Mohan Bikram Singh I Knew and Comrade Ajit from the Novel ‘Jaljala’

Some Background

1. When we started politics with the CPN (Masal), our understanding of the communist movement was limited. At that time, the ‘CPN Masal’ was emerging while ‘CPN Mashal’ was struggling to maintain its power. A Cold War-like conflict was ongoing between these two powerful communist factions. There were instances of cooperation alongside criticism, opposition, and sometimes confrontation and clashes.

Back around 1982, a widespread rumor was that Comrade Jaljala (Vidya Dhakal) and Comrade Mohan Bikram Singh were accused of a love relationship, leading Mashal to take action. Mohan Bikram was removed as general secretary. During this time, news also surfaced of Jaljala’s death in an accident in Delhi. Some suggested her comrades had caused the accident, a rumor circulated within Mashal.

Mohan Bikram’s love affair with a full-time party cadre two decades younger, while he had a wife and children at home, became a big issue of morality and was used as a strong weapon against him by Mashal.

2. Around 2002, I was regularly writing columns for the weekly ‘Jan Aastha’. At that time, Mohan Bikram had married Comrade Durga Paudel. Journalist Khagendra Sangraula had mocked Mohan Bikram’s marriage. I wrote in rebuttal that now, with the support of his younger wife, he would continue politics and remain secure even in old age.

3. Around 2013, people’s front leader Manoj Bhatt made repeated calls inviting Mohan Bikram to meet. Lakshmi and I went to meet him. The meeting took place at a restaurant near the Standard Chartered office in Baneshwor. Later, Narendra Jung Peter was also present. He even talked about visiting Okharkot in Pyuthan, but I could not go.

Comrade General Secretary’s Residence

In recent years, I have been meeting and talking with veteran communist leaders. Last Kartik (October-November), I visited Comrade Mohan Baidya ‘Kiran’. I also met Comrade Chitrabahadur KC of the people’s front in his office. In the first week of Poush, I went to Comrade Mohan Bikram’s residence in Banasthali (Dhungedhara). His son had come to pick me up.

Comrade Durga Paudel had gone to Pyuthan. Mohan Bikram was reading with the help of a lens. Outside the window was a tin-roofed hut where prayers could be heard. The room was cold and filled with books and papers.

The room where he lived had an old tattered sofa. Books were on wooden racks on the wall. Born into a prosperous landlord family of Pyuthan, educated in Kathmandu, initially active in Gandhian and Hindu organizations, since 1957 he has been a senior communist leader. Despite his background, Mohan Bikram’s daily life resembled that of a working-class family.

Although his eyesight was weak, he had taught his son to read and write. Even in old age, he was making plans and conducting research. During the visit, he gave me his work ‘Jaljala’ and a critical analysis book.

What Is in the Novel ‘Ka. Jaljala’?

1. Synopsis: ‘Ka. Jaljala’ is a lengthy novel of 1,320 pages. Published by Jan Shiksha Griha through Durga Paudel, this work encompasses the entire life and philosophy of Mohan Bikram Singh. The author states that “a novel can reveal truths that autobiography or history cannot cover.”

Comrade MB spent nearly 40 years with Vidya Dhakal, known as Comrade Jaljala. He married his first wife, Durga.

Most of the characters are real individuals widely known publicly, such as Nirmal Lama, Barman Budha, Khagural Gurung, Pratiman Bohara, Chitrabahadur KC, Harke, and Durga Paudel.

The story revolves around the love between Mohan Bikram Singh (Ajit) and Vidya Dhakal (Jaljala), set against the context of the underground communist movement during the Panchayat period. Ajit originally gave Vidya the name Jaljala.

Separating from his first wife, Ajit fell in love with Jaljala because of her talent, beauty, and dedication to the revolution. Jaljala loved him too and was actively involved in the party’s underground activities.

After some time in incarceration, Ajit spent days working labor and studying in South India. Jaljala lived in Banaras and they maintained correspondence. Later, Jaljala went to Delhi, where she died falling from the bus. Ajit could never forget her.

Reading the novel, one senses that Comrade MB spent nearly 40 years living under the name Jaljala. He married Durga, and they have children. He was an active party member and general secretary.

Through writings, speeches, and interviews, he has expressed his views on Marxism, Leninism, and Maoist ideology. Yet, inwardly, his psychological state seems different from the exterior — his love for Jaljala remains invisible.

Other themes of the novel will be explored later, but the main highlight is the peak of love. The novel attempts to immortalize Jaljala and Ajit’s love. Without ending his relationship with his first wife, Ajit’s love for another woman challenges national morality, seeking philosophical answers.

The story progresses through characters, chiefly Sunanda, a young woman from the Garhwali region who develops a revolutionary perspective. Another female party member, Bhama, also loves Jaljala.

The novel describes underground party organization, Panchayat era struggles, opportunists within the revolution, and stories of exploitation.

Main Themes of the Novel:

First: The immortality of love. The novel shows tragic aspects of love amid party actions, challenging conventional marital and societal values.

Second: Marxist philosophy, unwavering belief in social revolution, and loyalty to the party. Even without revolution, class struggle persists.

Third: Women-centered narrative. Female characters are strong, courageous, and revolutionary. The novel respects women’s freedom and their right to choose life partners.

However, it has been criticized for limiting women to supporting roles of men.

What the Novel Lacks?

It is burdened with excessive detail and knowledge, making the narrative cumbersome. Overloading characters with information weakens the flow of the story.

The author’s attempt to incorporate many subjects has dilated the plot.

Conclusion:

I am a reader interested in Nepalese society and its political history. Mohan Bikram may appear as a harsh and rigid communist from outside, but deep down his humanism shines through. His love story and dedication to revolution continue to haunt him.

This book is accessible and easy to understand. It is recommended for readers interested in Nepalese society, women’s liberation, and revolutionary ideals. I thank Comrade Ajit for gifting this work and wish him continued creativity in the future.