Prachanda Urges Left Unity at Bhandari Anniversary

Nepal’s communist movement is facing a period of growing political pressure, and the response should be practical cooperation rather than hurried organizational unification, CPN (Maoist Centre) coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” said on Sunday. Speaking at a programme marking the 75th birth anniversary of the late communist leader Madan Bhandari, he urged left and democratic forces with common commitments to national sovereignty, constitutional governance and democratic rights to work together instead of remaining divided.

A Call for Cooperation Over Merger

Addressing a discussion titled “Nepal’s Communist Movement and People’s Leader Madan Bhandari,” Prachanda dismissed speculation surrounding an immediate party merger, saying such discussions do not reflect the current political priority.

He argued that cooperation on issues of national importance is more urgent than organizational unification. Political forces that broadly share similar ideological commitments, he said, should not delay building a common platform on matters concerning the country’s future.

Rather than framing unity as a formal structural exercise, Prachanda presented it as a political necessity shaped by the present national situation.

Reviewing the Past, Responding to the Present

Prachanda also said he is prepared to critically review his own political decisions and acknowledged that all political actors should undertake self-assessment. He argued that collective reflection is necessary if Nepal’s major political forces are to confront the challenges facing the country.

He claimed that Nepal’s communist movement has come under increasing pressure in the current political environment and warned that forces seeking to weaken its influence have become more active. According to him, responding to those challenges requires greater unity among left forces.

The remarks also reflected an effort to shift the political conversation from internal competition within the left toward coordinated action on broader national questions.

Concerns Over National Sovereignty and Constitutional Values

Prachanda claimed that Nepal’s national sovereignty has weakened since Bhadra 24 and alleged that counter-revolutionary activities have been gaining ground.

He further accused the current government of allowing actions that place pressure on the Constitution’s fundamental principles and the rights of historically oppressed communities.

Such trends, he warned, could undermine Nepal’s democratic system and long-term political stability. He urged democratic and left-oriented political parties to remain vigilant and act together in defence of constitutional values and national interests.