Gen-z's voice is our voice too: Chairman Prachanda

Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Chitwan, October 16 – Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, coordinator of the general convention organizing committee of the CPN (Maoist Center), has said that the voice of the Gen Z youth is also his own voice. Speaking at a party cadre meeting in Chitwan on Thursday morning, Prachanda, a former Prime Minister visiting his home district for the first time since the Gen Z movement, emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics.

He criticized the previous government for the loss of lives and property during the Generation Z movement, calling it a result of government negligence and the arrogance of major political parties.

Describing the recent youth-led protests as a sign of “new political consciousness,” Prachanda said the demands of the youth align with the long-standing goals of the Maoist Center. “The demands raised by the youth are integral to our movement. It is a matter of pride that the anti-corruption campaign our party has advocated for years is now reflected in the voice of Generation Z,” he said.

Prachanda alleged that the human and material losses during the protests on Bhadra 23 were due to serious security lapses, adding that the movement itself was peaceful but turned violent because the government failed to implement proper security measures.

He recounted that during the incident, the party leadership was traveling on the Mid-Hill Highway, returning to Kathmandu that night to hold an emergency party meeting. The Maoist Center declared the deceased protesters as martyrs, formed a high-level investigation committee, and publicly announced official decisions. Prachanda stressed that the party sought to legitimize the movement, coordinate opposition parties, and guide the country toward a peaceful resolution.

Regarding the heightened security risks on Bhadra 24, Prachanda explained that staying inside Singha Durbar under army coordination was unavoidable and emphasized that the country’s political situation leaves no alternative but elections. He urged all parties to focus on the upcoming elections and instructed party cadres to unite in preparation.

Prachanda also noted that while parliamentary restoration remains possible, the focus has shifted to elections, with all parties except the UML agreeing to hold them, and even a majority within the UML supporting elections. Targeting former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Prachanda criticized the lack of accountability, stating, “Because of him, so much loss of life and property occurred. Yet even today, there is no regret.”

On party unity, Prachanda revealed that discussions on left unity are progressing, with the first phase focusing on unification within the Socialist Front and the long-term goal being a broader alliance with the UML to unite left forces.

Confident about the party’s future, Prachanda said analysts predict the Maoist Center may emerge as a leading force in the upcoming elections, regaining public trust and consolidating its position as a mainstream political party.