Internal Strife Unfolds in Maoist Parliamentary Party in the Far West

Dhangadhi: Tensions are escalating within the Maoist Central Parliamentary Party, representing the Sudurpaschim Province Assembly, as a division emerges among its members.

In the 11-member parliamentary party, a clear divide is visible, with four MPs, including party leader Khagraj Bhatta, aligning on one side, while seven MPs, including Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari, stand on the opposite front. The MPs in these distinct categories are urging a reshuffling of leadership, asserting that the current leaders, including Bhatta and government ministers, are struggling to provide effective guidance.

A group of seven parliamentarians, including the Speaker, held a meeting with Maoist Center Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday morning. In this meeting, they advocated for a change in the parliamentary party leadership in the Far West, citing inefficiencies and weaknesses in the current leadership and government ministers.

Member of Parliament Shivsingh Oli, who attended the meeting, stated, "We briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in the Far West and urged him to reshuffle the government ministers. The Congress-led provincial government has three participants, including Ministers Jhapta Bahadur Saud, Ramesh Singh Dhami, and Minister of State Geeta Mal."

Minister of State Geeta Mal, aligning with the group standing apart, emphasized the need to change ministers in the government during the meeting with the Prime Minister. In the internal rift, four MPs, including Mal, are aligned with party leader Bhatta, while the opposing group includes Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari, Chief Whip Man Bahadur Dhami, Akkal Bahadur Rawal, MPs Shiv Singh Oli, Om Vikram Bhat, Lakshmi Bik, and State Minister Geeta Mal.

In response to the division, Bhatta, the leader of the parliamentary party, dismissed the MPs in the opposing group, claiming that they are advocating for their personal interests rather than the party's collective objectives. The internal strife within the Maoist Central Parliamentary Party highlights the challenges faced by the party in maintaining unity and effective leadership in the Far West region.