A bright example of unity made by abandoning pride, stubbornness and ego and making a generous heart and a broad chest is truly sustainable is the unity between Malays and Marxists, while the unity between UML and Maoists is a living example that unity made technically on raw ground cannot be lasting.
What you should know
One topic at the center of debate in national politics right now is left unity or polarization. Left unity has become the main topic in the daily speeches of communist leaders, some leaders have tried to consume this by making it their political "capital", but it is difficult to come to a conclusion. It is also natural for the 'discourse' of left unity to run.
The question that the leaders of the neighboring countries ask the left-wing leaders of Nepal is - why are the left-wingers who have the same principles, goals and dreams divided into different groups? Why can't they unite under one umbrella? Communist leaders of Nepal have never seriously sought the answers to these questions. They are happy to live in their own 'hut'. Wherever the movement reaches, they have become accustomed to making separate 'pots'. It is an old trend of communists who cannot live in the same house, cannot walk together, cannot shake hands with each other. The left movement is suffering from a 'chronic' disease which cannot be united as much as possible, and which cannot be sustained. Left unity has become like a 'frog's harness'.
Nepal's communist movement has a proud and strong history. In 2006, the Communist Party of Nepal was born under the leadership of Pushpa Lal from the womb of the people's movement against the autocratic Rana regime. Five warriors founded Nepal's first organized Communist Party on Lenin's birthday. From that day onwards, the institutional journey of the left movement proceeded along with the formal seeding of leftist ideas in Nepal.
The Communist Party of Nepal has a golden history since its inception, dedicated to the interests of the country, people, farmers and laborers, fighting for nationalism, democracy and people's livelihood. The Communist Party has always been fighting uncompromisingly in favor of women, Dalits, tribes, minorities, exploited, neglected classes, regions and communities who are excluded and deprived from the mainstream of the state. Thousands of communist leaders and activists fought life and death for the welfare of the country and the people, some spent a long life in prison, many sacrificed their precious lives. The
movement was able to win a large part of the public opinion in its favor. Today, Nepal is left-wing, the majority of the people are in favor of the Communist Party. But unfortunately! The Left Movement of Nepal, which has such a glorious history and is trusted by a large part of the public opinion, is falling into an endless series of divisions and fragmentation.
History has proven that when the left is united, nationalism and democracy are strengthened, the people's livelihood movement is strengthened and the forces of regressive revivalism are defeated. When the leftists are divided, the movement is weak, nationalism is in crisis, democracy is in ruins and people's trust has been damaged. The line of division that started after the 3rd Congress of 2019 continued to damage the movement. There was a struggle against various forms of opportunism, i.e. right-wing deviations and radical left-wing extremism. But internal unity could not be strong. Since then, the endless chain of unity and division has continued.
In the year 2075, CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist) merged and the mainstream of the left movement, 'Nepal Communist Party (NCP)' was established. This historic achievement was a 'milestone' towards greater left unity. CPN is not only the largest communist party in Nepal, it has become the biggest and strongest political party in the country with about two-thirds majority in the parliament. It earned a reputation as the most well-organized political party in South Asia. But due to the arrogance, frustration and power frenzy of the leaders, Garlyamgurlum collapsed in a short time like an earthquake destroyed a tower.
Unity could not last because of positions and interests rather than ideological, theoretical and programmatic basis. Like a house built on raw soil, that unity soon collapsed and the CPN disintegrated. It was a big accident for the left movement as well as nation building and strengthening of democracy.
In the federal and state elections of 2074, the electoral harmony between UML and Maoists raised great hopes and expectations among the people. A miraculous achievement was achieved with an overwhelming majority of the people. It believed in the strengthening of the left movement and democracy, on the other hand, it was expected that the highway of development, prosperity and happiness would be opened to the people from the government of the left majority. But the result was the opposite. The majority government focused on serving the corrupt and broker capitalists rather than nation-building and 'delivering' to the people.
The historic opportunity and responsibility of preparing the foundations of socialism by providing service facilities, good governance and employment to the people, was lost on the shoulders of the Communist Party. It seems that the serious question asked by the Chinese leaders, 'Why were the communist parties in Nepal unable to build the foundations of socialism even after reaching the government time and time again?' seems to be bothering the leftist leaders of Nepal.
The communist movement of Nepal has made great sacrifices in the past, even today the people have great faith in the left-wing power. True, principled and program-based unity is indispensable to fulfill that expectation. Left unity is not a matter of chanting or chanting, it is a living process of assimilation and implementation. Even the lion, the strongest animal in the jungle, observes his gait by taking two steps forward and then taking one step back. This is called 'overview'.
We also need to review past bitter experiences, losses and departures. If the Left gives priority to ideological clarity and organizational unity with self-criticism, the movement will rise again after shaking the dust, will be united and will be able to complete the historical task of moving forward on the journey of socialism.
