Prachanda Urges Teachers to Continue Protests, Slams Government’s ‘Irresponsibility’

Kathmandu: Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called on protesting teachers to continue their movement patiently, accusing the government of failing to address their longstanding demands.

Addressing a program held at the party’s central office in Paris Danda on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Communist Party of Nepal, Prachanda expressed solidarity with the teachers who have been demonstrating in the capital since Chaitra 20 (April 2), demanding the enactment of the School Education Act.

Despite repeated rounds of talks between the government and teacher representatives, no resolution has been reached. Prachanda, a former prime minister, remarked that past betrayals by the government have eroded trust and stressed the importance of sustaining the protest with perseverance.

“I urge our fellow teachers to patiently continue the movement. You have protested multiple times, signed multiple agreements—and been deceived each time,” he said. “This time, we must not allow that to happen again. We all have a responsibility.”

Prachanda also took a dig at the government, citing the recent resignation of Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai—a UML leader—as proof of the administration’s irresponsibility.

“Just yesterday, another incident occurred. UML’s own Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai resigned. This only shows how irresponsible this government truly is,” he stated. “This government won’t be able to carry its own burden. It will collapse under it. We still hope it comes to its senses.”

He emphasized that the teachers’ demands are not new, merely a call for the implementation of previous agreements. He criticized Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for being “highly negative” toward the issue.

“Teachers are not asking for anything new. They’re just asking the government to implement what was agreed before,” he said. “But when the prime minister himself becomes extremely negative, what can be done?”