"Everybody must be guaranteed their basic rights"

Asta Laxmi, 46,  a dedicated CPN (UML) worker left her parental home for her ideals. Born in a conservative household, this was an extraordinary step for a woman to take in those times. She and Amrit Bohara, also a CPN worker and her husband since 2037 BS, have two children. Today, she is a member of the parliament (MP). The Independent spoke with the outspoken lady recently. Excerpts of the interview:

Q: How would you evaluate the 10 years of democracy in Nepal?
A: Looking back, I would say that the public is rather disillusioned with the kind of democracy that we have. The enthusiasm with which the public ushered in democracy is lost now. The people have been denied of their basic rights such as food, shelter, health, education, human rights, peace and security. The government is plagued by corruption. Those in power are exploiting their power and the Nepali Congress is wielding undue influence of their party in the government.

Q: What is your assessment of your party’s performance?
A: Though our party was in power for only nine months in 1994, it was a known fact that it had performed its job well. Not a single person was killed without reason during the time; like it is happening now. And whenever our party is in opposition, it has always offered its suggestions and cooperation for the good of the people and the country.

Q: When did you join this party?
A: I was attracted to the ideals of the communist party in the year 2027 B.S. I was convinced then as I am today that communism is the cure to all the evils that is ailing our country. My faith in this party grew steadily through my college days. I left home about ten years later to join this party and since then I have been fully committed to its ideals. I had to take the drastic step because nobody in my home then understood what I was fighting for. 

Q: Do you now think you did the right thing?
A: Absolutely. I feel that one has to do something to bring about positive and progressive changes in the society and  I feel I have been able to do my little part though I still have a long way to go. I am happy the way things have turned out.

Q: How would you define the role of a woman MP?
A:  As a woman, I am committed towards raising the issues effecting women. I have been fighting for women’s rights and their upliftment from the very beginning. I have always been working to remove the discrimination against women from social, political and legal angles. It is my firm belief that woman MPs have to work together to raise this issue and implement the necessary steps speedily. They have to stand united and empowered.

Q: There was some talks of the women MPs forming a caucus for women’s cause?
A: Yes, and that still has not materialised. And the reason is lack of cooperation among the women MPs from various parties. However, the effort is still on. All women MPs must realise that they are working for the same issues, no matter from which party they come from.

Q: What about women’s equal rights?
A: We raised this issue from the very beginning but even today, nothing has been done about it so far.  As long as the societal consciousness does not develop, as long as men are not educated about the importance of equal rights for women, I do not think this issue will take a concrete shape.

Q: As an individual, what is your opinion on rampant corruption that is taking place in our country?
A: Corruption is on the rise. There is no doubt about that. People are suffering because of it. Political leaders are lost in their own self seeking trip and desperation to hold on to their chairs. It is indeed a sorry state of affairs.

Q: How do you think the government is dealing with the Maoist issue?
A: It is a complicated issue that is getting more complicated. On one hand the Maoists are terrorising people and on the other, the government has taken to rampant killing without any investigation. The public denounce both acts and are fed up with it. The solution has to come from both the sides. They have to communicate well and overcome all the existing barriers step by step and it has to be planned well. The Maoists have been increasing in numbers as they have been inducting the jobless, frustrated youths who are easily impressed upon. This issue thus has to be addressed from all angles - economical, societal and political.

Q: Your party has launched a massive campaign against corruption and even disclosed the names of corrupt people of other parties, is your party free from corruption?
A: Till date, yes, we are. We make sure that we are. If anybody is found breaking the rules and regulations of our party, action will be taken against them - this is for sure. No corrupt will be shielded in our party - and anyway, if any member of our party is indulged in corruption it is not a thing that can be hidden.

Q:  Your party has taken bandh as a political tool, why? Will your party be organising more Bandhs?
A: Yes, if need arises. We all know it causes losses on a large scale nationally but we feel it is imperative because it instills awareness among the public. We do it in such a manner that the public are sensitised to the issue.

Q: Communism is on the decline worldwide, do you think your party will survive in the long run?
A: It is a known fact that communism is rising in Nepal. We do not blindly follow the ideals of communism but rather modify it to suit our needs and purpose. Had we followed it blindly, we would have long met the fate it met in many other countries. We believe in equal rights between men and women, healthy competition, a corruption free government and giving the people their rights. These and other tenets that we adhere to was the reason behind the success of our nine month governance. r