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CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged the government to address the genuine demands of teachers.

He also asked parliamentarians of his party to participate actively to pass the bills including the Civil Service from the Parliament.

In the Parliamentary Party meeting of the party held on Thursday, Dahal urged the government to resolve the problems, saying that he has also been holding discussions with teachers, doctors and microfinance victims, according to Dahal's private secretariat. 

He stressed that all lawmakers should be active to pass the important bills including Federal Civil Service and School Education. 

On a different note, mentioning that the CPN (Maoist Center) is getting people's trust through Tarai-Madhes Awareness Campaign, Chair Dahal added that the campaign has also made party organization stronger.

During the meeting, various issues including present political development, government's style of working, party's role and people's expectation were discussed.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has appealed to the teachers to continue their protest.

He was speaking at a program organized on the occasion of the 77th establishment day of the Nepal Communist Party.

Saying that the government has betrayed the teachers time and again in the past, the former Prime Minister urged them to continue their agitation.

“I would like to appeal to the teachers to continue their protest with patience. You have protested repeatedly and have been cheated over and over again. It is the responsibility of all of us to prevent that from happening this time,” Dahal said.

He accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of insulting the protesting teachers instead of addressing their demands.

“The teachers have been staging protests for the past two weeks. Instead of addressing their demands, the Prime Minister leading the government has been insulting them,” Dahal said, adding, “He accused Prime Minister Oli of turning a blind eye to their plight.”

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reignited his efforts to create discord within the ruling coalition, publicly claiming that the government could collapse at any moment due to growing dissatisfaction within the Nepali Congress (NC). His remarks have forced the CPN-UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to publicly reaffirm the coalition’s stability.

For a brief period, Prime Minister Oli found respite as opposition parties, including Dahal, diverted their attention toward criticizing former King Gyanendra Shah amid pro-monarchy protests. However, with these protests losing momentum, Dahal has returned to his primary objective: toppling the current government and forming a new coalition with the NC. He has openly stated that it would be natural for the largest party to lead a new government, expressing his willingness to support NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba as prime minister. This has pressured Oli into urgent negotiations with senior NC leaders to secure their continued backing. 

NC leaders have publicly criticized the government’s performance, though both parties have agreed to resolve their differences.While Deuba himself may not be actively seeking to destabilize the government, Dahal’s statements have strengthened his bargaining power in key political appointments. Prime Minister Oli, once known for his uncompromising stance, now appears more flexible, offering crucial positions to the NC to maintain their support. UML leaders suspect that certain forces are working to isolate them ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially forming a grand electoral alliance against them. UML members also feel that the NC is increasingly dominating government affairs, creating unease within their ranks. 

Following the March 28 protests, pro-monarchy forces are attempting to regroup. Police recently arrested Durga Prasai, a key figure in the protests, in India’s Assam state, where he was hiding. Authorities are investigating his alleged involvement in arson, vandalism and violence during the demonstrations. The movement also appears fragmented, with Jagman Gurung’s group and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) failing to coordinate unified protests. The RPP plans to launch mass demonstrations soon and is demanding the release of its leaders, Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shumsher Rana, though the government has refused negotiations.

In his New Year message, the former king expressed regret over last month’s violence but framed the protests as a sign of growing public awareness about Nepal’s future. Despite skepticism about his commitment to democracy, he reiterated his support for a multi-party system and constitutional monarchy, signaling a tacit approval of the pro-monarchy movement.

Meanwhile, teachers continue to protest, demanding government action on their grievances. Despite ongoing talks, resolution seems not so close, prompting the government to prepare for a House session to pass the Education Bill.

The High-Level Economic Reform Advisory Commission, led by former Finance Secretary Rameshore Khanal, has identified declining consumption and investment as major obstacles to economic growth. 

The commission recommends immediate policy measures to stimulate demand, alongside structural reforms to reduce production costs and improve competitiveness. Key issues include sluggish credit growth, stalled real estate transactions, funds trapped in cooperatives, delayed government payments, and a crisis in the construction sector. The report also highlights how pandemic-era monetary policies, inadequate fiscal stimulus and import restrictions have exacerbated economic stagnation over the past two years.

