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CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the boundary issues including Kalapani-Lipulek should be resolved based on mutual dialogue and agreement.

Speaking briefly with journalists at Biratnagar Airport today, Chair Dahal, also the former Prime Minister, reminded that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed commitment in the past to resolve border issues involving Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura.

The Maoist Center Chair said that he had clearly stated during his visit to India as Prime Minister that the relationship with the neighbour cannot be cordial without resolving the border issues.

"During my latest visit to India as Prime Minister, a 'press briefing' was held where the issue of the border dispute was discussed, and Indian Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to resolving the remaining border issues through dialogue," former PM Dahal said.

Chairman Dahal suggested to the government to initiate a dialogue process with the neighbouring friendly nation India to resolve the border issues between the two countries.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has vowed to dismantle factionalism in the party. He also claimed that public trust was growing in the party. 

In an audiovisual message to the full meeting of the party's Karnali Province, Chairman Dahal reminded that the Standing Committee meeting of the party had made a resolution to make the party strong and unified by ending groupism, anarchy and conflict in the party. 

Dahal characterized the victory of party leaders at local levels, student unions and the Nepal Mountaineering Association as the symbol of rising public trust in the party, according to Dahal's personal secretariat. 

Visiting Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday.

The meeting was held at Chairperson Dahal's personal residence in Lalitpur, according to Dahal's secretariat.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-India relations. 

Foreign Secretary Misri is currently in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that his party has not prioritized the issue of joining the government.

Talking to the media in Chitwan today, the Maoist Center Chairman argued that some people were making interpretations as if the Maoist Center was expecting to join the government while the party was criticizing the wrongdoings of the government. 

"This government is not performing well. We should not interpret as if we are willing to join the government while raising issues about the government's performance. We are not expecting to join the government. We are not concerned about this," the Maoist Center Chairman elaborated. 

On the occasion, he said that his party would resume the party strengthening campaign along the Mid-Hill Highway after a month adding that the party would push for new agendas after holding its central committee meeting. 

"So, we have oriented our party to listen to the people's voices now instead of the government. The campaign is being resumed to address the people's concerns," Prachanda stated. 

Likewise, the Maoist Centre Chairman shared that his party was intact after the recently concluded standing committee meeting and the meeting's decisions would be firmly implemented.

In a separate context, he voiced support for expediting the construction works of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur.

For more than a decade, Nepali politics has been defined by three dominant figures: KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. As party chiefs and multiple-time prime ministers, they have established themselves as indomitable forces. Among the three, it now seems almost certain that Oli and Dahal will retain control of their respective parties for at least the next five years—if not longer.

In the past two weeks, the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) held their Central Committee and Standing Committee meetings, respectively. The outcomes of these meetings will have far-reaching implications, particularly regarding leadership transitions. Both Oli and Dahal have further solidified their grip by weakening and isolating potential rivals. These developments starkly contrast with the widespread public desire, especially among the youth, for a generational change in leadership.

A significant section of Nepal’s youth continues to call for immediate leadership renewal. Many believe that since the same leaders have held sway over both party and government for more than three decades and failed to deliver, new leaders should be given a chance. Having become prime minister multiple times, these leaders have used the power and resources of the state to entrench their positions. Ministerial portfolios and key appointments were handed to loyalists, while dissenting voices were sidelined.

There have also been instances where state law enforcement agencies were allegedly used to harass internal party opponents. As a result, many young leaders have either aligned themselves with top leaders or remained silent, compromising the core values of intra-party democracy and leadership handover.

The internal dynamics of major parties tell a different story altogether. Youth leaders of NC, UML and Maoist Center—who once demanded a leadership transition—are now retreating from those positions. In recent Central and Standing Committee meetings, not only did they refrain from calling for change, but many also openly endorsed the current leadership.

The UML’s Central Committee meeting cleared the way for Oli to lead the party for a third consecutive term. The party decided to amend its statute, removing the 70-year age limit and the two-term cap tailored specifically to facilitate Oli’s continuation. But more than just a policy shift, both senior and youth leaders publicly declared that there is “no alternative” to Oli. Even former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s attempt to challenge Oli by reentering active politics was thwarted; the party revoked her general membership for doing so.

