Nepal is facing political turmoil following the violent Gen-Z protests and subsequent government crackdown on September 8, which led to youth deaths and widespread violence on September 9, including arson and vandalism at major administrative centers in Singha Durbar, Parliament, Supreme Court and the houses and offices of top political leaders. This crisis forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to step down.
Consequently, major parties like Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Center), and CPN (Unified Socialist) are facing demands for a change of guard. The CPN (Maoist Center) is holding a special general convention in Mangsir (November-December) to address the situation.
Against this backdrop, Nepalkhabar talked to former Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun for its program, TATKALAI. Former Deputy General Secretary Pun stated that the convention aims for a "paradigm shift"in the party's leadership and structure to meet the aspirations of the youth. He asserts that Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'—an "era leader" credited with establishing the federal democratic republic—is actively working on a plan for both party transformation and generational transition. Pun emphasized that while Prachanda’s historic role must be maintained and respected, the Chairman himself realizes a new model is needed for the party, society, and the country.
Regarding the violence, Pun suspects the protests were infiltrated by elements hostile to the multi-party system and the Maoists, demanding a judicial investigation to expose the infiltrators. Despite the turmoil, he stressed that the government, formed specifically for this purpose, must hold the upcoming elections as scheduled on March 5, where the Maoist Center will champion the agenda of a directly elected executive president. He also appealed to the youth to remain calm and engage in political, ideological, and systemic dialogue to protect the constitution and the system.
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