The party leaders of the rival factions -- the “moderates” led by Dahal and the “radicals” by Baidya -- reached an understanding that they are to mobilize the masses for a ‘pro-people’ constitution and ‘dignified’ integration of PLA personnel, and foment an urban insurrection if the party fails in its endeavors.[break]
As per the understanding, the party will run “discussion forums” on the sharp ideological differences between the rival factions and resolve the differences at a general convention that has been due for 20 years.
“We have reached an understanding on formulating a common political proposal as per the spirit of the Palungtar plenum and on mobilizing the masses for dignified PLA integration and a pro-people constitution,” said party leader Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma, who is close to Baidya.
Party leaders close to Dahal, however, dismiss the claim by the Baidya faction that the party has really changed its tack.
“The party will naturally switch to a revolt, as floated by Baidya, if the peace and constitution-drafting process falls prey to conspiracy. This is nothing new and let’s not discuss that option now,” said Shakti Basnet, who is close to Dahal.
He said his party will continue its current policy on the peace and constitution drafting process. “The party has not altered its ongoing policy. If the process is disrupted the blame will rather go to the Nepali Congress (NC) for its regressive stance on constitution drafting,” he argued.
The party is scheduled to hold a meeting of office bearers Tuesday to work out the details for mass mobilization and endorse these at the Central Committee (CC).
The moderates and radicals, as per the new agreement, can debate their ideological differences inside and outside the party, which runs on the communist principle of “democratic centralism”.
Sources say Chairman Dahal has made several commitments to implement the radical agenda of Baidya so as to persuade the latter to move ahead in a unified manner for now.
“He has agreed to review the BIPPA with India, the four-point deal, the seven-point deal, the replacement of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai with another party leader and several compromises he has made during the constitution-drafting process,” said a party leader close to Baidya on condition or anonymity.
He also said that Dahal conceded mistakes while striking a deal on PLA integration, especially in agreeing not to require PLA commanders above the rank of major in the Nepal Army directorate. “And this is why the chairman’s aide Janardan Sharma and PLA Deputy Commander Baldev have put forth new demands on the integration process,” said the party leader.
Sources say Baidya faction leaders had raised doubts about implementation of the chairman’s promises. “We don’t believe your pledges until you put them into practice,” one leader quoted Baidya as saying during the several rounds of meeting with Dahal. But Dahal frequently assured Baidya about sincerely implementing the agreement this time around.
While the ideological differences remain unresolved, the Baidya faction, after forcing Dahal to review the seven-point peace deal and the compromises on constitution drafting, believes that these will lead the party to a revolt for state capture.
“We know that the NC will not agree to a presidential system of government and a review of the integration deal, besides several other issues. This means the party will foment a revolt around the time of the constitution drafting deadline,” said a senior leader close to Baidya.
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