Resignation of Ministers Bhandari and Sah Priority (October 9-15)

There was no tangible outcome on the peace process despite claims by UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai of nearing a consensus. As no agreements could be reached in the discussions between Congress and UCPN (M), Congress held a separate meeting with UML. While Nepali Congress and UML agreed to reach a common understanding on peace process and constitution, UCPN (M) was embroiled in internal disputes.

The UCPN (M) internal dispute was overshadowed by the arrest warrant for minister of Land Reform and Management Prabhu Sah accused as the main mastermind behind the murder of chairperson of the Hindu Yuba Sangh, Birgunj, Kashinath Tiwari. The issue of Defence minister Sharat Singh Bhandari’s statement that the 22 districts of Tarai could seek secession also intensified.

Opposition parties obstructed the parliamentary proceedings demanding the resignation of both ministers. UCPN (M) Mohan Vaidya faction had already taken to the streets against the minister Bhandari’s statement. Meanwhile, the parliamentary board of UCPN (M) in its meeting on 13 October concluded that Defence minister Bhandari should resign, which UCPN (M) chairperson formally announced the same evening.

Constant coverage in the news and parliamentary obstruction by the opposition parties forced the coalition parties to discuss the issue of Defence minister Bhandari and Land Reforms minister Sah. United Democratic Madhesi Forum (UDMF) and UCPN (M) leadership agreed to take the decision after discussions within respective parties. The issue of resignation of the minster-duo overshadowed the peace process this week.

Major Developments

October 9	UCPN (M) establishment faction calls national training of its cadres on October 16. Vice-chairperson faction also calls for similar training on October 15.
October 10	Meeting between UCPN (M) and UML senior leaders discusses the formation of commissions for the disappeared and truth and reconciliation return of captured properties during the conflict and other peace process-related issues. Meeting between Congress president Sushil Koirala and CA chairperson Subash Nemwang. Koirala insists that the peace process cannot move forward unless UCPN (M) crates an atmosphere of trust by implementing commitments. Meeting between Congress and UML leaders discusses the integration of the armies.
October 11	Meeting between Congress and UML leaders decides to reach a common understanding on the peace process and constitution.
October 12	Meeting between CA chairperson Subash Nemwang smaller parties in the Constituent Assembly concludes that consensus between larger parties essential for moving the peace process forward. Meeting of the UCPN(M) officials decides to put off meetings of both factions, decides to call a meeting of the central committee from November 3, requests the government not to take any action against Land Reforms minister Prabhu Sah as the allegations of murder are baseless.
October 13	Opposition parties Congress, UML and others obstruct parliamentary proceedings demanding dismissals of Defence minister Bhandari and Land Reforms minister Sah. Meeting of the UCPN (M) parliamentary board decides to seek the resignation of Defence minister Bhandari but defends murder-accused Prabhu Sah denying his involvement. Chairperson Dahal announces the party decisions in a press conference in the evening.
October 14	Meeting between UCPN (M) and UML leaders puts pressure on the prime minister to dismiss Defence minister for speaking against national integrity and murder-accused Land Reforms minister.
October 15	Meeting between UCPN (M) and UDMF agrees that respective parties will take decisions regarding demands for resignation of minister-duo. UML-affiliated All Nepal Free Students Union (ANFSU) takes out a rally in Kathmandu demanding dismissal of Defence and Land Reforms ministers.