Maoists likely to withhold documents of Dahal, Baidya

KATHMANDU, Jan 9: The rival factions of the UCPN (Maoist) are likely to withhold both political documents presented separately by Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and formulate common political programs for now to press for the conclusion of the peace and constitution drafting process.



Senior leaders from the hardline faction held hours-long meeting with Dahal at his residence on Monday morning to reach a consensus on how to conclude the ongoing CC meeting amidst the ideological differences.[break]



"We have arrived at an understanding that there is no alternative to party unity. We are talking about mobilization of the masses to frame a people´s constitution and conclude the peace process. We are holding talks in that spirit," said party Secretary CP Gajurel who is close to Baidya.



According to leaders, Dahal has proposed that the party mobilize masses on the streets to press for a constitution in favor of people, and hold discussion forums on ideological differences until they are resolved at the upcoming general convention.   



Party leaders Netra Bikram Chand, Dev Gurung and Ram Bahadur Thapa, from the hardline faction, and Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Posta Bahadur Bogati, from the party establishment, were present in the meeting.



Immediately after the meeting with the Baidya faction, Dahal reached the office of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to inform him about the discussions.    



“Both factions have no option other than agreeing on common political programs and moving ahead united,” said Maoist leader Ganga Shrestha, who is also the personal secretary of the prime minister.     



The CC meeting slated for Monday has been postponed for Tuesday to hold more discussions.    



Baidya has challenged Dahal´s political line with his separate document in the ongoing CC, and the party factions are at loggerheads over how to conclude the meeting. The Baidya faction leaders have threatened to go their own way if Dahal endorses his document through a majority vote.



Sources say as a precondition for laying the ground for party unity, Baidya wants scrapping of the four-point deal reached with the Madhes-based parties for forming the current coalition; the seven-point deal on the peace process; BIPPA signed with India; and the compromises made by Dahal in the constitution drafting process.



"The chairman has also promised to replace Prime Minister Bhattarai with a new leader, but there are differences on many points. We are still trying to find a middle ground," said a leader close to Baidya.



The three different factions--led by Dahal, Baidya and Bhattarai--held separate meetings on Sunday till late evening to formulate their strategy.

Related story

CIAA seizes documents of PRIA amid allegations of financial irr...