Kathmandu: Nepal's first post-monarchy Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda," who is committed to the continuation of a multi-party democracy in the country is facing revolt from his party men, a majority of whom favour establishment of a one party Communist Republic.

Prachanda, who has the backing of another party stalwart Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai is facing stiff opposition from senior Maoist ideologue Mohan Vaidya, who is supported by other powerful leaders within the erstwhile underground party.

A trial of strength seems to be in the offing in the upcoming first ever Maoist National Party Convention beginning November 10,where Bhattarai s recent proposal to drop the "Maoist" tag from the party name would be debated and decided.

Apparently, wary of moves by a powerful section of his own party, Prachanda is trying to make up with opposition Nepali Congress, an ardent supporter of multi-party system.

Prachanda, with the support of Bhattarai has sought aid from international donors, including USA, by committing to pursuing a liberal market economy and promote private investment.

Meanwhile, senior leader Vaidya presented a paper aiming to establish a People s Republic similar to that of Cuba and North Korea during the recently concluded central committee meeting of the party, insiders said, adding that an overwhelming majority favoured the leader.

Central member Matrika Yadav, a strong supporter of Vaidya, said nobody in the CPN-Maoist is in favour of a parliamentary system.

"We want to establish People s Parliament instead of Parliament," he told
Source : PTI