KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has accused the ruling CPN-UML of intentionally sabotaging key legislation and facing a deepening ideological crisis within its ranks.

Speaking at a program organized by the Unified All Nepal Teachers’ Organization on Saturday, Prachanda said UML’s actions on the Federal Civil Service Bill and its internal discord reflect a larger political malaise in the party.

He pointedly criticized UML for its last-minute reversal on the agreed two-year “cooling-off period” provision in the civil service bill, likening the party’s sudden change in position to a cat meowing at the end.

“The two-year cooling-off period was unanimously agreed upon. But at the last moment, the party leading the government — UML — withdrew support. It was like a cat finally meowing. UML meowed,” he said sarcastically.

Prachanda claimed the reversal was not accidental but a deliberate act of manipulation. He alleged a conspiracy by UML lawmakers and held Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli accountable.

“This interference was done with intent, and PM Oli must bear the responsibility,” he asserted. He further stated that he had already urged the parliamentary investigation committee to probe the issue, pointing out that suspicion had long been directed toward Oli.

Beyond legislative sabotage, Prachanda also highlighted a severe ideological and leadership crisis within UML.

He said the party, which was once rooted in Madan Bhandari’s ideology of ‘People’s Multiparty Democracy’, is now struggling to identify a legitimate successor to that legacy.

“There is now confusion about who is the real ideological heir of People’s Multiparty Democracy. That’s a serious crisis,” he remarked.

He added that recent remarks made by PM Oli at a memorial event for Madan Bhandari—alleging that Bhandari had four wives and was accused of cooperative fraud—have further deepened divisions.

According to Prachanda, these statements have prompted former President Bidya Devi Bhandari to step forward, seemingly claiming the legacy of Madan Bhandari, exacerbating UML’s internal strife.

In contrast, Prachanda asserted that his own party, the Maoist Centre, remains ideologically unified and committed to the path of socialist revolution.

“Our 8th General Convention decided unanimously on the course of the socialist revolution, and even our recent Central Committee meetings have reached consensus,” he said.