In yet another development, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has hinted at her entry into UML politics, suggesting that due to health reasons, Prime Minister Oli may gradually hand over party leadership to her. Meanwhile, former Vice-President Nanda Kishor Pun has joined the Maoist Center.  At the same time, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the fourth largest party in the parliament, continues to face a crisis disproportionate with its size after Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane’s re-arrest, casting uncertainty over its upcoming general convention. With Lamichhane detained, internal divisions among top leaders have weakened the party’s functionality, though efforts to strengthen grassroots organization continue.

Former Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stressed the need of amending the Constitution for political stability.

Addressing a press conference organized by Press Centre Nepal, Rupandehi in Bhairahawa today, Chair Dahal, who arrived in Rupandehi as part of the party's awareness campaign, expressed concern that the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress had brought the issue of Constitution amendment during the formation of the government but failed to proceed ahead with it.

"The Constitution amendment is necessary for stability and it should be reviewed and amended within 10 years," he said, adding that the Constitution amendment is not to restrict the rights of the people but to enhance their rights.

Stating that his party has no interest in toppling down the government, he said the awareness campaign has been launched to establish the rights of the people and to understand the sufferings and even to defeat all kinds of efforts launched against the republican system in the name of restoration of monarchy or any others.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has requested the government to focus its attention to resolve people's problems.  

Talking to media persons in Chitwan today, Chair Dahal shared that teachers, doctors, nurses, cooperative victims, and political parties are in agitation and urged the government to resolve the people's problems.

On a different note, he stressed that new determination among political parties was necessary to move ahead as per the needs of the people and the country.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the identity and self-respect of the Muslim Community has been better as compared to the past.

However, the Muslim Community still faces some discriminatory practices, the former Prime Minister said on Thursday at a meeting with the members of the Muslim Community in Birgunj city.

He viewed that all ethnic, lingual and religious communities should be treated equally.

During his party's ongoing political campaign along the Tarai-Madhes, the Maoist Center Chairman argued that the campaign is an initiative for coordination and promotion of social goodwill. 

This campaign is a move to maintain political stability in the country, he argued.

The Maoist Center is conducting different programs in Parsa district today as part of its Tarai-Madhes awakening campaign along the Postal Highway.

Top leaders of the party have already arrived in Parsa district.

National Democratic Youth Organization, a youth wing of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, leader Niranjan Bam has been arrested on the charge of burning the photo of CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kama Dahal.

Bam burnt the photo of Dahal while addressing the conference of National Democratic Youth Organization, Makwanpur.

SP Bishwor Raj Khadka informed that preparations are underway to bring Bam to Makwanpur by apprehending him from Chitwan.

Chitwan Police detained Bam from Bharatpur Airport.

Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has urged royalists to seek their place within the democratic system. The crowd participating in the royalist rally are also Nepalis, he said: if we ignore their demand for a better country, the monarchy and other reactionary elements will try to raise their heads.

“My request to the royalists is—find your place within democracy,” said Dahal while addressing Parliament on Tuesday. He emphasized that democracy belongs equally to both himself and former King Gyanendra Shah, a sentiment enshrined in the constitution. However, he warned that if unconstitutional and undemocratic paths were chosen, the revolutionary forces would once again demonstrate their strength.  

“We must remember the glorious sacrifices of different periods in history with wisdom and gratitude because the achievements gained through those sacrifices are now under threat from reactionary forces,” he said.  

Dahal reiterated that attempts were being made to overturn the people’s hard-earned achievements and that the current situation required simultaneous resistance against both the government’s wrongdoings and regressive forces. “There is now a need to fight on two fronts—against the government’s misdeeds and against reactionary elements,” he said.  

He further stated that allowing the former king to reside in Nepal was a testament to the country’s fundamental and liberal republicanism. “The history of monarchy worldwide is written in blood. But Nepal became an exception. Our liberal approach ensured that the former king was not exiled and was given a safe place to stay. That is how Nepal’s republican history was written,” he said.  

However, he cautioned that perceiving this leniency as a weakness would be a grave mistake. “If anyone thinks that this was a compulsion of the revolution, they are completely mistaken. If our liberalism is seen as a weakness, history may once again unfold with great severity,” he warned.  

