Nepal’s Progressive Democratic Party Splits as Leaders Go Separate Ways

A major split has occurred in Nepal’s Progressive Democratic Party, founded by former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, former Maoist leader Janardan Sharma, and former Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Santosh Pariyar, among others.

Following the departure of several key leaders, the remaining leaders, including Durga Sob and Santosh Pariyar, who are currently part of the party’s presidential council, have also decided to part ways.

As per the agreement, Baburam Bhattarai will revive the Nepal Socialist Party (Naya Shakti), which he had formed before the establishment of the Progressive Democratic Party. Durga Sob will lead this new party, and its election symbol will be an eye.

Santosh Pariyar, on the other hand, will continue to lead the Progressive Democratic Party, with an election symbol featuring three colors and an image excluding an eye.

This development comes after several leaders, including Sudan Kiranti and Ojaswi Bhattarai, had already left the party.