Kathmandu, July 20: In a rare turn of events, Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and former Maoist leader Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai sat for a discussion at Singha Durbar on Tuesday.

The two leaders have come together after a long gap. The meeting has been held a couple of days after the Janata Samajbadi Party led by Upendra Yadav faction expelled Dr. Bhattarai from the party.

Dr. Bhattarai has proposed Prachanda form a “Socialist Center” to lead the country toward socialism.

Likewise, sources said that the issue will be discussed with Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, senior leader Jhalanath Khanal and National Assembly member Bamdev Gautam Tuesday evening.

CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that although Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has left the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), he has not left the coalition. Giving a brief response to the media, after the meeting with former Maoist Center leader Dr. Bhattarai, Maoist Chair Prachanda reiterated that despite leaving the JSP, he (Bhattarai) would still be in the ruling alliance.

“Dr. Bhattarai has left JSP, but he is still in the ruling coalition,” Prachanda said, adding, “Political talks are underway on analyzing and formulating appropriate strategy to further strengthen the coalition.” He added that the discussions are ongoing on reuniting all forces abiding by Maoist ideology. mExpelled from Upendra Yadav-led JSP, Dr. Bhattarai is mulling over forming a new party.