National 6 (Spotlight Weekly)

Division Persists

Political forces are heading towards deeper division rather than taking the course of unification

By KESHAB POUDEL

As soon as the Congress leaders came out on the streets of capital on December 16, 2003 along with hundreds of workers of four other agitating political parties, the political environment has heated.

B.P.Koirala : Preacher of reconciliation

In a chilly cold weather, political leaders are trying to heat up the atmosphere by allowing their party workers to raise whatever slogans they like. The agitating congress workers did not mind utilizing this freedom to chant slogans of extremists.

Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala has even declared that the tenth round of agitation will be the final one terming it as an agitation of ‘do or die’, closing all the doors for unification, reconciliation and negotiation.

Interestingly, the political course chosen by all five political parties including extremists parties like People’s Front, CPN-UML and Nepal Peasant and Workers Party (NWPP); liberal party like Nepali Congress; and sectarian party like Nepal Sadbhavana Party- Anandidevi are similar and would take them further away from reconciliation.

The participation of other four parties in the agitation is understandable as extremists thrive in division and anarchy. What compelled a liberal democratic party like NC to choose the same path is a flummoxing question.

“No matter what price we have to pay, this round of agitation must be decisive and final,” said congress leader Koirala, addressing the agitating workers, and choosing the political course, which can push the country into fragmentation of political forces.

In the history of Nepal, the date December 16 (1 Poush 2017), and December 31 (16 Poush 2033) represent two contradictory events but both are equally significant and of national importance. Moreover, these two events are related to Nepali Congress and Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala is a living witness to both those events.

On December 15, 1960 King Mahendra chose the course of division among country’s political forces by dismissing elected prime minister B.P. Koirala. Interestingly, another step taken by Nepali Congress leader B.P. Koirala in December 31,1976 ( Poush 16, 2033), however, paved a way for unification among country’s major political forces.

Whether in power or in opposition, Nepali Congress leadership has never understood what their real interest is in. Although the future and identity of Nepali Congress lies upon the cause of unification, the party, knowingly or unknowingly, is actively working against its own interest.

Although present Congress leaders had two options, they preferred the day that symbolizes division. Despite being the brother of B.P. Koirala, the junior Koirala chose this date killing hopes for unification in the political process.

“If Nepali Congress gives up the idea of reconciliation, it will lose its identity in Nepali politics. In the last twelve years, the Congress was successful to bring political changes but what it has lost is its precious identity,” said an analyst. “Had congress continued to follow the course of reconciliation, the country would not have to suffer.”

Senior Koirala and his colleagues including Ganesh Man Singh returned to Nepal after 10 years long exile in India calling for the national reconciliation in 1976.

At a time when the country is in serious trouble, the similar call for unification and reconciliation was very important at this time of juncture.

From the King to political forces, all have to understand their limitation and the importance of course of unification. “The steps taken by Congress leaders B.P. Koirala and Ganesh Man Singh for the reconciliation was important yesterday. It is equally important today and will be tomorrow,” writes Yubaraj Ghimire, former editor of Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post in his regular column.

Other Congress leaders and sympathizers, too, agree that the Congress is going on wrong course. “If Congress fails to retain its own identity, how can it prove that it is different than others. I don’t understand how octogenarian leader like Girijababu can make such irresponsible remarks,” said a senior member of Nepali Congress on condition of anonymity.

As usually, Congress leader Koirala does not care about the importance of unification. When the country’s major political forces are dividing each other, they should have come together for the cause of unification to avert major clashes, which will put the country into further trouble.

For Nepali Congress, its identity is linked with the reconciliation. The day when Congress goes out of track of reconciliation, its identity and utility will come to an end.

From monarchy to political leaders, all of them are taking extreme course of division. There is only a small hope for reconciliation among them now. But first, all actors must be convinces that their identity and survival lies on unification and not division.