Itahari, October 7 . UCPN-Maoist Chairman Prachanda has said his party will ultimately bring the CPN-UML into its fold. He said this while speaking at a training camp organised for party cadres from the eastern region.

Speaking at the camp in Itahari, Sunsari district, he said, “I have heard some people say Prachanda is willing to join the UML.” This will not happen, the Maoist leader said, “Rather, we will bring the UML to our fold.”

“Who brought about this federal republic, UCPN-Maoist or the UML? And who fought a war that took the lives of 17,000 people? And who empowered backward communities like Muslims?”

He said there’s no question of Prachanda joining the UML. Prachanda said he will make the UCPN-Maoist the country’s number one party.

Prachanda further said he will stay with the people for two years, leaving the comfort of Lazimpat, his residence.

“I will live together with you people for two years. You support me on this,” he said, adding, “For two years, I will not vie for the posts of prime minister or president.”

Prachanda said he has the challenge to make the party stronger also because Baburam Bhattarai has challenged him. “We have asked Baburamji to return to the party, but he will not return unless he has compulsions to do so,” the Maoist chief said.  “So, let’s mend our ways first,” he said. “After that, Baidhyaji will return, Maniji, Viplaji will all return. Only after that will Baburamji will feel the compulsion to return,” Prachanda said. After that, people from the UML will also join our party, he said, pledging to make the UCPN-Maoist the number one party.