There are five factions within the Maoists right now. The Kiran-Bikalpa faction claims that the struggle of the People's War still continues. With an inclination towards nationalist revolution, this faction stresses the need for a new work plan because the one devised under the 12-point agreement has already reached its objectives. In line with the changing situation, this faction thinks changes are needed within the party itself, and seems to want to discard the parliamentary system.

Those in favour of Baburam feel that the political aim of the revolution has been achieved with the abolition of the monarchy and attention should now turn to an economic revolution. There has to be a peaceful transition from the present democratic republic to a people's republic. However, their view that India is supportive of Nepal's progressive political restructuring is worrying to others.

The third faction feels that since the party has moved on from the politics of class to an agenda of regional ethnicity, there is no longer the need to be under the leadership of Kiran, Prachanda or Baburam. Although they are still a part of the Maoists, the party workers of the Seti, Mahakali and Karnali, and the Madhesis, Adhivasis and Janjatis back this belief. Lekhraj Bhatta in the west, Prabhu Shah in the Madhes and Gopal Khambu in the east represent this thought.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

The forth faction feels that the People's War should continue, and there is a fifth faction that has lost its trust in the party and seeks to renounce it.

Among these, the first faction is not yet organised. The second seems to be clear in its ideas and has already implemented them since the formation of the government. The third faction, which supports regional ethnicity, is present more as a concept. Lastly, the fourth and the fifth factions exist only as sentiments and are not organised under anyone's leadership.