Dahal reminded everyone that the republic was not only a result of the Maoists’ armed struggle but also the outcome of sacrifices from marginalized communities, ethnic groups, regions and genders.   “Let everyone remember this: if anyone believes that the sovereign people will once again become subjects, there can be no bigger illusion than that,” he asserted. He added that the presence of royalists in a democratic parliament itself was proof that democracy and monarchy were incomparable.  

However, Dahal blamed the government for the growing royalist activities. “The threats to democracy are not just external. More than external forces, misgovernance by those in power poses a greater challenge from within,” he said. He argued that the declining credibility of the government had emboldened conservative and monarchist forces. 

Dahal, the leader of the main opposition party, also criticized the ruling party for disregarding democratic values, pointing to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s absence during his speech. “When the leader of the main opposition party stands at the rostrum, the prime minister’s continued absence—is it arrogance, lack of etiquette or frustration? You should answer that yourselves,” he remarked.

Previously too, Prime Minister Oli was absent while Dahal addressed the parliament. It is a general trend of the Prime Minister being present while the leader of the main opposition party addresses the parliament and vice-versa. Prime Minister Oli meanwhile was addressing the Koshi Province Assembly on Tuesday.

After Dahal’s speech, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa expressed disagreement with some of Dahal’s remarks about the government. However, he echoed Dahal’s concerns about the need for the government to regain public trust.  

“During the drafting of the constitution, when I spoke about the need for change, I was accused of treason. Many here faced the same accusations. But this democratic republican system allows us to question and even challenge the system itself,” he said.

Thapa stressed that those who support the constitution must find common ground, whether in the government or in the opposition. “We need to maintain at least a minimal level of consensus—to protect the constitution, safeguard constitutional bodies and ensure proper governance,” he said.  

He also urged political leaders to engage in civil and informed debates rather than spreading hatred.   “We can criticize and question, but let’s not spread hate. If we allow hatred to consume us, it will take us all down. Let’s compete, but through civilized and informed discussions, both inside and outside Parliament,” he said.  

Thapa further urged the government to respond to the opposition’s concerns without arrogance. “If the government listens to the grievances of citizens and addresses them without arrogance, those who stand for change will unite through dialogue and good governance,” he added. 

He also stressed the need to address public dissatisfaction. “The people who stood by political parties during the democratic movement are now disillusioned. The government must listen to their concerns and address them before it’s too late,” he warned.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal said it is the need of hour to move ahead with unison to transform the status of the people as per the changed political system.

Extending best wishes on the occasion of the National Democracy Day today, the former Prime Minister said it was the national task to lay the foundation of a socialism-oriented State through the implementation of the Constitution while protecting the achievements gained on the strength of the people's struggle.

"Democracy which was established on the sacrifices of the Nepali people has refined and modified itself and reached the glorious state of the federal democratic republic," he said, adding, "For these achievements, the people's struggle of 2007 BS, the movement of 2046 BS, the people's war, the historic people's movement of 2062÷63 BS and the movements of the oppressed classes, castes, regions, genders and communities for justice had a decisive role.

Former Prime Minister Dahal has wished that the Democracy Day would inspire everyone to overcome the challenges of the country and achieve the latest possibilities.

He paid deep tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of democracy and expressed high respect to all the warriors of the democratic movement. 

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the tripartite power trade deal signed by Nepal with India and Bangladesh has become a milestone.

Chair Dahal expressed such a view during the meeting with office-bearers of Independent Power Producers' Association Nepal (IPPAN) today.

The CPN (Maoist Center)-led government had signed a tripartite power trade agreement with the Indian Prime Minister in the course of India visit during his premiership.

He shared, "I put in a lot of effort to sign power trade deals with India and Bangladesh. It is a milestone for the country's prosperity. We can fulfill the dream of prosperity by selling power to countries including India, China and Bangladesh."

Stating that there was no alternative to moving ahead by implementing the agreement of exporting power to Bangladesh via India, selling 10,000 megawatts electricity to India in 10 years and also exporting electricity to China, Chair Dahal mentioned that it was necessary to pay attention in power production for the same.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that they would continuously struggle to protect norms and values of the Constitution, promulgated with the support of the armed conflict, and the people's rights.

