Hark Sampang Strengthened After Uniting with Sudan Kirati

Following an introductory review of the news, Chairman of the Labour Culture Party, Hark Sampang, and former minister Sudan Kirati have united their parties after the elections held on 21 Falgun. According to the agreement, Sudan Kirati will become a senior leader, along with 15 central members who will join him. Sudan Kirati’s entry into the party is expected to help Labour Culture expand nationwide, and he is seen as a future Chief Minister of Koshi Province.

On 25 Baishakh in Kathmandu, Labour Culture Party Chairman Hark Sampang and former minister Sudan Kirati transformed their cooperation from the 21 Falgun elections into party unity. Chairman Sampang finalized a seven-point understanding to include Sudan Kirati in the Labour Culture Party. Under this agreement, Sudan Kirati will assume the role of senior leader, accompanied by a team comprising one vice-chairperson, one secretary, and 15 central members. The exact names of these members are yet to be finalized, but the unity agreement has been publicly announced.

At an event held at Hotel Hardik in the capital, Sampang welcomed Kirati and likened their unity to the confluence of the Dudhkoshi and Tamor rivers forming the Sapta Koshi river. “The Dudhkoshi and Tamor meet at Khuwalung and thereafter become one inseparable river,” Sampang said. “Our unity is just like that.” Both Hark and Sudan affirmed their decision to unite after prolonged discussions and urged the public to trust this unity.

Coming from a Maoist background, leader Kirati justified this unity and explained that individuals with communist ideals must acknowledge ‘Harkvadi.’ According to him, efforts will be made to establish Harkvadi. Kirati also praised Sampang’s leadership, stance, and efforts in founding the Labour Culture Party. He stated that the party’s position in national politics has inspired unity. He maintained that popular pressure was a primary factor behind this unity, saying, “We have followed the mandate of the people.”

According to leaders, the pressure to unite was present on both sides following the last election cooperation. “Among those who helped establish the Labour Culture Party, many wished for Sudan Kirati’s inclusion. There were also calls for unity on social media and through gatherings,” commented a party leader. Responding to supporters’ wishes, Hark increased efforts to bring Sudan into the party, although immediate unity was not feasible.

During this period, Sudan Kirati was pictured meeting with Kulman Ghising, Sike Raut, Resham Chaudhary, among others, discussing cooperation or unity. Following this, Sampang faced pressure and assured supporters on social media that talks with Sudan had been finalized. The pressure to unite stemmed from Sudan Kirati’s support to Labour Culture candidates during the previous election, particularly in Bhojpur, Khotang, and Sunsari districts — the same three districts where Labour Culture won seats.

“Sudan Kirati played a major role in my victory. His support created the environment,” said Dhruvraj Rai, who was elected to the House of Representatives from Bhojpur. Kirati’s influence was natural because he had won elections from Bhojpur three times and was an influential leader within the Maoists. Recognizing this, Labour Culture supporters began pressuring to include Sudan in the party.

Sudan’s entry is seen as an opportunity for former Maoists. Welcoming him, Hark Sampang analyzed that the country’s development commitment will deepen. Kirati also stated that this unity should be considered part of the campaign to strengthen opposition forces. “We are becoming stronger as a vigilant opposition,” he said.

Senior journalist Tikaram Rai highlighted two key takeaways from this unity: “Hark Sampang is now stronger to challenge the Balen government,” he said, “The significance of this unity will be apparent in the upcoming provincial and local elections.” Despite a smaller number of seats, Hark’s firm opposition stance will be supported by Kirati’s personality, according to Rai. “Sudan Kirati is an established name in national politics with many listeners. His entry will make the opposition in Labour Culture stronger,” the journalist added.

Since Sudan is also from Koshi Province, it is natural for him to be strong in local and provincial assembly elections. Labour Culture Party leader Dhruvraj Rai considers the leaders arriving with Sudan as a significant asset. “Those leaders are politically experienced, and when they connect with our working-class base, the party will become stronger,” he explained.

Leaders believe Sudan’s background as an influential former Maoist figure will help expand the party nationwide. “Labour Culture has more influence in the East, but Sudan has a national network which will benefit the party,” said a leader close to Kirati. “It has created an environment where people from a former Maoist background can easily join the party.”

Another open secret of this unity is that Sudan Kirati is the future Chief Minister of Koshi Province. At the unity assembly held on Saturday, leaders did not comment on this matter, but the leadership nearly confirmed that Sudan joined the party with preparations to become chief minister. “It may be premature to say now, but it is fair to say the approval for him to become chief minister has already been given,” said one leader.