Gautam’s Decision: Open to UML and Unified Socialist, but Not with Maoists

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam has called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda to issue an apology to the victims of the people’s movement. Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu, Gautam clarified that while he could consider joining CPN-UML or CPN Unified Socialist, he firmly stated that he could not join CPN-Maoist Center.

Gautam emphasized that there were both positive and negative aspects to the people’s war, and he firmly believes that political killings were wrong and not in line with Marxist principles. He stressed the importance of Prime Minister Prachanda personally visiting the homes of the victims and acknowledging the mistakes made during that period before he would consider joining the Maoist party.

In his words: “We aim to unite all the communists of Nepal, not by leaving the UML. I can join the CPN-UML or the Unified Socialist Party, but I cannot align myself with the Maoist center. This is because, during the People’s War, both positive and negative aspects emerged. Political figures were killed, and they labeled it as Marxism, which it is not. Until Comrade Prachanda personally visits the homes of the victims and acknowledges that it was a mistake to target political individuals, I cannot consider becoming a member of that party. If we intend to create a single united party, I am open to the idea.”

Furthermore, Gautam claimed that CPN-UML had not yet removed the age limit of 70 years for party membership, which he deemed unconstitutional according to Article 24 of the Constitution, aimed at combating discrimination based on factors such as class, caste, and physical condition. He stated:

“It was claimed that CPN-UML had abolished the age limit of 70 years, but this has not yet been implemented. This age restriction contradicts Article 24 of the Constitution, which is designed to combat discrimination based on factors such as class, caste, and physical condition. The age limit is unconstitutional in Nepal and should be eliminated.”

In his closing remarks, Gautam reiterated his goal of uniting all communists in Nepal but made it clear that he could not align himself with the Maoist center. He also criticized political parties that had promised socialism but, in his view, had only pursued capitalist policies.