Oli is now virtually assured to be re-elected party chairman at the UML’s 11th General Convention, expected later this year. Party leaders argue that Oli's leadership is essential to securing victory in the 2027 elections. In reality, he may continue leading the party as long as his health allows. Since taking the helm in 2015, Oli has consolidated power, sidelined rivals, and built a loyal inner circle. Two pivotal moments helped him secure dominance: the departure of senior leaders like Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal, and the failed leadership challenge by Bhim Rawal, who was eventually expelled. That episode sent a clear message: challenging the leadership comes with consequences. More recently, Brinda Pandey and Usha Kiran Timalsina were suspended for six months for voicing dissent, reinforcing the party’s intolerance for internal opposition.

A similar scenario unfolded in the Maoist Center’s Standing Committee meeting. Senior leader Janardhan Sharma raised the issue of leadership change, only to be rebuked by nearly the entire committee. Out of 50 members, just three supported his proposal that Dahal, who has been at the helm since the 1980s, should begin transitioning party leadership to the next generation. Rather than supporting Sharma, other members criticized him. The party issued a warning that no leader should make public statements against its leadership. “There is a growing tendency to speak against party leadership and violate party discipline,” said Maoist leader Haribol Gajurel. 

The situation in the NC remains uncertain. Party President Deuba is unlikely to amend the party statute to pursue a third term. Leaders Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa appear poised to contest the presidency. A third candidate from the Deuba camp may also run, while other senior leaders, who lack serious electoral prospects, may enter the race merely to secure bargaining positions in the party or government. Despite this, Deuba remains a strong presence, and the party's top leadership appears to be consolidating its hold.

Meanwhile, in the CPN (Unified Socialist), a breakaway faction of UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal maintains tight control despite facing corruption allegations. He has publicly warned senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal to leave the party for speaking against him. Despite mounting pressure, Nepal has refused to hand over the reins to a younger generation.

With these developments, the debate around leadership handover in major Nepali parties has significantly lost momentum. Over the years, these senior leaders, each of whom has held the prime ministership multiple times, have consistently used state resources to strengthen their internal party positions and marginalize opposition. With youth leaders increasingly dependent on the senior leadership for political opportunities and resources, they remain unable, or unwilling, to mount a meaningful challenge.

Deputy General Secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Janardhan Sharma, has challenged Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s monopoly and continued leadership of the party. However, most members of the party’s Standing Committee have sided with Dahal, leaving Sharma politically isolated.

Sharma had hoped for internal support to break Dahal’s long-standing grip on the party. Instead, colleagues have urged him to issue a self-criticism for making internal matters public. His call for leadership change has now cost him his standing within the party. Like in the CPN-UML, senior Maoist leaders argue that Dahal should continue leading the party, citing his central role in the armed insurgency, the peace process, and the constitution-drafting effort.

Only a handful of leaders, such as Ram Karki and Parshuram Tamang, have echoed Sharma’s call for change. Both have proposed that Dahal assume a ceremonial role, transferring executive powers to the younger generation. Karki, in particular, has proposed a rotational leadership model, arguing that transitions in communist parties are often problematic. He cited historical examples, noting that even leaders like Lenin and Mao struggled with succession. Dahal, who has been at the party’s helm since the 1980s, shows no indication of stepping down.

“We should establish a leadership transition system while Chairperson Dahal is still healthy and active,” Karki said, emphasizing that his proposal does not seek to remove Dahal, but to place him in a respected role while others assume executive authority.

With party elections approaching, it is now almost certain that Dahal will be re-elected as chairman. Party leaders have warned against making statements that could undermine party unity. Dahal himself has accused "reactionary forces" of conspiring to divide the party since it entered mainstream politics in 2006. Earlier, he had challenged Sharma to leave the party if dissatisfied with his leadership.

A few weeks ago, Sharma made waves by saying that, with the exception of Manmohan Adhikari, all top communist leaders had accumulated significant wealth. At a party meeting, Sharma stated he was willing to self-criticize for his public remarks, on the condition that Dahal also take responsibility for the party’s collective failures.

He also proposed convening a special convention to elect new leadership. He accused Dahal of spreading rumors of a party split to suppress dissent. “We once had three million members. That has dropped to just one million. The leadership should self-criticize for that,” Sharma said. “If speaking about party reform violates policy, I’m ready to face the consequences.”

