Maoists trade charges at party top meeting

KATHMANDU, April 3: Even as factionalism and sharp ideological differences bedevil the UCPN (Maoist), the party faction led by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya has accused Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal of not being sincere toward the political line of “people´s revolt”, while another Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai is for concluding the constitution drafting -- even if it requires extension of the Constituent Assembly (CA) term.



The Maoists are holding their standing committee meeting at the secluded Equator Beach Resort at Sikute, Sindupalchowk beginning Saturday to chart out the party´s course even as the leaders remain sharply divided over the party immediate policy. [break]



“The party leadership has been reluctant to come up with programs to implement the endorsed party policy of people´s revolt,” a party source quoted Maoist Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya as saying.



Similarly, according to party sources, Bhattarai argued that the party should not revolt as domestic and international power situations are not favorable to communist movements. "The best thing would be to put in best efforts to draft a constitution even if that requires extension of CA term," a party leader quoted Bhattarai as saying.



According to party leaders, the standing committee meeting is mainly focused on reviewing the party´s current strategy. Besides the meeting is also expected to nominate party leaders in the coalition, and distribute party´s responsibilities among the leaders.



"Other ideological issues aside, the party could not nominate ministers from the party. We are here in the resort to hold serious discussions, as the brief meetings amidst disturbances in Kathmandu could not yield any results" said a standing committee member.



The growing factionalism has permeated the party rank and file and thrown the whole party machinery into disarray. The party establishment has accused Bhattarai of making preparations to split the party, while Bhattarai has accused Dahal of hatching a plot to take action against him.



There are also sharp differences between Baidya and Dahal factions, despite a semblance of unity at the top level. The Baidya faction has stated that Dahal is not for implementing the political line of people´s revolt.



"Why is he hesitating to bring out political programs for a revolt?" asked a leader close to Baidya.



The senior leaders of the party are scheduled to return to Kathmandu by Sunday evening.

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