The 'Nepali Communist Party' has been formed after the unification of the Maoist Center, the CPN-Unified Socialist Party, and other small leftist components.

What will be the future strategy of this party that aims to establish socialism with Nepali characteristics? After the announcement of party unification, Kantipur's Ganga BC had a conversation with Secretariat member Barshaman Pun.

How did you name the party Nepali Communist Party?

When Comrade Pushpalal founded the Communist Party in 2006, he said 'Nepal Communist Party'. This is a continuation of that. But at that time, it seemed a little linguistically impure. The idea was that it should be 'Nepali Communist Party', not Nepal. Rather than the communists of the country, it is the understanding that the people here are active parties in this country. So, by correcting it a little, and maintaining its continuity, we named it 'Nepali Communist Party'.

And how did you choose the election symbol, the star?

The election symbol is also very meaningful. The star has also been used as a revolutionary symbol in the international communist movement. In Russia and Nepal, the People's Liberation Army has similarly considered the star as a strategy of revolution and a symbol of high aspirations during its struggle. Comrade Bamdev Gautam had also used it in the 2056 BS elections. Later, the Janmarcha, then the ML, and the Jan Samajwadi Party, which has now united, have also been using this symbol. That is why it is a common symbol - of unity, revolution, and transformation. The star election symbol is both correct and easy. That is why we have selected it by common consent.

Has there been a consultation with the Election Commission for party registration?

Yes. We had some informal consultations. And today we have also registered the name of the party. After the announcement of party unification today, the registration process has also been completed.

In the past, when the NCP was formed, the Election Commission had suggested that it would be better to write ‘Nepali Communist Party’ instead of ‘Nepal Communist Party’. Keeping that suggestion in mind, this time too, we have selected the name ‘Nepali Communist Party’. We have chosen such a name that will not be associated with anyone. We believe that the Election Commission will recognize both this name and symbol. Because informal consultations have also been held.

Now, what impact will this new party have on the Nepali communist movement?

For both the Nepali communist movement and the democratic movement, for the entire political environment, our new unity has created a responsibility and new pressure. We have formed this unity to address that. For us communists, this is the beginning of a new era – the beginning of a new polarization. It will move forward as a mainstream. Now, nationalism is at risk, democracy is in crisis. There is also a need to establish good governance along with economic and social transformation. This movement will represent the entire communist, democratic, good governance and prosperity-oriented people. It will move forward as a new movement that will also represent the aspirations of such individuals. We have not taken this as just a union of a few parties.

We ourselves have also moved forward with the determination to transform, transform the party and build leadership in a new way. Today, the leaders also expressed the same determination. Therefore, this is truly a new beginning — an effort towards democracy, prosperity and fulfilling the aspirations of the new generation. This is a product of the new situation created after the ‘Gen-Z’ movement. Now, there is a need for the parties to move forward in a new way, with new leadership.

When and how will the new party leadership and general convention be held?

We are aiming to hold the general convention within six months. We will focus on the elections for the next three months. Then we will hold the general convention within the next three months. Through that general convention, we will decide on the method of developing and handing over the new leadership. We will arrange for the youth – and not just the youth, but also the new youth – to be brought into the party leadership.

Coordinator Dahal said that he would hand over the leadership after consulting Madhav Nepal, right?

Generally, there are two methods for selecting the leadership – competition and consensus. We are thinking of developing the leadership through consensus in the upcoming general convention. The current frontline leaders will focus on ideological and political work. The youth will come into the organization and executive roles. For that, studies, research and debates will be carried out.

What will be the role of the new party in creating the environment for the elections?

This unity is the result of the cooperation of the parties that played a positive role in forming the current government. We will now go to the elections. Elections are the main way to address the current nationalism, democracy and the spirit of the 'Gen-G' movement. That is why we are committed to it. We are conducting both unity campaigns and election campaigns from provinces to districts, villages. Our goal is to make the number one party in Nepal. This is not for the management of leaders - it is for the good governance, prosperity and social justice of the country. This was our priority yesterday too, now we are conducting the election campaign with this priority from a new perspective and creating an environment for the election.