Kathmandu – The debate over leadership change and organizational reform within the CPN (Maoist Centre) has escalated. Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma has proposed that party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” along with all office bearers, resign to prepare the ground for a general convention.
Proposals from Sharma and Prachanda
At Sunday’s office bearers’ meeting, Sharma suggested forming a General Convention Organizing Committee under a senior leader to lead the party until the convention. He argued that without collective resignation, the party cannot be transferred to a younger generation.
“The party must break away from outdated structures in order to reorganize. Had earlier proposals been adopted in time, today’s crisis could have been avoided,” Sharma said. In the same meeting, Chairman Prachanda proposed dissolving existing committees and forming a General Convention Organizing Committee.
The central committee will endorse the proposal on October 9, with a special convention planned for December. Prachanda emphasized that leadership transfer must also protect past achievements, including the People’s War, people’s movements, and the promulgation of Nepal’s constitution through the Constituent Assembly.
Call for Youth Representation and Reform
Sharma stressed that the convention must guarantee representation and leadership opportunities for younger members. He said the party’s structure, ideology, and methods must be updated to meet the aspirations of Gen Z and current political demands.
“Without leadership transfer and greater youth participation, the movement cannot achieve stability. The party must now adopt a direct electoral system to build leadership at all levels,” he stated.
Decisive Phase Ahead
The Maoist Centre has reached a decisive stage in its internal debate. While Prachanda has shown readiness to take a supportive role and move toward a general convention, leaders like Sharma insist that only immediate resignations and a generational shift can secure the party’s future.
The special convention scheduled for December is expected to deliver a definitive conclusion.