At a program organized at the party's central office in Perisdanda today to commemorate the armed struggle launched 30 years ago, Chair Dahal argued that efforts to reverse the progressive provisions of the Constitution would be thwarted.

An armed uprising under the leadership of the then CPN (Maoist) was launched from February 13, 1996.

He shared, "Some elements have been making efforts to reverse the progressive provisions of the Constitution. But we will establish socialist republic at any cost."

The CPN (Maoist Center) would take forward the people's agenda with determination and has committed to make its ties with people stronger, added the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson.

Chair Dahal stressed that the party should take initiatives to bring change in people's life.

On the occasion, Maoist leaders including Chair Dahal offered wreaths on the martyr's memorial at Perisdanda.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has underlined the need to institutionalize outcomes achieved through struggles.

In a message delivered today to commemorate the armed struggle waged 30 years ago under the leadership of then CPN (Maoist), he said the responsibility has come to their shoulders to complete the remaining task of social transformation through public trust and mandate.

Noting that the federal democratic republic has been established after the end of monarchy in the country today due to armed struggle, Chair Dahal said that it has opened up ways to ensure representation of the oppressed communities in the governance process.

"We participated in the peace process through a comprehensive peace accord under specific circumstances. For the first time in history, we were able to institutionalize the rights of the Nepali people through the Constitution. The foundation for prosperity, justice and equality has been prepared. This was possible due to the people's war", the message reads.

Dahal, also the former Prime Minister, further noted that there were some shortcomings on our part in the process, but there was never a flaw in our intentions".

They have been continuously working for the advancement of the Nepali people and Nepali society, he stated, adding, "Therefore, we are moving forward with an open heart reviewing our weaknesses".

Chair Dahal paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives during the armed struggle, respect for those who went missing and wished full recovery to those injured, the message noted.

Addressing the House of Representatives on Thursday, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the leader of the main opposition party, the CPN (Maoist Centre), started his speech by expressing dissatisfaction at the absence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and senior leaders from the ruling party, the CPN-UML. 

Dahal remarked that, as per parliamentary traditions, when a leader of the opposition addresses the House, it is customary for the leader of the largest party and the Prime Minister, to be present. While Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba arrived a bit late, Prime Minister Oli was notably absent.

During an hour-long speech, Dahal voiced his concern regarding the government’s recent decision to issue multiple ordinances. He questioned the constitutional validity of such ordinances as they were brought forward just six before the Parliament was due to convene. 

The former prime minister accused the government of taking a shortcut in issuing ordinances and claimed that it demonstrated a lack of proper intention and transparency. He raised questions about the necessity of such ordinances, especially considering that the ruling parties had previously boasted of their strong mandate and two-thirds majority. 

Dahal expressed skepticism over the recent ordinances related to land reforms. He questioned whether the new land-related ordinances would ease the process of granting land rights to marginalized communities, including Dalits, indigenous people, and squatters. He warned that the amendments might complicate matters rather than solve them. Dahal also highlighted the discrepancies between the government’s actions and the promises made regarding land rights, emphasizing that the new policies appeared to favor the wealthy and urban elites over the rural poor.

“These amendments seem to benefit the land mafia and real estate developers, while leaving the poor and marginalized people struggling for their basic rights,” he noted.

A significant portion of Dahal’s address was dedicated to the government’s social media regulation bill. He said that while he had long been aware of Prime Minister Oli’s intentions regarding social media regulation, the tacit support of other ruling parties, especially the Congress, to the controversial bill was alarming.

He questioned Congress’s alignment with the government’s move and said, “I know Oli’s intentions, but how can you support such a bill now? Yesterday, you stood against such measures, and today you are supporting them.” He asked the Congress leaders if they really want a country where a citizen is barred from asking questions, from holding government to account.

He accused the government of trying to move forward in an authoritarian manner and intentionally causing distress to the citizens. He added that the government’s political retribution and the misuse of state power had become commonplace

In an attempt to defend himself from allegations related to the controversial ‘Shera Durbar’ incident in Nuwakot, Dahal challenged the government to investigate his possible involvement. “If I am involved in the Shera Darbar case in any way, let the investigation begin,” he said. He further claimed that the government was using the issue to tarnish his reputation, with an aim to find some link, no matter how tenuous, to attack him and his party.

