At a time when the people were feeling apprehensive and angry about the prolonged bickering among the top leaders of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP), party co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has assured that the party will not split at any cost. Party unity and the smooth functioning of the government were threatened after former prime ministers and other top leaders of NCP demanded the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The party wrangling at the top leadership level worsened to such a proportion that the dissenters exerted pressure on Oli to part with both the posts of prime minister as well as party chief. The unwelcome intra-party feud spilled at a time when the nation was grappling with major challenges of taming the COVID-19 pandemic, resultant economic downturn and widespread havoc created by monsoon disasters. This is a time that calls for unity, cooperation, collaboration and a sense of reconciliation. Struggle for post and power was the last thing the people wanted to hear about at this juncture. Chairman Prachanda has admitted that there are some problems within the party but they will be sorted out in such a manner that it will not result in division. Such a remark puts to rest the current uncertainty and the fate of the ruling party.

The nation was also seeking solid unity and solidarity for the protection of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in the wake of the publication of updated political and administrative map including the encroached territories of Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulek. Prime Minister Oli has been bold and visionary regarding the issue of nationalism, and nobody should perceive this standing as a threat. Party leadership reserves the right and responsibility to caution and warn the Prime Minister and his cabinet team about slack performance, if any, but the suggestions should be constructive rather than divisive and unfounded. Members of the cabinet can always be changed and reshuffled but the change should not be for the sake of change. It should be for better results and more efficient performance. Internal debate, brainstorming and surfacing of differing views is natural in a political party but what is dangerous is the individualistic tendency aimed at making short-term and petty political demands. Such tendencies should be discouraged on the basis of broader vision on national interests.

NCP co-chair Prachanda has rightly said that the party rank and file should refrain themselves from making an opinion in impulse and haste. Everybody should have patience to listen to what the two chairmen are saying though there might be difference in views. Things decided and done in haste may lead to future remorse. What gives anxious people the much needed assurance is that the differences of views within the party will not result in vertical division. People have high hopes and deep trust in NCP which was catapulted to two-thirds majority by the electorate. Internal bickering and division in the ruling party only disenchants the people. The electoral mandate may not sustain if the people feel betrayed or their long cherished dream is shattered due to petty quarrel of the leaders for power. The party leadership should also be on alert that external elements may be out to take undue advantage by sowing the seed of division within the ruling party.