Baburam Bhattarai Resigns as Party Chair: Move to Promote Youth and Pressure Old Parties

Former Prime Minister and Nepal Socialist Party (New Force) Chair Baburam Bhattarai has resigned from his leadership post, citing the need to encourage young leaders and put pressure on the traditional political parties.

Bhattarai announced his decision during a special extended party meeting on Wednesday, which was later endorsed by the gathering. The meeting appointed Vice Chair Durga Sob as coordinator of the General Convention Organizing Committee. Bhattarai had been elected party chair during the first week of Falgun earlier this year.

Respect for Gen-Z Movement

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Bhattarai said his resignation was a gesture of respect and support for the Gen-Z movement.

“The new generation has already knocked on the doors. I resigned to encourage them. This is also pressure on the old parties to make way for change,” Bhattarai said.

He clarified that while he has stepped down from official responsibility, he will continue to support the campaign for an alternative political force.

Call for Systemic Reform

Bhattarai stressed that Nepal’s governance system and electoral model must change to ensure political stability.

“If the next election is held under the old system, the same old powers will return. Nepal needs a directly elected executive and a fully proportional representation system,” he argued.

He also alleged that both domestic regressive forces and foreign powers played a role in the recent destruction during the Gen-Z rebellion, even though it succeeded in toppling the government.

Demand for Anti-Corruption Action

Bhattarai called on the interim government to immediately initiate action against corruption:

“The Gen-Z movement is centered against corruption. Hidden assets must be investigated. Some have already been destroyed, others remain concealed. Corrupt leaders will use them to return to power unless investigated.”

He urged the government to form a high-level commission to probe corruption and expose illegally acquired wealth.

Message to Youth: Defend Sovereignty

Bhattarai urged young Nepalis to advance while defending national independence and sovereignty:

“Nepal has never been a colony. Our sovereignty and independence are equal to that of our neighbors. They must be told not to set eyes on Nepal,” he said.

Push for Alternative Alliances

Highlighting the growing role of alternative forces such as New Force, Balen Shah, and Harka Sampang, Bhattarai emphasized the importance of cooperation among new-generation movements:

“The Gen-Z force is massive. Alternative powers must work together, guided by federal democratic republic, secularism, and inclusivity as core principles.”

He dismissed the possibility of reform in traditional parties like Congress, UML, and Maoists, describing their leadership as “decayed to the core.”

Election Strategy

Looking ahead, Bhattarai suggested that alternative forces must form a common alliance for the upcoming election:

“The election will be held on time. If alternative forces unite under a shared alliance, people’s dreams will be fulfilled,” he declared.