Maoists in Nepal threaten to retake government from the streets

Since leaving power in protest against the President of Nepal's actions the Maoists have been agitating for their return. The latest effort was a three-day general strikethe declaration of autonomous states which crippled the nation's economy by blocking off transportation. This followed a series of actions by the Maoists including the declaration of numerous autonomous states encompassing the whole of Nepal. Following the conclusion of the strike Maoist leader Prachanda issued an ultimatum threatening an indefinite strike across the country if the government do not form a national unity government with the Maoists by January 24.

Before this Baburam Bhattarai, a key party official, said if a constitution is not implemented by May 14 next year then both the interim constitution and presidency will "cease to exist" and the Maoists will then "declare constitution from the streets and capture power" though how this will be achieved is not made clear. However, another Maoist official has warned Nepal risks sinking back into civil war and blames Indian interference.

Nepal is also the center of a geopolitical struggle between India and China. As India seeks a strengthening of defense ties with Nepal China is also moving towards expanding its ties with the nation. The Maoists being far more hostile to India than the other major powers could prove a critical factor in Nepal's place in the region. Any future scenario with the Maoists in full power and reshuffling the government according to their wishes will sway them towards China. In particular Maoists hostility towards the Ghurka recruitment risks heightening tensions with, not only India, but the United Kingdom as well.

If the Maoists are not returned to power with the agreement of the other parties then there runs a risk of them launching a revolution that could entangle both India and China, potentially even the UK, in a devastating civil war.