 “The government has been working hard to frame me in this case,” Dahal said.

The case involves the alleged illegal possession of land in Nuwakot, which is thought to have been occupied by Dahal’s former private secretary. Following a prolonged investigation, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has concluded that the land should be returned to the government.

Dahal also accused the government of causing hardship to the citizens. He expressed frustration over the government’s tendency to press serious charges even in situations where a simple resolution could have been found. “In situations where things could be settled through discussions, citizens are being shackled and dragged from one district to another, with severe charges being placed. Is this arrogance of power, or fear of the people?”

He also accused the government of trying to move forward in an authoritarian manner and intentionally causing distress to the citizens. He added that the government’s political retribution and the misuse of state power had become commonplace.

He linked this to the incident involving the Pathibhara Cable Car dispute, where the police had fired shots, and the introduction of the social media regulation bill, which he argued was an attempt to legally control freedom of expression. “What is this? Are you above the people’s sovereignty? Are you above the constitution? Are you the masters and the citizens your slaves?”

Further criticism was directed at the government’s treatment of Rabi Lamichhane, the leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who was suspended from Parliament despite being released on bail by the court. Dahal raised concerns about the political motives behind Lamichhane’s suspension, accusing the government of orchestrating a political revenge campaign.

He addressed the Speaker of the House, requesting a re-evaluation of Lamichhane’s suspension, calling into question its fairness and constitutional grounds. “Even after being released on bail, how can Lamichhane’s suspension be justified? We need to reconsider this issue in light of the constitutional principles of justice,” he urged the Speaker.

Dahal emphasized that the current government’s strength was evident when it came to pursuing political revenge. He argued that the opposition leaders were being unfairly painted as villains despite the lack of evidence.

Lawmaker Sobita Gautam from RSP also expressed regret over the decision to suspend Lamichhane and urged for a swift correction of the decision. “My party and I deeply regret this decision, and I request the Parliament Secretariat to correct it as soon as possible,” Gautam said. “I humbly request that the suspension be revoked.”

“Parliamentary rules have provisions for suspension only if an MP is sent to jail by a court. But the suspension notice was posted without a court case,” she said. “The law was meant to prevent MPs from being targeted unnecessarily.”

Similarly, Sumana Shrestha, MP from RSP raised concerns about the social media bill, which has been registered in Parliament, and highlighted the growing protests from youth against the bill. She brought the issue to the government’s attention. “Protests have started on social media since yesterday. There is a growing voice against the social media bill the government has registered,” she said. “Will the government listen to this voice? I am raising this issue to attract the government’s attention.”

She also suggested engaging the youth for further discussions on the bill. “Invite the youth and let them discuss. We’ve seen that the bill can pass through this House even if they are pushed. What is content creation? The government has brought this bill without even understanding basic social media matters,” Shrestha said.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has accused the government of issuing ordinances that serve the interests of specific groups rather than the public.

In his address to the House of Representatives (HoR) today, he criticized the proposed amendments to the Land and National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act. He argued that these amendments would make it more difficult for landless people and Dalits to obtain land registration certificates.

The main opposition party leader stated that the amendments would curtail the rights of landless individuals and those residing unsystematically on land.

He proposed revising the "illogical" systems of land classification and evaluation when providing land to the unsystematic dwellers. He suggested lowering charges for land used by impoverished, rural citizens or for agricultural purposes, while increasing fees for land owned by wealthier people in urban areas and those used for residential purposes.

Dahal expressed concern that the government, through these ordinances, could promote big real estate businesses and land mafias, thus curtailing farmers' rights to sell their land by dividing into plots. He also claimed that the ordinance failed to address the land issues related to the Swargadwari Guthi.

Furthermore, he voiced dissatisfaction with the government's decision to amend the Black-marketing and Some Other Social Offences and Punishment Act, 2032 BS (1975), removing the provision that prevents traders from earning more than a 20 percent profit on goods. He called this move unjust.

