One week has been over since then CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre announced their dissolution and formation of the new Nepal Communist Party. However, the party is yet to form its powerful 45-member Standing Committee thanks to the high number of leaders aspiring to be included in the panel, in the Maoist camp.
The two parties, before their dissolution, had agreed that the UML and the Maoist Centre would send 26 and 19 leaders respectively. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led UML side has already finalised the list of 26 leaders by making slight adjustments to its existing Standing Committee.
But, on the Maoist side, the names have not been finalised, according to leader Pampha Bhusal.
Top leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal is certain about names of 13 leaders including himself on the basis of their seniority. However, more than 12 leaders are eyeing six remaining positions.
Dahal, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Dev Gurung, Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Barsha Man Pun, Haribol Gajurel, Shakti Basnet, Janardan Sharma, Pampha Bhusal, Agni Sapkota and Matrika Yadav will surely join the new party’s Standing Committee.
In remaining six positions, Lilamani Pokharel, Mani Thapa, Devendra Paudel, Chakrapani Khanal, Kul Prasad KC, Ram Karki, Hitman Shakya, Tilak Pariyar, Lekharaj Bhatta and Ram Chandra Jha among others have expressed their interest.
The two sides have agreed to include former UML’s Amrit Kumar Bohora, Keshav Badal, Pushpa Kandel and Somnath Pyasi and Maoist Centre’s Amik Sherchan as invitees in the Standing Committee.
Meanwhile, the party has already formed its 441-member Central Committee