Although the Maoists are making the power struggle look like a conflict between those who are behind 'peace and constitution' and those who want to return to the jungle, it is actually their internal problem. Even though the Baidya faction opposes parliamentary politics, it recognises that its power and legitimacy comes from the CA and it lacks the support of 40 per cent members to go against the establishment.

As long as there is the CA, the Maoists won't split. Chairman Dahal who shifted his loyalties from one lobby to another until the CA was formed, might call upon his cadres for another revolt if the peace and constitution process is not completed. If that happens, there will be a conspiracy to dissolve the CA by delaying the constitution drafting till the deadline day, when there will be no other option left.

The opposition and establishment faction of the Maoists should understand that Nepalis will neither accept another revolt nor an infinitely extended CA in the country. Enough people already feel betrayed by the Maoists and dismiss their politics as conspiracy. The Maoist party should embrace the peace process and secure its place in pluralistic politics before it falls prey to more antagonism.