MAOIST MOVEMENT AND COMMUNISM IN

NEPAL, AN OVERVIEW
Brief Report on Nepalese Communism
Introduction
Communism in Nepal has been a significant political force, shaping the nation's history and
political landscape for decades. The movement has seen various phases, from its inception in
the early 20th century to its contemporary role in Nepal's federal democratic republic.

Historical Background
Communism in Nepal began gaining traction in the 1940s. The Communist Party of Nepal
(CPN) was officially founded in 1949 under the leadership of Pushpa Lal Shrestha. The party's
formation was influenced by the global rise of communism and anti-imperialist sentiments post-
World War II.

Key Phases and Developments

1. Early Years (1949-1960s):

Foundation and Growth: The CPN aimed to overthrow the Rana regime, a
hereditary dictatorship that had ruled Nepal for over a century.
Suppression: The party faced severe repression from the government, leading to its
ban in the 1950s.
Internal Splits: Ideological differences caused splits within the party, forming several
factions, each claiming the mantle of true communism.
2. Maoist Insurgency (1996-2006):
People's War: The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal
(Prachanda), initiated an armed struggle known as the People’s War in 1996, aiming
to establish a people's republic.
Conflict: The decade-long conflict resulted in over 13,000 deaths and significant
displacement, drawing global attention to Nepal's internal strife.
Peace Process: The insurgency concluded with the signing of the Comprehensive
Peace Accord in 2006, leading to the Maoists entering mainstream politics.
3. Post-Conflict Era (2006-Present):
Abolition of Monarchy: In 2008, Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic,
abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy.
 Political Dominance: The Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) emerged as a
dominant force in Nepalese politics, influencing the drafting of a new constitution.
Recent Developments: The CPN (Maoist Centre) and the Communist Party of
Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML) merged in 2018 to form the Nepal
Communist Party (NCP). However, internal conflicts led to the party's split in 2021.

Ideological Spectrum
Nepalese communism ranges from moderate leftist policies to radical Maoist ideologies. The
movement has been characterized by its adaptability to changing political climates and societal
needs.

Influence on Society and Governance

Communist parties in Nepal have significantly influenced land reforms, social justice, and the
empowerment of marginalized communities. They have also been pivotal in the decentralization
of power and the establishment of federalism in Nepal.

Challenges and Criticisms

Internal Factionalism: Persistent internal divisions have weakened the movement's

cohesion.
Economic Policies: Critics argue that communist economic policies have hindered
Nepal's economic development and foreign investment.
Governance Issues: Issues of corruption and inefficiency have marred the communist-led
governments.

Conclusion
Communism remains a vital and dynamic force in Nepalese politics, having transitioned from
armed struggle to significant participation in democratic processes. Despite challenges, the
movement continues to shape Nepal's political, social, and economic trajectory.

Key Figures

Pushpa Lal Shrestha: Founder of the CPN.

Prachanda (Pushpa Kamal Dahal): Leader of the Maoist insurgency.
Madhav Kumar Nepal: Prominent leader of CPN-UML.
KP Sharma Oli: Former Prime Minister and key communist figure.

References
Comprehensive Peace Accord, 2006.
Nepalese Constitution, 2015.
Various historical accounts and academic analyses of Nepalese communism.