KATHMANDU, May 10: CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed concern over what he has described as the UML’s high-handedness in the formulation of fiscal plans and polices.
During a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday, Dahal accused UML of sidelining the Maoist Center, an ally in the ruling coalition, in the formulation of the fiscal plans and polices of the government.
Even as the new fiscal year budget looms, PM Oli has not held discussions with Maoist leaders and ministers on the matter. This has left the Maoist leaders clueless about the plans and policies to be incorporated in the budget. Dahal said that the plans and policies of both parties should be given space in the budget and demanded prior consultations on all the programs that are being considered.
Minister unhappy with agri ministry’s work progress
“Activities such as this will only increase mistrust between the two parties. There should be discussions on all issues related to governance,” a party leader briefed on the issue quoted Dahal as saying. Dahal added that Oli’s unilateral activities were increasingly alienating the Maoist ministers in the government.
Maoist leaders say that Oli’s domineering presence in governance was hampering the efforts to unify the two parties.
“Oil is sidelining us even when we are still separate parties. How would he behave if we become one party? That’s why we are emphasizing fair and equal distribution of power,” said one Maoist leader.
During the meeting, Dahal asked Oli to give priority to the plans and policies included in the joint manifesto of the left alliance. In addition to that, he also urged Oli to keep in priority the families of those injured or killed during the Maoist armed insurgency.
Maoist leaders are increasingly unhappy with Oli for not consulting them on matters of governance. Maoist leader Dev Gurung on Tuesday said that the party would strongly object if UML ignored the party’s concerns in the budget.
A meeting of the Maoist Center has emphasized the need for fair distribution of resources between the urban and rural areas, with special focus on poor farmers, laborers and the disadvantaged. Many Maoist MPs also demanded special consideration for the families of former Maoist guerrillas and cadres.
During the meeting, Dahal had demanded clarifications over Oli’s tweet, which Maoist leaders say was demeaning to the party. Oli reportedly told Dahal that he was unaware of the tweet until it was posted.
“He hinted that someone from his team posted it without his knowledge and clarified that it did not reflect his views,” said one leader.
