FACTIONALISM IN NEPALESE POLITICS: A CASE STUDY OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY

Abstract

Since its inception, the Nepalese communist movement has suffered from factionalism and division, ultimately weakening the entire movement. This article by Santa Bahadur Thapa analyzes the causes and effects of this constant factionalism and division using the descriptive and analytical method while covering the history of communism in Nepal, which began in the 1951 pro-democracy struggle and later split into pro-Soviet and pro-Maoist factions. These factions repeatedly attempted but failed to form a unified communist party, leading to the loss of the government by the party, which had represented almost two-thirds in parliament. The article delves into the reasons behind the constant factionalism and division, resulting in political crises throughout the history of the Nepalese communist movement. Understanding the evolution and continuity of political parties' ideologies, structures, and roles is vital to comprehend how political parties position themselves within the contradictory conditions that have arisen over the past thirteen years. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing the theoretical and historical elements of factionalism in political organizations, citing Nepalese history as an example.