Who is leading Nepal’s left? Prachanda, Madhav Nepal unite communist parties amid splits

Nepal’s communist political scene is witnessing a whirlwind of splits and mergers especially after the recent Gen-Z protest. The main opposition party, CPN-UML, remains relatively stable. But several smaller communist parties including the Maoist Centre, CPN Unified Socialist and other minor leftist groups are going through intense debates and reorganisations.

The political shake-up has intensified after the rise of the Gen-Z movement prompting parties to rethink alliances and revive past merger efforts. In a major development, the Maoist Centre, CPN Unified Socialist, and six other smaller parties are ready to officially announce their unification today at a gathering in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. The newly merged party will adopt the name Nepali Communist Party with the election symbol of a star.

Advertisement

Leadership of the new party is expected to be shared with Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal as coordinators. Following the unification announcement, the new party plans to submit an official registration application to the Election Commission immediately.

#WATCH | Kathmandu, Nepal: As the general elections approach, 9 political parties are all set to merge today (5th November) in Nepal to establish the ‘Nepali Communist Party.’ pic.x.com/1yaOqjAG8R

— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2025

Party leaders have highlighted that the merger represents both a return to unity for previously split groups and a fresh strategy ahead of upcoming elections.

However, not all factions are joining this merger. A group led by Janardan Sharma, who broke away from the Maoist Centre, has launched a separate initiative called Transparent Nepal. Similarly, Ghanashyam Bhusal, former general secretary of the CPN Unified Socialist, is holding a press conference today to launch his campaign for a Greater Left Unity.

Also Read: Nepal: Avalanche on Yalung Ri peak claims 7 lives, 5 foreigners among dead

Other leaders, including Ramkumari Jhakri and former lawmaker Kisan Shrestha, are preparing a separate press briefing to announce their decision to join CPN-UML.Bhusal and Jhakri’s factions are likely to hold their statements back-to-back today.

Meanwhile, senior leader Jhalanath Khanal met with CPN-UML President KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday evening to discuss possible alliances. According to sources, Oli welcomed talks about entry into CPN-UML but indicated there would be no preconditions.

Khanal, however, reportedly suggested that the new entrants should accept the end of the party’s multi-party approach to leftist ideology, hinting at possible internal discussions before final decisions.