The Maoists´ Trade Union announced a formal split after a rival faction of the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF) formed a fifth National Convention Organizing Committee led by Senior Vice Chairman Badri Bajgain. The organizing committee comprises 75 members.[break]
The Maoist trade union now has two factions -- one led by Shalik Ram Jammkattel and another by Bajgain. While Jamkattel is close to party´s Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bajagain is close to senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.
The two factions had long been embroiled in internal conflict with the one trying to eliminate the other. Bajgain faction has accused Jammakattel faction of joining hands with industrialists that led 151 workers to lose their jobs and also of beating up its supporters. It has also accused Jammakattel faction of rampant corruption and monopoly in the organization.
A press statement issued by Bajgain faction has accused party leadership, including Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, of hesitating to take action against Jammkattel. “We waited for over a year but the party did not take any decision to end the monopoly of Jamkattel-led faction,” said the statement.
Bajgain faction said they formed the new organization to safeguard the rights of the workers, terming Jamkattel faction an “enemy” of the workers. It had formed a parallel body of the Trade Union in Lalitpur a few weeks ago.
“They have formed a new committee. So, it is not necessary to comment on it,” ANTUF Chief Jamkattel told Republica. “It is not a parallel committee and it does not have the authority of a parallel body.”
Maoist Trade Union in-charge Shakti Basnet said they will take action against those who have violated organizational discipline. “It is a serious breach of discipline to form a parallel body. Party will investigate into it and take necessary action,” said Basnet.
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