The Maoist trade union faction led by Jammakattel sent letters to entrepreneurs in and outside Kathmandu on April 10, seeking “physical, moral and financial” assistance from the latter for the “celebration in a grand manner” of the International Worker´s Day on May 1.[break]
The letters, a copy of which has been obtained by Republica, have been undersigned by Jammakattel, whose committee was dissolved by party Standing Committee on April 7.
According to party sources, the union has shot over 3000 such letters to businessmen in Kathmandu alone, and the union expected up to Rs 100,000 from each.
“You know what is happening with our union. I don´t want to comment on the issue now,” said rebel union leader Badri Bajgain, who is loyal to Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.
Bajgain faction has alleged that the latest donation drive launched by Jammakattel is an instance of his “anarchic” character. “How can Salikram, who has already been dismissed from his position, collect donations in the name of the union,” said a union leader close to Baidya.
Jammakattel admitted that he signed the letters, but defended himself saying they were written and sent to the entrepreneurs before the party standing committee dissolved his committee. “These things were done prior to the dissolution of our committee. So, don´t entertain such news,” said Jammakattel adding that he doesn´t have any idea about the dates on the letters. The letters have been dated April 10.
The Maoist party relieved Jammakattel, who has been accused of embezzlement and sell-out, from the position of the union chief in a bid to end the long-standing animosity and internal crisis in the union.
Posta Bahadur Bogati has been appointed coordinator of the committee mandated to hold a national convention to elect a new leadership.
The Maoist trade union faction has been divided into three factions led by Jammakattel, Bajgain and Lal Dhwaj Nembang. Jammakattel is close to Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bajgain to Baidya and Nembang to Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai.
The Bajgain and Nembang factions have stated that Jammakattel, by virtue of being close to the party chairman, still controls the party.
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