KATHMANDU, Oct 23: Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday said that there was no truth in media reports that the ruling party was going through a tussle between the erstwhile CPN-UML and Maoist factions.

“One or two things reported in media might give illusion that something huge is happening. That’s just an illusion,” Dahal told reporters during a press conference in Panchthar. 

“Just yesterday, Prime Minister Oli and I met for around two hours and discussed how to move forward in the current situation,” said Dahal. 

Dahal’s remarks come amid Prime Minister Oli’s reported reluctance to hand over reins of the party or the government to him as per an understanding reached between the leaders before the unification between the erstwhile CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center). 

Dahal also dismissed reports of deficit of trust between him and the prime minister. He said that he was in constant touch with Prime Minister Oli. 

“There is no truth in the news reports. I urge you not to fall for illusion-based news reports,” said Dahal, adding that the duo has mutually agreed to resolve all the outstanding disputes based on consensus.

According to his aides, Dahal is increasingly unhappy with Oli’s working style and, more importantly, his desire to remain in the helm of both the party and the government until the next elections. While isolating Dahal, Oli has been mending ties with senior leaders from erstwhile UML camp including Bamdev Gautam and Jhalanath Khanal, and even with some former Maoists including Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and Energy Minister Barsha Man Pun.

Senior leader Madhav Nepal, who leads the third largest faction after Oli and Dahal, has maintained equidistance with the two chairmen.

Erstwhile Maoists appear hopeful that the misunderstanding would be resolved. Speaking at a function in the capital on Tuesday, NCP leader Devendra Paudel said different working style, thinking and behaviors might have given impression of tussle between the two leaders. 

“But there is no serious disagreement between the two leaders,” said Paudel. 

Kandel said that both leaders should be sincere to implement past accords and take the unification process to conclusion. 

“If that doesn’t happen, that would be really unfortunate for the country,” said Paudel. 

 
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