KATHMANDU, March 15: The unification process between the Janamat Party and Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) has reached its final stage, with Janamat Party Chairman Dr. CK Raut and NUP Patron Resham Chaudhary actively engaged in discussions.
According to Chaudhary, a draft of a nine-point agreement has been prepared to formalize the merger. "We have finalized the draft of the nine-point agreement with the Janamat Party. In doing so, we have not lost anything—we have retained our people, our election symbol 'Dhakiya,' and our dignity and position. We have also ensured equal representation in key roles, such as senior vice chairperson and central committee members," Chaudhary stated.
He further emphasized that the unification process is in its final stage and that there is no turning back. "We missed an opportunity for unity earlier and lost our identity. If we fail to unite now, we will fall even further behind. While the NUP has not officially decided on the merger yet, as the party’s patron, I have already taken a big step forward," he added.
Janamat Party Spokesperson Sharat Singh Yadav echoed Chaudhary’s sentiments, asserting that the unification is imminent. "There are no disagreements over leadership, election symbols or other key matters. Many aspects have already been settled. We have decided to merge with NUP, and the process will be finalized soon," he said.
Yadav also noted that with Chairman Dr. Raut recently returning to Nepal, the remaining issues would soon be resolved. "We will finalize the remaining matters and officially begin the unification process," he said. Both Chaudhary and Yadav confirmed that the nine-point agreement will be made public only after all details are finalized.
Ranjita stands firm against unification
While Resham Chaudhary maintains that unification is underway, NUP Chair Ranjita Shrestha Chaudhary strongly refutes the claim. "Our party is not merging with Janamat. There has been no discussion about unification within our party," she told *Republica*. "We will not merge with the Janamat Party."
Despite Resham’s efforts, Ranjita asserted that party leaders are not in favor of the merger. "This decision cannot be made by just one or two individuals—the entire party must agree. At this point, unification is not possible," she said.
Unification amid Resham-Ranjita rift
The unification efforts come at a time when tensions between Resham Chaudhary and Ranjita Shrestha Chaudhary—who are also husband and wife—are escalating. Their conflict over party leadership began when they failed to reach a consensus on who should lead the party.
At the first general convention in December 2023, both contested for the top position. Although Resham was elected chairperson, the Election Commission did not recognize his leadership, leading to Ranjita’s reinstatement as chairperson. Since then, their relationship has deteriorated, and they are no longer on good terms.
Resham is currently pushing to convene a central committee meeting, but Ranjita insists there is no possibility of such a meeting. The last NUP central committee meeting took place on April 1, 2024, and no further meetings have been held since.
Determined to move forward, Resham plans to proceed with unification efforts even if he cannot formally convene the central committee. According to sources, several crucial meetings are yet to take place, where an official unification proposal is expected to be presented. However, even if those meetings do not materialize, Resham remains committed to pushing the unification forward with the backing of a majority of party members.