NATIONAL 9 (Spotlight Weelky)]

‘Any Effort To Weaken The Monarchy Will Invite Greater Instability’

— SUNIL KUMAR BHANDARY

A youth leader of the ruling Nepali Congress, SUNIL KUMAR BHANDARY is an invitee member of the party’s central working committee. Frank and bold, former MP Bhandary spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various current issues. Excerpts:

How do you evaluate the current political scenario?

The present situation is clear to all of us. The political situation is very unstable and uncertain. One of the most important factors is that the institutions of the state are in a fragile situation. After the shocking killings of the royal family members, the institution of monarchy has faced a major jolt. Institutions like political parties, parliament, the executive and the judiciary are not in a strong enough position to cope with the situation. Terrorist activities have emerged as a major threat to the country. The present scenario is threatening nationalism and democracy. So the situation is very complex. In this situation, when people are exercising their democratic rights along with freedom of expression, the duty of the political parties is to use the support of the people to preserve the national interest and national integrity by allowing the development of institutions. We have to think seriously about ways of overcoming these challenges. Some individual are making efforts to cash in on the unstable situation to fulfil their individual interests, knowingly and unknowingly. A situation of extreme uncertainty and turmoil exists. Everyone has to understand Nepal’s geo-political, cultural and economic situation. All political parties have to work to strengthen modern and traditional institutions. One of the greatest challenges lies in bringing them together.

Some of your party colleagues are openly challenging existing rules and regulations relating to the monarchy, even demanding the need to amend the Succession to Throne Act. How do you look at it?

This is an unnecessary debate. I totally disagree with the view that this is an ideological debate of the Nepal Congress. Thousands of Congress workers share my views. The Nepali Congress is based on a clear ideology of constitutional monarchy, nationalism and democracy. Our party survives on such ideals. The Nepali Congress was formed on these three pillars. I don’t think this is the proper time to be raising such issues as amending the Succession to Throne Act. Some individuals may hold different views on the matter, but the Nepal Congress as a whole stands on its original ideals.

Don’t you think such unnecessary debates generate misunderstanding between the Nepali Congress and the monarchy?

Yes. The aim of such debates may be to generate misunderstanding between the two institutions. Ultimately, such debates would not be in the interest of democracy and the country because they mislead the people. They will also weaken the Congress. Only by preserving traditional institutions like the monarchy can we achieve our long-term goal of strengthening democracy.

But the spokesman of your party has resigned, citing differences over the issue?

As I told you, the Nepali Congress has its own ideology and principles. One cannot compare individual opinions with those of the party. Our party general secretary Sushil Koirala has already refuted the opinions expressed by some individuals regarding the need to amend the Succession to Throne Act. Our party has not changed its principle and it has not taken any decision regarding the need to amend the act. How does the question of principle appear? There are no differences in the Congress party over its basic principles.

What do you think prompted this debate?

At this crucial juncture, democracy needs the total support of monarchy and the monarchy needs the support of democracy. Confrontation and misunderstanding will harm the interest of both. This is a time for reconciliation, not confrontation. I don’t understand why our colleagues generate such unnecessary debates. We don’t have any ideological differences in the party on the issue.

How do you see it then?

The preamble to the constitution and the Succession to Throne Act clearly spell out the procedures governing succession. Even in such a crucial situation, the new king was chosen according to the Succession to Throne Act smoothly and the transition has been completed peacefully. Monarchy is a traditional institution, which has its own customs and rules that give much-needed stability to the institution. When there is no controversy on succession under the act, what prompts some individuals to propose amending it? At a time when political parties are facing difficulties in choosing successors within, the institution of monarchy has showed that it does not have such problems. Our constitution also clearly states that the monarchy is the symbol of national unity. I still remember the proverb: The King is dead, long live the King.

What should the Nepalese people do now?

At this crucial juncture in the history of Nepal, when all institutions are weak, not only the Nepali Congress but all political parties have to come together to strengthen them. The new King Gyanendra has already expressed his commitment to constitutional monarchy; the political parties also have to back the monarchy. If we get involved in such unnecessary debates now, we may lose our identity. I don’t think any individual who has a national perspective has ever talked about taking a confrontational line. We can raise any issue when the country gains stability and modern institutions are in a position to cope with the situation. When modern institutions are yet to strengthen, weakening traditional institutions like the monarchy will invite more instability. The primary duty of the Nepalese people is to preserve democracy and protect national integrity.

If your party is seriously concerned about these things, why didn’t views like yours come out sooner?

Our leadership has made clear that such a debate is irrelevant in the present context. The situation is not proper to debate issues of succession to the throne. At present, we need to discuss the role of the Nepali Congress. We have held debates within the party. It is very unfortunate that some of our responsible party members have written articles giving the impression that they are reflecting the views of the Nepali Congress. The response of our general secretary was aimed at clarifying the party’s stand.

How do you see the role of monarchy in Nepal?

The role of the monarchy is very important in Nepal. The constitution gives due respect to the institution, describing it as a symbol of unity. I am very happy that King Gyanendra expressed his commitment to democracy in his first address to nation. The Nepal Congress cannot go beyond its ideals on constitutional monarchy. In 1951, the Nepali Congress party restored the institution of monarchy and now it has again fulfilled its historical duty by making way for the smooth succession to the throne. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has played a very important role in the process of succession and is fully committed to strengthening the monarchy.