Internal Differences with UCPN (M) and Nepali Congress (18-24 September)

The internal differences within UCPN (M) and Nepali Congress reached a climax. The disputes within the UCPN (M) raised suspicions over the peace process as well as the longevity of the government, and the disputes within Nepali Congress further overshadowed the issues of peace and constitution-drafting process.

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai had proposed re-categorising of the Maoist combatants in the meeting of the Army Integration Special Committee (AISC) before leaving to attend the 66th general assembly of the United Nations; however, Nepali Congress and UML did not agree to the proposal, who reiterated their demand to agree on the modality, number, rank harmonisation, rehabilitation of the Maoist combatants beforehand.

Moreover, as a consequence of the internal dispute within the UCPN (M), Mohan Vaidya faction held a separate training session and demanded the nullification of the agreement of the 4-point agreement with the UDMF, which is the basis for government formation. The faction concluded, “The 4-point agreement is against national sovereignty and is a conspiracy towards sikkimisation”. The faction also came up with a new demand to integrate 19,000 Maoist combatants into the army. This dispute also spilled over to the parliament.

Amidst the increasing accusations and counteraccusation, there was a meeting between chairperson Dahal and vice-chairperson Vaidya on September 23; however, the dispute did not calm down. The next day, Dahal publicly stated, “The party will not split because of the dispute. If any quit the party, they will fade (away)”.

Major Developments

September 18	Meeting of the AISC. Prime Minister Bhattarai proposes re-categorisation of the Maoist combatants. Nepali Congress and UML reiterate their demand for consensus on integration modality, number, rank harmonisation, and number of the combatants. Meeting of the Council of Ministers. Formation of a high-level working committee to distribute relief to the conflict-affected and ascertain their numbers and prepare directives. Decision to return the Maoist-captured property and formation of district-level committees. UML holds a press conference and demands the formation of a national-consensus government stating that the peace and constitution is not possible through the present government. Prime Minister Bhattarai departs to take part in the 66th general assembly of the United Nations. He states that he will speak on the pace and constitution-drafting process in Nepal.
September 19	A hunger strike begins in the central office of the Nepali Congress against the preparation to dissolve of the sister organisations by the establishment faction. Another hunger strike by the establishment faction demanding their dissolution.
September 20	Meeting of the Central Committee of the Nepali Congress decides to dissolve the central committees of Nepal Tarun Dal, Women’s Committee, Democracy Veterans Committee, and Indigenous Nationalities Committee. Deuba faction boycotts the meeting. The faction allied to UCPN (M) vice-chairperson Vaidya holds a separate meeting of its cadres, accuses Dahal of abandoning the revolution.
September 21	UCPN (M) vice-chairperson Vaidya holds a national meeting, which concludes the 4-point agreement is against national sovereignty and a conspiracy towards sikkimisation, and demands integration of 19,000 Maoist combatants into national army.
September 22	Madhesi Janadhikar Forum chairperson JP Gupta states that the 4-point agreement is not antinationalist. Nepali Congress president Koirala states that the decision to dissolve the central committees of sister organisations will not be taken back. Separate meetings of Deuba faction CA members and central committee members and demands withdrawal of the decision to dissolve the central committees of sister organisations. Meeting of the legislature-parliament. UCPN (M) CA member CP Gajurel states that the 4-point demand is against sovereignty and demands its correction.
September 23	Meeting of UDMF claims that the 4-point agreement is not against sovereignty and sikkimisation. Faction allied to UCPN (M) vice-chairperson Mohan Vaidya prepares to form a united national council, says it will help the government and the party. Meeting between chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior vice-chairperson Mohan Vaidya to discuss the discord within the party. Dahal demands clarification on the Vaidya faction-organised meet. 33 CA members from Nepali Congress issue a press state to demand the withdrawal of the decision to dissolve the central committees of sister organisations.
September 24	UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal claims that the disputes will not lead to split in the party. Warns that anyone quitting the party will fade (away). Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai addresses the 66th general assembly of the United Nations and claims commitment to peace and constitution.