Is Leftist Unity Merely to Serve Self-Interests?

April 15, Kathmandu – CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey has questioned the rationale behind leftist unity. Reflecting on past unification efforts, he noted that discussions on leftist unity have resurfaced, prompting skepticism. Commenting on the initial alliance between CPN-UML and the then Maoists, Pandey described it as motivated by positional gains and personal interests, and raised questions about the purpose of unity going forward.

“Some of our comrades, citing a crisis in leadership, are once again scrambling for ‘left unity,’” he said. “Yesterday, unity was forged for attaining positions; today, perhaps, it is to preserve their waning existence. But is party unity meant to uphold clear principles and ideology, or simply to fulfill the interests of a few individuals?” Pandey emphasized that instead of focusing on unity alone, it is crucial to consider how to strengthen CPN-UML’s cohesion.

He stressed that unity without shared ideology and clear objectives is meaningless and called for party reconstruction that incorporates capable and skilled individuals, especially youth. “We have bitterly experienced the failure of unity based on no ideological foundation in the past. Remaining silent was our mistake then, but staying quiet now would be a grave folly,” he stated. “We must summon the courage to lead CPN-UML forward on a new path defined not by power struggles and self-interest, but by rules, good governance, and result-oriented leadership.”