During the insurgency, leaders Mohan Baidya and Baburam Bhattarai had also challenged Dahal. Baidya left in 2012 to form a separate party, and Bhattarai followed in 2015 to establish a socialist party. Since then, Dahal has enjoyed a largely unchallenged monopoly. Narayan Kaji Shrestha briefly attempted to build a rival faction but lacked broad support, having joined the Maoist party only in 2009.

In recent years, Sharma has emerged as the most vocal challenger to Dahal’s leadership, but his efforts have so far been undermined by the lack of internal support. In response, Dahal has focused on unifying communist parties to consolidate his position. He is in talks with CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal and has also reached out to smaller leftist groups.

Meanwhile, internal rivalries among second-rung leaders like Shrestha, Sharma, Agni Sapkota, and Barshaman Pun have only reinforced Dahal’s position, as none are willing to back each other as the next leader. They all seem more comfortable working under Dahal’s leadership.

At 70, Dahal has given no indication of retiring. The CPN-UML’s recent decision to remove the term limit for its top leader has created a favorable environment for Dahal to continue. As things stand, both KP Oli and Dahal are expected to remain at the top of their respective parties for at least another 5–10 years. In contrast, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is set to retire in 2027, as party rules bar him from seeking a third term.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pointed out the need of taking labor and production together by building strong relationships with the people.

Inaugurating the 'YCL in labor and production' campaign organized by YCL Nepal Central Committee at Balkumari ground of Sunakothi in Lalitpur today, Chair Dahal urged YCL members to help stop possible destruction from incessant rainfall, flood and landslide.

"Conspiracy has been hatched to reverse the change and it can be made unsuccessful. Significant changes can be achieved with participation of youth. It should be forwarded as a campaign", he argued.

Vice-Chairperson Pampha Bhusal, In-charge of Bagmati Province Saral Sahayatri, central members Hari Dahal, Ramkaji Maharjan, among others were present on the occasion. 

YCL Nepal In-Charge Ram Prasad Sapkota 'Deepshikha' shared that the campaign would be launched across the country in Shrawan and Bhadra, adding the campaign has been launched in 50 districts today itself.

YCL Nepal would carry out activities giving priority to production, labor and disaster management, he opined.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said his party is ready to support a constitutional amendment and has proposed a seven-point agenda for it. Speaking during a special address in the House of Representatives on Monday, Dahal expressed dissatisfaction with the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, saying they had pledged to amend the Constitution when forming the current coalition government but have not acted accordingly.

Leader of main opposition Dahal outlined seven key areas where he believes constitutional amendments are necessary. These include the system of governance, the electoral system, the naming of provinces, and the demarcation of provincial boundaries along with addressing issues of identity and rights. He also emphasized the need to strengthen fiscal federalism, ensure greater inclusivity, and introduce enhanced provisions for social justice.

He said his party is prepared to fully support the government if it proceeds with a constitutional amendment on these issues. “I want to tell the government—if a two-thirds majority is lacking, our party will take responsibility to gather the required support. Move forward with confidence,” Dahal stated.

However, he also emphasized that any amendment must address long-standing dissatisfaction that has existed since the promulgation of the Constitution. He recalled that his party had expressed differing views during the Constitution’s adoption, and those concerns still need to be resolved.

“Does the government have the courage to move ahead with progressive constitutional amendments addressing the system of governance, electoral system and issues of naming and demarcating provinces, as well as ensuring identity, rights, fiscal federalism, better inclusivity and social justice?” he asked.

Dahal warned that Nepal is heading toward a multidimensional national crisis. He accused the government of being influenced by brokers and vested interests. In a special address to the House of Representatives, Dahal said the government has strayed from the commitments made during the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the drafting of the Constitution. “Are we moving forward according to the dreams we saw during the peace process?” he wondered. “Corruption, lawlessness, and systemic disorder have taken root. Public services are difficult to access, and the state has failed to protect marginalized communities.”

He expressed frustration over bills that pass unanimously in parliamentary committees but remain stalled in the House due to “political interference and backstage maneuvering.” He accused the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML of turning the Parliament into a “playground for middlemen” through collusion, calling the trend dangerous for democracy. He further claimed that the government was operating under the influence of brokers and rent-seekers, compromising even regulatory bodies.

