favor of this equation continuing, otherwise, it is a political decision. We also have to take a path.

The Maoist party had been claiming the Chief Minister post since the past. But in the end, the situation arose where it had to be content with only a supporting role. What position will be formed now?

Yes, we have repeatedly helped both Congress and UML form the Chief Minister, but we ourselves remained in a supporting role. This time, injustice should not be done to the Maoist party, and we must get the leadership. This is our clear stance. All parties understand this. Therefore, our bottom line this time is the Chief Minister. We will report the same to the central leadership. The central leadership understands this matter. We believe that the decision will be made accordingly.

You have mentioned that the cooperation between the Maoist party and UML in Gandaki may not happen. What is the specific situation? Are you trying to align with Congress?

I did not mean that cooperation with UML would not happen at all. I was just analyzing the mathematical situation (numbers) here. If we only align with UML, our majority will not be enough, and the support of other smaller parties will be needed. For example, the decision of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is not yet clear, and there is also the issue of the Member of Parliament who contested from our symbol in the Socialist Party. It is a bit complicated to form a government with all parties, including the RPP. But if Congress and Maoist align, a majority can be easily achieved. I was analyzing this numerical situation. The rest of the decision will be our line as per whatever comes from the center.

What kind of message are these frequent changes and formations of alliances sending to the public? Will the public favor the new equation?

Certainly, this will not send a good message to the public. We ourselves are concerned about this. Although it is natural to expect to get into the government after a change in the equation, it leads to instability. Our emphasis is on making federalism effective and pro-people. However, in a party system, the influence of central politics on the provinces cannot be denied. Regardless of the nature of central politics, provinces should be able to function according to their needs. If we get the leadership, we will try to win the public's trust by further strengthening and making federalism effective even in this situation.

As you mentioned, in the case of Gandaki, a government can be easily formed if Congress and Maoist align. Will you try to convince the center about this, or will you proceed differently here?

We need to inform the center about the political and numerical situation here, and the center is also aware of this matter. The center will make a decision after considering the overall situation of the country. We do not need to provide separate information; they know everything. We have faith that Gandaki will also be considered when making the decision.

In this regard, have there been any discussions or dialogues with the top leadership or other responsible leaders at the center in the last 2-4 days?

I have not directly discussed this matter with the leadership yet, nor is it something to be discussed. Information is coming through the media and other channels. We will receive formal notification only after the center makes an official decision. They are busy with their own work right now. It is not appropriate for us to rush and ask. Steps will be taken here only after observing the situation at the center.

So, have there been no discussions on this matter with leaders of Congress or UML at the provincial level?

At the provincial level, UML leader Khagraj Adhikari called today and asked to discuss. I replied that I am also understanding the situation. However, no call has been received from Congress so far. But overall, most of the MPs and leaders of both Congress and UML seem positive about the Maoist party getting the Chief Minister post once. Since a government cannot be formed in any province without the Maoist party, the decision made by the center will be final, and we will proceed accordingly.