He also criticized the proposed amendment to the Health Insurance Act, 2074 BS, claiming it undermines the independence of the Insurance Act. Additionally, he objected to the proposed revision of the Yogmaya Ayurvedic University Act, 2079 BS, which he believed contradicted the university's historic legacy.

The former Prime Minister also questioned why the government had not introduced these ordinances in parliamentary committees for open dialogue when they were under consideration in the Parliament. He expressed concern over the 'suspension' of the previous government's 'campaign' for economic prosperity, good governance, and social justice.

The opposition leader also voiced concern about the treatment of Rabi Lamichhane as the "biggest cooperative fraud," despite the fact that his direct involvement in withdrawing cooperative funds has not been proven. He questioned the constitutional grounds and the justice behind Lamichhane's suspension as a lawmaker, when the court had granted him bail.

He urged the government not to amend the Constitution in ways that violate historic and significant agreements among political parties. "If we need to revise the Constitution, let's switch to a fully proportional electoral system, ensuring 50 percent women's participation and representation of Dalits based on population and preferential rights. Let's move toward a directly elected executive system," he said.

He also called for a fair investigation into the Shera Durbar (Palace) land grab case in Nuwakot, which has been connected to his name. "From this rostrum, I urge the government to begin an investigation, and if my name is involved, let the investigation start with me," he said.

In an effort to strengthen its position, the CPN (Maoist Center) is preparing to revive some radical agendas, including the right to self-determination and ethnicity-based autonomous provinces—issues the party abandoned during the constitution drafting process in 2015. A political document presented by Maoist Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal during the party’s Central Committee meeting proposes reactivating the ethnic and caste-based structures established during the insurgency and the subsequent peace process. These structures were compromised during the constitution drafting process to reach consensus with other parties.

The Maoist party had originally proposed 14 autonomous provinces based on ethnic groups. However, this proposal was strongly opposed by the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, who argued it could lead to national disintegration. As a result, the Maoists were forced to compromise. “The issue of identity-based federalism has been overshadowed, and we must apologize for this,” Dahal said at the ongoing Central Committee meeting. He emphasized the need to rebuild relationships with indigenous communities, Janajatis, and other marginalized groups—the party’s core constituencies—while reviving regional and caste-based party organizations.

Dahal has also expressed that the party should collaborate with revolutionary forces rather than parliamentary parties like the NC and UML. However, many Maoist leaders argue that Dahal raises such radical agendas only when relegated to the opposition bench in Parliament. A senior leader remarked, “Once he gains power through alliances with the NC or UML, he completely forgets these communities and even embraces rightist and Hindu fundamentalist agendas.”

From 2008 until the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, the Maoists, then the largest party, vigorously championed these issues. However, the party gradually abandoned them after its relegation to third place in the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections. Dahal has now urged party members to apologize and self-criticize for not prioritizing these agendas after the constitution drafting process. Despite becoming prime minister twice post-constitution promulgation—in alliance with the NC and UML—Dahal did little to address these issues.

The political document also outlines the party's position on constitutional amendments. The Maoists propose replacing the current system with a directly elected presidential system, a longstanding agenda they have pushed since joining the peace process. Additionally, they are preparing to reiterate their support for a fully proportional representation (PR) electoral system, which other major parties are unlikely to accept. Currently, the electoral system is a mix of PR and First-Past-the-Post (FPTP). The likelihood of major party agreement on adopting full PR remains minimal.

One of Dahal’s key proposals is to increase women’s representation in state organs from the current 33 percent to 50 percent, an initiative aimed at attracting female constituencies. These proposals are part of a broader strategy to revive the party’s waning influence. Despite maintaining its position as the third-largest party in the past two national elections and serving as a decisive force in government formation, the party’s overall strength has diminished. While it retains strongholds in some districts of the far and mid-western regions, its urban presence has weakened. Dahal acknowledges this in his document and proposes a roadmap to rebuild the party’s urban support.

