Posting a press statement on his Facebook account, UCPN (Maoist) leader Baburam Bhattarai has refuted news reports that his role in the current conflict within the party stems from his greed for the leadership position in the party.
“Whatever my influences, reports that I am demanding a post is untrue, deceptive and with wrong intentions. I completely refute them,” Bhattarai says in his post. “The focus of the current discussions is on democratic ideals and processes but certainly not specific to any person or position.”
Bhattarai further says that he has been continuously speaking on developing a new democratic model for the party. Arguing that it is an old tradition to shift attention from the main issue by inventing conspiracy theories, Bhattarai has requested all, including media, to not spread such unethical reports and develop a room for healthy political discussions.
Bhattarai’s statement comes at a time when a rift between him and UCPN (Maoist) chairman Dahal has deepnedover the selection of proportional representation candidates for the Constiuent Assembly (CA) and the poor performance of the party in the CA election. Bhattarai and leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha have publicly challenged Dahal's policies.
The central committee meeting of UCPN (Maoist) is scheduled this Saturday and Dahal is expected to present a paper, analysing the the party’s poor performance in the CA election and offering reforms in the party’s organisational structure.