Enthusiasm Dips, UML Tug, Coalition Betrayal: Jhalanath Khanal Speaks Out

Senior leader of CPN-Unified Socialist, Jhala Nath Khanal, has voiced sharp criticisms regarding the party’s present condition during a central secretariat meeting. Khanal’s statements come as a striking assessment of the party’s trajectory since its split from UML.

Presenting a 16-page document titled ‘Current Situation and Burning Issues We Need to Address,’ Khanal highlighted the waning enthusiasm that marked the formation of the party post-separation from UML. He expressed concerns over the declining spirit among cadres, some of whom have begun rejoining UML.

Khanal, respected leader of the Unified Socialist, emphasized the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past mistakes transparently, suggesting that such an approach is essential for the party’s progress in terms of political direction, policies, and principles.

One of the most notable admissions by Khanal was related to the controversial American aid project, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Khanal openly acknowledged the detrimental effects of accepting the MCC, a stance he has consistently opposed. He characterized the decision as a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences for the nation.

The senior leader also drew attention to the party’s weakened role in the parliamentary arena, noting that a significant number of party parliamentarians have refrained from active participation. This observation underlined the party’s diminishing influence in its parliamentary responsibilities.

Khanal did not shy away from casting blame on coalition partners, stating that both the Congress and Maoists had betrayed the Unified Socialists in recent elections.