Citing several high-profile controversies—including the Bhutanese refugee scam, stock exchange licensing issues, electricity dues waivers, protection of land mafias and questionable appointments—Dahal alleged that governance has been hijacked by vested interests. “The character of this unnatural coalition has been exposed, and the public finds it disgraceful,” he said.

Dahal also questioned whether the government is prepared to ensure transparency in critical areas such as stock exchange licensing and arms procurement by security agencies. “This government is sliding toward the total collapse of good governance,” he warned. “When the state functions under commission deals and broker influence, it becomes a threat to democracy.”

Calling for urgent reforms, Dahal urged the government to prioritize good governance, social justice and economic transformation. Without corrective measures, he cautioned, the country could face growing instability.

The meeting among Nepal’s top political leaders—Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal—has been postponed yet again.

Scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, the tripartite talks were called off at the last minute.

This is the second postponement in as many days. A meeting originally called for Wednesday was canceled because Dahal was out of Kathmandu.

Though he returned on Thursday, the meeting was still not held.

According to sources, the decision to delay was taken after the scheduled time had already lapsed, reportedly at the Prime Minister’s initiative. 

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that economic transformation can be achieved by proper management and operation of natural resources.

While traveling to Mustang from Myagdi, after observing Bhurung-Tatopani, Rupsey Waterfall, and Andhagalchi in Annapurna Rural Municipality this morning and interacting with local representatives and residents, he pointed out the possibility of utilising natural resources to promote tourism in the region.

"I discussed the condition of the Kaligandaki Corridor Road, the potential of natural resources, operation issues, the need for infrastructure development, and to understand the problems of the people while traveling from Pokhara to Mustang. I see the possibility of developing health tourism by preserving, promoting, and managing the natural hot springs in Myagdi," he said.

Chairman Dahal emphasized the need to identify, promote, and develop natural resources to create job opportunities in the hydropower projects being constructed in the Kaligandaki and surrounding rivers, as well as to increase tourist attraction to the mountains, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. He said that promoting tourism can change the economic condition of citizens.

After taking a bath at the Bhurung-Tatopani hot spring pond, Chairman Dahal interacted with the chairman of Annapurna Rural Municipality, Bharat Kumar Pun, former chairman Dam Bahadur Pun, local residents, and other leaders and activists.

During the interaction, local residents demanded arrangements for safe and regular transportation by controlling landslides and preventing erosion on the Myagdi section of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has asserted that the party has been launching a campaign to reconnect it with the people in order to take the socialist revolution to a new phase by correcting the mistakes and weaknesses the party committed in the past.

At a program organised in Kathmandu today to welcome new entrants to the CPN (Maoist Center), Chair Dahal shared that the Maoist Center is in the campaign of good governance, social justice and prosperity.

"The party has been launching a campaign to reconnect the party with the people by correcting its mistakes and weaknesses. I urge all to be involved in this campaign," he mentioned.

Welcoming the leaders and cadres of Janata Samajbadi Party, Karnali, including Karnali Province Chair Devi Krishna Neupane to the party, the CPN (Maoist Center) expressed the belief that joining the party by leaders and cadres of different political parties has added energy and enthusiasm in the campaign.

He opined that people have trusted the CPN (Maoist Center), adding appropriate responsibility would be given to those joining the party.

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged all to raise voice strongly in favour of environmental justice. 

Extending a message of best wishes on the occasion of World Environment Day today, Chair Dahal stressed that all should collaborate and coordinate to develop environment-friendly lifestyle in the country like Nepal. 

"I urge all to raise voice strongly to minimize usage of plastic, to give priority to reuse, to develop environment-friendly lifestyle and in favour of environmental justice", he mentioned. 

It was the need of hour to increase activism by creating awareness nationally and internationally for the environment conservation and reducing impacts of climate change, reads the message.

Chair Dahal argued, "The future generation will have to suffer terrible consequences if we do not take decisive efforts right now to save mountains, mountain ranges and mountain lifestyle as we as to reduce impacts of climate change." 

Sharing that plastic waste management has stood as complex challenging from urban areas to rural settlements, he opined, "All the bodies concerned should unite to resolve plastic waste management problem as it has been making long-term effects on public health, food security, water resources and eco-system. 

The CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair pointed out the need of heading the country in the path of greenery development keeping the problems of green energy, climate adaptation strategy and environment-friendly policies in centre.

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that it is the duty of the true republicans to steadfastly stand in support of the federal democratic republican system and forward-looking change.

In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the Republic Day-2082 BS today, he stated that the unity among the pro-change forces is imperative to protect the republican system.

The Maoist Centre Chair said that political parties need to focus on fulfilling the task of transforming the economic, social, and cultural life of the Nepali people in accordance with the changed governance system by implementing the fundamental rights granted by the republican constitution.

"The establishment of the republic is based on the historical people's movement carried out with the conscious initiative of the Maoists and the participation of the oppressed masses, as well as the cooperation of other republican forces," he said, adding that the pro-republic forces should firmly stand in favor of the republic and the change fighting against the status quoits and retrograde activities.

Chairman Dahal has wished that Republic Day inspires the campaign to change the condition of the people by focusing on the development of republican thinking, style, and behavior, along with a strong unity and cooperation among republican forces.

On this occasion, he has paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the people's war for the establishment of the republic and has expressed respect for the sacrifice and dedication of those missing and injured combatants.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chair and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has drawn the attention of the government to arrange a  safe settlement for the people of Tilgaun in Namkha Rural Municipality-6, Humla, who are at risk of landslides.

Taking to social media, main opposition party leader Dahal said, "I want to draw the government's serious attention to ensuring immediate rescue and safe settlement for the residents of the risk areas.”

Leader Dahal urged the government to focus not only in capital-centric discussion regarding the rising risks of glacial lake outburst due to the increasing impact of climate change but also to pay attention to carrying out scientific studies and disaster preparedness works in remote areas of the country.

He said, "The occurrence of mudslides due to the glacial lake outburst has put the settlement there at risk. The water supply infrastructure, roads, and bridges have been damaged due to the landslides, and the fact that 33 local people are awaiting relief."

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting on Tuesday.

During the meeting held at Khumaltar this morning, Finance Minister Paudel discussed matters related to budget for the upcoming fiscal year with Dahal, the leader of the main opposition party.

Paudel, who is also the Vice Chairman of the CPN-UML, also discussed contemporary political issues with the Maoist Center Chairman, Dahal's Secretariat informed.

Former Prime Minister and major opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal  has said the government's policies and programs are far beyond the realities. 

Presenting his views on the government's policies and programs for the fiscal year 2082-83 BS (2025-26) that were presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel in  the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Friday (May 2), the leader accused the government of bringing the policies and programs just for the sake of formality. 

“The document neither reviews past efforts nor proposes a concrete strategy to address the present challenges. It fails to respond to the pressing needs of the people and the nation,” he stated.

Dahal argued that the language used in the policies and programs is vague, uninspiring, and serves only ceremonial purposes. He also accused the government of  failing to address critical national priorities such as agriculture, water resources, forests, tourism, education, employment, federalism, and social justice.

Underlining the need for comprehensive reconsideration of the policies and programs, he wanted the government to present pro-people and productive programs.

The document has failed to present innovative and long-term visions to promote agriculture, he said, stressing that community-based rural economy should be the priority of the government, he added. 

 He expressed unhappiness over the withdrawal of various programs  such as  ‘Decade of Investment in Agriculture Campaign,’ the ‘Partnership Programme for Production and Employment,’ the ‘Plan to Connect  Agricultural Services with Farmers’ Identity Cards,’ the ‘Himal Prosperity Entrepreneurship Programme,’ the ‘Cow and Buffalo Resource Center,’ the ‘Model Farm Establishment Programme at the Ward Level,’ and the ‘Integrated Karnali Irrigation Programme.’

He further accused the government of overlooking the expectations and needs of the marginalized communities in the policies and programmes. 

He also claimed that during his leadership, the government had presented the policies and programs capable of bringing substantive changes in the livelihoods of Dalits, women, workers, people with disabilities, marginalized and the excluded communities. 

He expressed concern over the government's decision to halt legal procedures for establishing the High-Powered Dalit Development Authority and to withdraw the Remittance-Based Entrepreneurship Programme. 

He also utilized the forum to draw the government's attention to the need to implement the citizenship right to the non-resident Nepalis with economic, social and cultural rights.