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Kathmandu, Aug 3: Internal tensions within the CPN (Maoist Centre) have escalated as party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal appears to be systematically isolating Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma. The move follows Sharma’s public criticism of party leadership, which insiders say has sparked coordinated pushback.

At a recent Standing Committee meeting, most speakers—out of 18 members and five office-bearers—rebuked Sharma for breaching party discipline by airing grievances publicly. Barshaman Pun, another deputy general secretary, praised Dahal as a “visionary” and warned leaders against deviating from the party line—remarks seen as aimed at Sharma.

While Standing Committee member Ram Karki denied any formal disciplinary action, he confirmed Sharma was advised to stop speaking out. Other leaders like Ganeshman Pun, Satya Pahadi, and Kamala Roka also criticized Sharma for stirring division. Only Anjana Bishankhe challenged party procedures, subtly holding Dahal accountable for stagnation and lack of institutional growth.

The rift began after Sharma, at a July 21 memorial event, accused all former communist PMs except Manmohan Adhikari of corruption and demanded an investigation into party leaders’ wealth—an implicit jab at Dahal.

Though not high in the official hierarchy, Sharma has built a strong grassroots base and has pushed for leadership transition—an idea gaining traction among younger members. Dahal, however, recently stated he plans to remain in leadership for 5–7 more years, further fueling demands for a special general convention.

Meanwhile, Sharma’s reform proposals were merged and downplayed under “party unity” by General Secretary Dev Gurung, reportedly at Dahal’s instruction. This maneuver has effectively neutralized Sharma’s agenda, for now, while reinforcing Dahal’s hold.

People’s News Monitoring Service