Kathmandu [Nepal], August 10 – Nepal Communist Party (NCP) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” on Monday called for renewed cooperation between political parties and the media warning that Nepal’s democracy, republican system, federalism and national sovereignty face growing challenges amid an increasingly uneasy political situation.
Speaking during an extended interaction with journalists covering parliamentary affairs at Singha Durbar, the former prime minister discussed a broad range of political issues including the government’s performance, constitutional amendment proposals, the political standing of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the influence of social media and artificial intelligence on politics and prospects for broader democratic and leftist cooperation.
Prachanda argued that the current government lacked political direction, but dismissed speculation that it would collapse after the Dashain-Tihar festival describing such claims as rumours. He urged observers to remain cautious about the government’s direction while avoiding predictions of an imminent political change.
The former Maoist leader also criticized the government’s constitutional amendment agenda, claiming the proposals amounted to an attempt to rewrite, rather than amend the Constitution. While acknowledging that certain provisions could be revised based on experience, he said a complete rewriting of the charter was unacceptable.
Prachanda said Nepal’s mainstream political parties had failed to adapt quickly enough to the growing influence of digital platforms arguing that social media and artificial intelligence had become powerful tools for shaping public opinion. He stressed that safeguarding democratic institutions would require closer coordination among political parties, journalists and civil society.
He also called on political leaders to reflect on their own shortcomings instead of blaming others for the country’s current political challenges, saying protecting the Constitution and democratic system should remain a shared national priority.