UML-Maoist unity is a living example of the fact that unity made technically on the ground cannot be permanent. On the other hand, the unity between Malay and Marxists could last. Under the leadership of Madan Bhandari, the strong Malay and the organizationally weak Marxists united on equal status and 'win-win' to form the UML. Manmohan Adhikari became the President of the United Party. The unity made by giving up arrogance, stubbornness, ego and making a generous heart and a broad chest is truly sustainable, a vivid example of which is the unity between Malay and Marxists.
is not individual or group selfishness and narrow-mindedness - it is necessary to unite and sustain even if it is sacrificed for the sake of the country, people and the movement. Therefore, the unity between the communist parties should be based on policy, principles and political direction.
When the world communist movement was in crisis, when the movement was on the defensive, the communists of Nepal succeeded in proudly hoisting the red flag marked with the 'Laughter Hammer' of the Communist Party. At that time, Madan Bhandari gave an interview to the world famous American newspaper 'Times' saying that 'Karl Marx is alive in Nepal'. The interview which created a great stir in the world, struck a chord in the hearts of the imperialists.
Under the leadership of Madan Bhandari, the program of 'People's multi-party democracy' was introduced for the democratization of the communist movement. Rejecting the proposal that the name and flag of the Communist Party should be changed, Madan Bhandari proudly proclaimed that 'the name and flag of the Communist Party cannot be changed, the Communist Party cannot be the deity of the head, it is ready to go to the field for competition among the people.
There are many hurdles in the way of left unity. Ideological differences, programmatic disagreements, disparity in organizational methods, individualism, totalitarian tendencies, opportunism and a tendency to indulge in literal 'jargon' are its major obstacles. Sectarianism and factionalism are equally deep problems. The current need is 'transfer of leadership, transformation into policy program' but that topic is not a priority. We make big speeches about Marxism-Leninism, we talk about principles, ideals, values, we show the people the dream of socialism, we swear to be devoted to the country and the people, but when the opportunity for office comes, these 'great ideals' are overshadowed. In the end it is the verse that sticks the 'hello'. In front of selfishness, all principles, values, and beliefs are forced to surrender by being 'nihurimunti'.
is not really a topic to be limited to left unity slogans, it is today's historical need. Sectarianism, opportunism and ideological ambiguity pose major challenges to unity. The unity of the left power is indispensable to strengthen the sovereignty of the nation, strengthen democracy, realize the dream of social justice and ensure the socialist journey. However, that path is certainly difficult and challenging.
To make 'Mission 084' successful, the left should unite before the election. If that is not possible, we should form a front and coordinate the election. No leftist party or leader has boasted, if they continue to play their tricks alone until the 084 elections, they will have to face very bad results. If you don't make the right decision in time, only regret will remain. When fighting the election in a divided state and together The results of fighting
have been seen. It is important to keep in mind that many challenges will be added in the upcoming elections. Currently, in the name of 'new', people are being confused, while on the other hand, a campaign is being conducted to 'bye-bye' the old parties and leaders. Society is increasingly attracted to instability, violence and anarchy. If wisdom is not delivered in time and consciousness is not opened, the 084 election will prove to be an 'iron chip' for all the left. At that time, today's leadership will be cursed by future generations.
Currently, in the name of encouraging a two-party 'system' in a multi-party system, a strategy is being adopted to 'engrave' Nepali Congress, the representative of the bourgeois bourgeoisie, to create an environment for it to flourish and to prohibit communists as enemies. The communists are busy accusing each other, slandering, gossiping. Can the communist movement spread and become stronger in this way?
The question of what is the purpose and basis of left unity naturally arises. Therefore, it is necessary to focus the question of unity on the ideological and political agenda. First, one should accept Marxism-Leninism as a guiding principle and be a firm believer in it. Secondly, there should be a common view that Nepali society is a capitalist society but its basic character is broker bureaucracy. Third, there must be unanimity in the identification of the principal contradiction. Fourth, the future goal is socialism and a clear commitment to socialist action is necessary. Fifth, there should be consistency in organizational methodology. Basically, only the unity based on these five foundations is long-term and faithful. Only such true unity can appeal to the people.
Communists are optimistic about the future. As it is said, "One month does not kill winter", even if yesterday's efforts failed, we should continue to be united in the initiative. 'Vade Vade Zayate Tattvabodh' i.e. by discussing and taking initiative, the right result can be obtained. Unity built without a strong 'foundation' can collapse at any time, just as a house with a weak foundation collapses with even a small earthquake. We should have 'Arjuna vision' to assimilate this reality and unite on a strong ideological and programmatic foundation.
Left unity is not based on gossip, as it is said that 'things don't get wet', it is only possible if everyone abandons ego, rises above personal and group interests, stands on the ground reality and shakes hands honestly. We are all in the same boat, when that boat sinks we are sure to sink together. If we keep an eye on these things, the left movement can be moved towards the bright highway of unity in the future.
Let's not make today's leadership cursed by future generations. In order not to suffer such a fate, I think it is relevant to recall here the famous poem of the German priest Martin Niemöller in the name of the Communists of Nepal divided into different parties, groups, factions, and sub-factions:
Then they caught the socialist, I remained silent again
because I was not a socialist!
Then they caught the trade union member, I was silent again
because I wasn't in that group!
Then they persecuted the Jews, again I did not speak because I was not a Jew either!
Eventually the woolies came to get me but by then there was no one left to speak for me.'
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