‘Central Committee Comprised of Fake Members Can No Longer Lead the Movement’
Communist parties in Nepal are marking 76 years since their establishment, with all communist factions celebrating the 77th foundation day. Surendra Pandey, a leader of CPN-UML, has stated that bureaucratization and a lack of internal democracy within the party have led leftist parties to defeat. He emphasized that instead of mere reforms, fundamental changes in ideology, organization, and activism are necessary, along with promoting youth leadership. Today marks 76 years since the establishment of the communist party in Nepal. On this occasion, most communist groups are celebrating the 77th foundation day, and leaders have extended their greetings. However, the atmosphere surrounding this celebration is deeply painful for them. In the elections held on 21st Falgun, leftist parties suffered a humiliating defeat. After 20 years, a government without leftist representation has come to power in the country. With this context, a conversation was held with Surendra Pandey, a leader of CPN-UML and former finance minister.
Pandey said, “Did you expect communist parties to reach this state? I sensed it could happen. Our movement and tendencies within the party were indicating such outcomes. A political party is not a public service commission where seniority is based solely on age. In politics, a junior member with capability can become a senior leader. However, we have turned the party into a bureaucracy. Those expressing critical ideologies within the party were not tolerated, and an environment of fear was created, where people thought ‘my future will be difficult.’ This caused dissatisfaction inside the party, but people stopped voicing it, and externally, everything appeared fine. When such an environment develops, a major defeat for that party is inevitable.”
He added, “We must understand this and develop the capacity to redefine and transform the party in a new way. Failing to comprehend economic, social, and consciousness changes, old parties like the Congress recently faced setbacks. These old parties could not grasp the new forms of democracy. Today’s democracy is not the same as in 1949 (2006 BS). Citizens now have mobile phones, which we call ‘mobile democracy.’ People can instantly access and share anything globally. The party can no longer say ‘keep party matters within the party’ using old methods.”
Pandey stated, “It’s no longer possible to join the party thinking, ‘I will become an MP or mayor.’ The era of the older generation is over. Now, one must take initiative in building the party; otherwise, success is impossible. The central committee of the party cannot face today’s challenges. A central committee formed of fake members cannot lead the upcoming movement. Therefore, until restructuring is done in a new style from ward committees to the central committee, the party will not rise.”