On Thursday, during the release of the book Framework of Socialist Philosophy, Maoist Centre Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said it has become difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake socialists in Nepal.
Capitalism vs socialism — in theory and practice
He explained that while capitalism is rooted in individualism and socialism in collectivism, the real-life practice of socialism in Nepal shows a major contradiction.
“People talk about Marxist socialism,” he said, “but in action, they follow individualistic trends.”
Everyone uses ‘socialism’, few follow it
According to Prachanda, using the term ‘socialism’ has become a political trend — even feudalists, capitalists, and opportunists use the word for popularity and political gain.
“Socialism has become a fashion for fulfilling personal interests,” he said.
Real vs fake socialism
He argued that opportunists and capitalists now also talk about ‘scientific socialism’, making it harder to tell who truly follows socialist principles.
“Distinguishing between real and fake socialists has become a complex and challenging task,” he added.
Nepal is in socialist phase, not socialism yet
Prachanda clarified that while Nepal hasn’t achieved full socialism, most parties agree the country is currently in a transitional socialist phase following the success of the capitalist democratic revolution.
This is why the constitution says ‘towards socialism’, not ‘socialism established’, he explained.
Federalism is part of socialist journey
He described Nepal’s federal system as a form of collective practice and called it an early stage or ‘embryo’ of socialism.
However, he warned that efforts are being made to reverse the progressive parts of the constitution.
Harsh comparison: “They’re selling dog meat with a goat’s head”
In a sharp critique, Prachanda said that Nepal’s current parliamentary practice mirrors a famous wartime saying of the Maoists — “showing a goat’s head but selling dog meat.”
He accused the government of manipulating committee reports and protecting corrupt figures to serve the interests of crony capitalism.