The roadmap includes providing opportunities for youth within the party, increasing membership, maintaining financial transparency, and exposing the current government’s misdeeds. To regain urban support, Dahal emphasizes launching targeted campaigns in Kathmandu Valley, cities, and highway areas. He underscores the importance of establishing a strong presence in the capital, vital for implementing the party’s policies and strategies. Notably, the Maoists failed to secure a single seat in Kathmandu Valley during the 2022 elections, even with an electoral alliance with the NC.

To address urban challenges, Dahal’s document proposes tackling issues such as urbanization, traditional and cultural heritage preservation, waste management, water supply, drainage, and public transportation. He recalls the party’s failed 2009 urban revolt, which was quickly abandoned following protests from Kathmandu’s elite, whom he had derisively referred to as “Sukila Mukila.”

While Dahal’s proposals aim to rejuvenate the party, his underlying priority appears to be returning to power and destabilizing the current coalition government. Reports indicate that a faction of NC and Maoist leaders is discussing forming a new alliance. This has led some party leaders to question Dahal’s sincerity in advancing the party’s position. A senior Maoist leader, speaking anonymously, stated, “Once Dahal gains power, he forgets all these agendas and even avoids convening party meetings.”

In his document, Dahal has adopted a tough stance against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli while maintaining a softer approach toward NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, reflecting potential power-sharing considerations. Although Dahal and Oli frequently clash publicly, Dahal and Deuba rarely criticize each other in public forums.

Dahal’s proposals reflect an attempt to address both the party’s declining influence and the grievances of marginalized communities. However, internal skepticism remains about his commitment to these agendas, given his track record of abandoning them when in power. The Maoists face significant challenges in rebuilding their urban and national support base, particularly as they compete with stronger, more established parties.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday made a pointed statement, accusing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of “playing the China card” by choosing to visit China before India. In an interview with The Hindu, former Prime Minister Dahal criticized Oli’s upcoming China visit, calling it a deliberate attempt to court Beijing, which he deemed misguided. Dahal also suggested that India-Nepal relations are strained due to the new government’s policies and cautioned that tensions over border disputes could resurface.

Dahal highlighted his own efforts to strengthen India-Nepal ties during his 18-month tenure, which ended in July. Oli is scheduled to travel to Beijing for an official visit in early December, preceded by a preparatory trip by Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba at the end of this month.

Apparently, the planned visit is no music to the ears of New Delhi and other international observers. . Historically, Indian policymakers and think tanks have accused Nepali leaders of leveraging the ‘China card’ to sidestep India’s influence, a notion dating back to 1950. Although Indian analysts often claim Nepal uses its ties with China strategically, Nepali leaders deny this characterization.

Dahal’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling CPN-UML. Bishnu Rijal, the party’s Central Committee member, labeled Dahal’s remarks as ‘anti-Nepal’ and damaging to the country’s self-esteem, adding that such statements could provoke tensions with neighboring countries. Rijal further claimed that Dahal’s comments reflect frustration over the fall of his government in July and expose his divisive views on Nepal’s two largest neighbors.

Dahal’s statement is also likely to provoke Prime Minister Oli and his coalition partner, the Nepali Congress. Since the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution, Nepal’s political and diplomatic circles have actively debated the ‘China card’ issue, with leaders reiterating that Nepal aims to maintain balanced relations with both India and China.

As Oli’s administration accelerates preparations for the China visit, the trip has captured the attention of media and experts in both New Delhi and Beijing. Qian Feng, director at Tsinghua University’s National Strategy Institute, told the Global Times that Nepal’s cooperation with China does not necessarily imply a shift away from India, stressing that ties with both neighbors can coexist harmoniously.

Oli’s agenda for the Beijing trip reportedly includes discussions on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the implementation of previous agreements between Nepal and China.

Nepal’s diplomatic balancing act with India and China isn’t new. Nihar Nayak, an expert on Nepal-China relations, describes in his book Strategic Himalayas how King Mahendra effectively leveraged the ‘China card’ in the 1950s and 60s, a policy later continued by his son, King Gyanendra. Nayak notes that Gyanendra’s tilt toward China, including his moves at the 13th SAARC summit and his arms purchases from China and Pakistan, exemplified efforts to reduce Nepal’s reliance on India. According to Nayak, even some Maoist leaders have attempted to play the ‘China card’ in recent years, albeit unsuccessfully.