KATHMANDU: Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav,’ General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal; Ghanshyam Bhusal, General Secretary of the erstwhile CPN (Unified Socialist); and Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ of the Progressive National Campaign have announced a political collaboration.

In a statement released on Friday, they called for dialogue, discussion, and unity among communists, socialists, progressives, and patriots.

“In order to overcome the current national disappointment and political deadlock, it has become an urgent responsibility to rally the people in a progressive and democratic direction,” the statement read.

“Amidst the multifaceted crises facing the nation, it is necessary for all committed communists, socialists, progressives, and patriots to take the initiative for a broad-based front.”

Chand, Bhusal, and Sharma are leaders who have not participated in the recent unification process involving the CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), and seven other communist parties.

Only this past Wednesday, ten parties formed the Nepali Communist Party.

While discussions continue about unifying with the Maoists, leaders of the Unified Socialist are reportedly negotiating to return to the UML.

“The country’s old political parties, particularly their leaders, want to maintain the old structures and methods to cover up crises and protect their dominance,” the statement added.

The leaders said recent political developments have further destabilized the country.

“Nationalism, democracy, and the rights of the people are all at risk simultaneously. National life is becoming insecure. Continuing on the old path will certainly push the country deeper into uncertainty, instability, and crisis. It is evident that the old ways will not lead to new destinations,” the statement concluded.