Senior leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Jhalanath Khanal, has stated that the rebellion within the CPN (UML) was a mistake. In an interview with journalist Jagadish Kharel on Image Television, Khanal reflected on the party split.
“I have come to realize that the decision to divide the party was wrong. The rebellion in the UML did not bring any positive outcome. I feel that it was a wrong move,” Khanal said. He emphasized that the UML has been a strong and reliable institution in Nepal’s communist movement. “The UML is a solid organization that has long advanced the communist movement in Nepal. Leaving such an institution to rebel was not appropriate,” Khanal added.
Khanal also stressed the importance of unity among Nepal’s leftist political forces. “The leftist forces must unite, and that day will come soon. Leaders themselves will realize their mistakes,” he said.
Regarding former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return to politics, Khanal described it as a natural development. “It is not unusual for Bidya Bhandari to remain active in politics. She had expressed her desire to lead the UML, but there were some differences in that process,” he explained.
Khanal admitted that party chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal has reduced his role in advising within the party. He also revealed he was not formally informed about key issues such as the proposal for unity with the Maoist Centre and the inclusion of Bamdev Gautam into the party.
“Some things I was not aware of; there was no formal discussion between party leaders and committees,” Khanal said. He further clarified that there is currently no solid foundation for unity with the Maoist Centre or the UML, and thus no concrete talks have taken place. Khanal’s remarks emphasize the need for party unity and cooperation to improve the current political situation.
