KATHMANDU: Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has launched a sharp verbal assault on Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) leader Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, branding him a “national laughingstock.”

Speaking at a press conference in Rukum East, Prachanda ruled out any future alliance with Bhattarai, mocking his ideological shift and diminishing political relevance.

“People call him the most unintelligent doctor. Even the reactionary forces he’s sided with don’t trust him anymore,” said Prachanda.

He recalled contesting from Bhattarai’s home district, Gorkha, during the last election in a gesture meant to foster party unity. But Bhattarai later distanced himself from communist principles altogether.

“He told me, ‘If the name Communist Party is mentioned, I won’t unite.’ How can I align with someone who has abandoned Marxism and become a tool for reactionaries?” Prachanda said, adding, “Baburam has become a national joke.”

With this statement, Prachanda firmly shut the door on any reconciliation with his former comrade-in-arms.