KATHMANDU, June 30: A power struggle is unfolding within the main opposition party CPN (Maoist Center) as long-time party chairperson Pushpa Kamal faces an unprecedented challenge from within his own circle. Senior leader Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ has emerged as a key figure questioning Dahal’s long-held authority, signaling a possible turning point in the party’s leadership trajectory ahead of its next general convention.
Decades at the helm
Former Prime Minister Dahal, one of Nepal’s most enduring political leaders, has been at the top of his party since becoming General Secretary of CPN (Mashal) at the age of 35. Even at 71, he shows no signs of stepping down. On April 29, 2025, while addressing a Maoist Center campaign in Bardiya, Dahal expressed his intention to remain in leadership for another five to seven years.
“I still have unfinished tasks—defending people’s rights, completing campaigns, and uniting scattered Maoist forces,” he said.
Over the years, Dahal has repeatedly insisted that no current leader possesses the ability to take over at the party’s helm, stating: “I don’t see anyone capable of leading.” Consequently, he has refrained from naming a successor.
The Sharma Challenge
This prolonged hold on leadership has drawn criticism from multiple quarters, but none more directly than from Janardan Sharma, a seasoned leader once viewed as Dahal’s trusted confidant. Former Home Minister Sharma, considered influential in the party’s organizational affairs, has grown increasingly assertive in his calls for internal reform and generational leadership transition.
The turning point came during the Maoist Center’s eighth general convention, when Sharma’s aspiration to become General Secretary was bypassed. Dahal chose Dev Prasad Gurung, citing seniority, despite Gurung’s temporary departure from the party in the past. Sharma and Barshaman Pun, who was then in China for medical treatment, were both named Deputy General Secretaries.
Sharma interpreted this as a deliberate move to marginalize him. Since then, he has voiced his dissent in both public forums and party meetings, openly critiquing Dahal’s leadership style and decision-making approach.
Rising tensions and public confrontations
On September 7, 2022, during a student union event organized by ANNISU-R, the party’s student wing, tensions reached a new height. Sharma confronted Dahal publicly, expressing emotional frustration at not being fully accepted within the Maoist fold.
“You told me to unite with UML—I did. You told me to coordinate with Congress—I did that too. Yet, I’ve never truly belonged to the Maoist party. When will I be yours?” Sharma asked, hinting at years of obedience without recognition.
Power tussle deepens within ruling left parties
Though Sharma clarified that his criticism lacked any malicious intent, the remarks drew clear battle lines within the party. In response, Dahal accused some leaders of praising him publicly while opposing him internally. “There’s no need for Comrade Prabhakar to keep accusing me,” Dahal said, dismissing the need for further discussion.
This public confrontation was seen by many as Sharma’s declaration of intent to mount a serious leadership bid.
Escalation
Since then, Sharma has amplified his criticism, especially during party meetings. By May 20, 2025, while speaking in Rukum West—Sharma’s stronghold—Dahal took another veiled swipe at him.
Naming several former comrades who had parted ways with the Maoist movement, Dahal said: “Just because a few leaders stray or leave, the people won’t abandon the party. Revolutionary people are like the satingal tree—firm and unshakable.”
Though Sharma was present on stage during the remarks, he later demanded that Dahal’s comments be reviewed within the party. While such a review remains uncertain, the relationship between the two leaders has since deteriorated further.
Challenge to Dahal
Eight months after the general convention, a direct exchange between Dahal and Sharma at a public event exposed deeper ideological and emotional fault lines. Sharma reiterated the feeling of alienation and questioned Dahal’s loyalty to long-serving party members.
“I’ve been in this party for 48 years. Why was I never allowed to truly belong?” he asked. “Can’t an honest voice be raised within this party?”
Dahal’s rebuttal was firm: “Many praise me in public and plot behind closed doors. Comrade Prabhakar should stop blaming me for everything.”
Though both leaders framed the confrontation as constructive, it confirmed Sharma’s status as a credible internal challenger.
Leadership transition proposal
In August 2024, Sharma presented a 14-page proposal at a Standing Committee meeting. The document called for Dahal to relinquish organizational leadership while retaining his role in ideology and statecraft. “Let Prachanda's legacy be secured while the next generation steers the organization forward,” the proposal stated.
Although the proposal was acknowledged, the party took no substantive action. This has only deepened the sense of inertia and dissatisfaction among Sharma’s allies.
Sharma’s move in upcoming general convention
The Maoist Center’s constitution mandates its ninth general convention by 2026–27. Without plans for a special convention, all eyes are now on how leadership debates will shape the event.
Insiders say Sharma is likely to contest the top post. He has raised critical questions in party forums about governance failures, lack of internal democracy, and declining public trust.
Sharma has said: “The people trusted all leaders, including us, and we’ve failed to deliver. We must answer for this.”
A Central Committee member noted: “The next convention won’t resemble past ones. This time, other comrades will step forward—possibly Sharma.”
Sharma’s rapid rise
Though Sharma insists his push for reform is not for personal gain, he is now at the center of a growing internal faction. He commands strong support from ANNISU-R, the Press Centre (the party’s media wing), and leaders dissatisfied with Dahal’s centralized leadership.
Figures such as Deputy General Secretary Haribol Gajurel and Secretary Ram Karki are believed to lean toward Sharma. Party insiders say Sharma has become a rallying point for those calling for internal change.
Dahal gathers his faction
Sensing the challenge, Dahal has begun consolidating his own base. He recently pulled Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, a former Sharma ally and key figure during the People’s War, into his camp. This move is widely viewed as part of Dahal’s pre-convention strategy to ensure victory.
Dahal believes Sharma has been strategically building a faction by mobilizing second- and third-tier leaders. Sharma now reportedly enjoys the backing of three provincial chairpersons and a large number of district-level leaders.
Until the last convention, Barshaman Pun had managed to appoint allies in over 34 district chair positions. Now, Sharma appears to be replacing Pun in that role, signaling a realignment within the internal power structure.
Necessity of a debate
While the internal clash has intensified, party leaders maintain that such debates are natural. Barshaman Pun described the situation as a constructive dialogue.
“Disagreements happen. Back when we worked under leaders like Baidya or Baburam, we also raised questions. But senior leadership requires composure,” Pun said. “I’ve advised Janardan not to repeat the mistakes of those who left.”
Haribol Gajurel downplayed the issue, saying the Dahal-Sharma discussion is part of internal party dynamics and shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.
Party's official line
Party spokesperson and Vice Chairman Agni Sapkota has dismissed fears of a split. “Janardan has raised issues, but not with the intention of breaking the party. Even if he wanted to split it, he couldn’t,” Sapkota said. “We are united and not threatened.”
Nonetheless, the party is clearly entering a critical phase. Whether Dahal can maintain his grip or Sharma can translate dissent into leadership change will shape not just the future of the Maoist Center but potentially the broader trajectory of Nepal’s leftist politics.
