KATHMANDU: Veteran communist leader Bamdev Gautam is officially joining the CPN (Unified Socialist) today, as his party, the CPN Ekata Rastriya Abhiyan (National Unity Campaign), merges with Madhav Kumar Nepal-led Unified Socialist.

The unification ceremony is taking place at the Rastriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu.

Gautam and Unified Socialist chairman Madhav Nepal had signed a unification agreement on July 11.

As per the deal, Gautam will be accorded the third-highest position in the party hierarchy, following party chairman Madhav Nepal and senior leader Jhalanath Khanal.

The unification marks a significant realignment in Nepal’s left politics, with Gautam — a former vice-chairman of the CPN-UML — returning to a prominent position in a leftist faction.

The Unified Socialist hopes the merger will consolidate its political influence.