Forum (Spotlight Weekly)

Nepal : A country in Crisis

By BIJAYAMANI DIXIT

Nepal is facing the hardest time in history and its very existence is in danger. Can a country directed towards poverty and bankruptcy by its corrupt and inept leadership be justified as democratic? Leaders like G.P.Koirala and M.K.Nepal by the respective rule and performance of their parties and colleagues for more than a decade have proved that they lack vision, ability and guts to lead the country democratically. During their rule lawlessness, corruption and abuse of power were glorified. Now the country has drifted towards bankruptcy and chaos due to their inept and corrupt leadership.

When Mahakali was sold and there was a vigorous opposition in the parliament, even by the friendly opposition and co-rulers on the opposition bench – CPN UML. Later they collaborated, supported the ruling party and sold the river to India. It does not take a genius to understand what might have happened behind the scenes. This type of opposition that can be bought and sold by the ruling party is unheard of in any democratic world.

After deep observation of years of democratic practice in Nepal B.B.C. in its broadcast few years ago advised Nepal to accept the Indian umbrella. Is this not a glaring example of failure of multiparty system in Nepal? Who is responsible for generating this type of comments? GP Koirala is a liar, who abused the power and lied to the Parliament and the people for few years about Mahakali. He was never convicted nor punished for the scandals that shook the nation from time to timeHe was not punished even after his guilt was proved beyond doubt. It shows our understanding of democracy. He should have been and punished sacked for his anti-people and anti-national crimes long ago but he was not only honored but is still leading the five parties in opposition.

Nepali Congress leader Ram Sharan Mahat, ex-finance minister, ex-foreign minister and an eminent economist rejoinding to the King’s Nepalgunj address has recently asserted in a Nepali weekly that multi party system was not a total failure. According to him during this era of democracy they had built many roads in the country but he ignored the present critical condition of the nation including the bankrupt financial position created by the blatant misuse of national treasury by his government. Huge debt was thrust on the nation. Their corrupt leadership has taken the nation towards the end of its very existence

The parties who framed the current constitution had claimed that it to be one of the best in the world. They want to change the same constitution when they are out of power. We have seen many governments and many prime ministers in this decade of democracy. And they all totally neglected the interests of the common man. The basis of democracy is to honor the needs of the people but the parties were only interested to fulfill the needs of their leaders. The parties were also unable to change their failed leadership. How can the country survive when there are no replacements for corrupt and incapable leaders? We have also seen how alien forces have been effectively interfering in our internal affairs.

The political parties that ruled Nepal after the restoration of democracy have been led by corrupt, immoral and unscrupulous leaders. There is such a big dearth of good and honest leadership that G.P. Koirala despite his corruption, utter incompetence and many scandals is still enjoying his party’s loyalty. Elsewhere he would have been in the limbo long ago.

The history of past few decades post King Mahendra era clearly shows that the country has not been able to take the right course for political stability, betterment of the people and eradication of poverty. However, there was peace in the country. But so many unfortunate things have happened in the nation in this short time of multiparty rule. We have seen how lust for power has impelled democrats to bring down their own party government. We have also seen how the government could not provide security to the then monarch and his whole family was brutally massacred. Prospects in Nepal do not seem to be bright. The poor country with overwhelming illiterate masses is being divided ethnically. And the politicians are encouraging the division to nurse their own selfish interest. But in King Gyanendra, we still have a ray of hope. How liberal and broadminded he is, has been amply demonstrated by his behavior after he became the King. But can we believe in what late Ganesh Man Singh had said about the people of Nepal? To refresh your memory, he had said, “The people of Nepal are like fools. They celebrated when we were taken in and they rejoiced when we were released.” Poor Ganesh Man Singh was not far wrong. Anyway, the time has come when Ganesh Man Singh will stand corrected.