Work For Unity

WITH the registration of the Nepali Congress Party in the Election Commission for the purpose of the November 13 mid-term elections, the conflict that emerged after the party expelled Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has heightened in the Nepali Congress. The two sides—one headed by PM Deuba and another by NC President Girija Prasad Koirala— are now busy taking suggestions and advice with their supporters in the party. Prime Minister Deuba has called the General Convention of the party to "seek justice", which the party has termed as an illegal move. On the other hand, President Koirala is reportedly planning to make a nationwide tour to meet the party workers. This latest development in the Nepali Congress has come as a great shock to the party stalwarts as well as the neutral leaders of the Nepali Congress who had been working to prevent the spilt in the oldest democratic party of the country. At this juncture, considering the critical situation in the party, former Prime Minister and the founding leader of the party Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, in an appeal the other day, rightly asked the NC President and all the Central Working Committee members to withdraw immediately the disciplinary action taken against PM Deuba. With such an appeal from senior leader Bhattarai, all party workers and the well-wishers of the NC are eagerly waiting for President Koirala’s move which would be decisive in maintaining unity in the party.

Though there are several reasons that led to the present conflict within the Nepali Congress, expelling of Prime Minister Deuba from the party following the dissolution of the House Of Representatives, has speeded up the crisis. Undoubtedly, it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to dissolve the House and call for snap elections. Yet, the NC Central Working Committee (NCCWC) took disciplinary action against Prime Minister Deuba for exercising the PM’s constitutional rights. As such, PM Deuba seems to have no other option rather than calling for the General Convention to seek justice and maintain unity in the party. Speaking to the media persons at his residence the other evening, PM Deuba said that he has called the Convention to seek justice and maintain unity in the Congress. And if the NCCWC withdraws its disciplinary action against PM Deuba as demanded by NC leader Bhattarai, the present crisis will surely be over. But unless the NC President and the central members realise this fact and want unity in the party, the present row will not be solved. Past experiences have shown that fractions in any democratic party often weakens the party and the entire democratic system. Therefore, responsible politicians should work towards preventing a spilt in the party, not only for the party’s sake, for the consolidation of the democratic process itself.

Develop Hydro Sector

DEVELOPMENT of the agriculture, tourism and hydro-electricity sectors, as opined by Minister for Water Resources Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar the other day while inaugurating the 6.2 megawat Ilam Puwakhola Hydroelectricity Project, undoubtedly plays a key role for alleviating poverty and raising the living standards of the Nepalese people. Since more than 80 per cent of the Nepalese completely rely on agriculture, the development of this sector corresponds to the development of the country. Likewise, tourism is one of main forex earners that has provided a means of livelihood for a wide network of people. Hydro-power meanwhile, is necessary for most development infrastructures and it is also essential for the further growth of tourism and increase of output in the agriculture sector.

Nepal comes second after Brazil in terms of water resources. Transformation of water resources into hydroelectricity unquestionably brings prosperity to the entire nation. And at this very outset, there is a great potential for our country to become more prosperous by producing hydropower and using it for industrial purposes or selling it to other countries. If we look at the pace of hydro-power sector development in Nepal, we can say that the situation is not that bleak and it is in our favour. By introducing a new hydro-power policy and water resources strategy, the government has opened doors for both the Nepalese and foreign investors to produce hydropower in small, medium and large scales. If the water resources are fully utilized, electricity is generated at low cost and sold at higher price, Nepal’s development endeavors would succeed within years. This is possible when major hydroelectricity projects like Arun, Upper Tamakoshi, Karnali, Mid-Marshyangdi and the like start producing hydropower and are sold in higher prices to the neighboring countries. Commissioning of projects like the Ilam Puwakhola Hydroelectricity Project should contribute in giving a boost to industries, the agricultural sector and tourism which are the backbones of the Nepalese economy.