Nepal's political heavyweights of the ruling circle are making mockery of parliamentary democracy

Dr. Gopal Pokharel, Patan Multiple Campus, T.U

Dr. Gopal Pokharel hails from Nepal's eastern Terai region. He did his primary level education from Ineruwa and later went to Biratnagar to continue his further studies. He obtained his Masters degree in the discipline of Political Science from Tribhuvan University. Currently Dr. Pokharel is engaged at the Patan Multiple Campus under the T.U as Associate Professor of Political Science. He possesses almost two and a half decade plus experience in the teaching profession. This perhaps explains his expertise in the discipline he is engaged with.

To those who have been reading this newspaper on a regular basis, Dr. Pokharel should not be a new name for them. His articles have been printed in this weekly at different intervals.

Dr. Pokharel obtained his doctoral degree from the university of Delhi and the topic had been "South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and its Strategic Implications for Nepal".

At the moment he is one of the executive member of the Political Science Association of Nepal or otherwise the POLSAN. During his 26 years long association in the teaching profession, Dr. Pokharel has served in various organizations, albeit academic ones, such as, to name a few, member of the stnding committee, Political Science subject committee; has acted as chief of the Extra Curriculer activities; has attended several national and international seminars within and without.

Dr. Pokharel has several publications to his credit which have got duly printed in reputed national and international journals.. "Nepal's impression of India, Delhi University-South Campus 1994;Political Socialization in the Political Parties and Parliamentary Process, a POLSAN undertaking with the support of DANIDA; Internal Party Order; SAARC in Perspective, Delhi 1991; Rejuvenating Higher Education, Delhi and UML experiment in Democracy" are some of his research publications which gave name and fame both to this versatile Nepali scholar.

Dr. Pokhrel could be seen attending most of the Kathmandu seminars wherein he participates very actively. Dr. Pokharel has visited India, Thailand, Hongkong and the United States. By way of reference, Dr. Pokharel commands fluency in languages such as Nepali, Hindi, English and Maithili.

Dr. Pokharel is a diehard nationalist which gets reflected properly in his seminar interventions, speeches and the articles which he writes very often.

Last week, we approached this scholar for his exclusive interview to which he readily accepted. Below the results: Chief editor

TGQ 1:Dr. Pokhrel, How do you characterize the current political situation of Nepal? Octogenarian leaders in the ruling party appear to entrench in power without any sense of accountability while the young generation of leaders have proved they too are incapable of governance? What is your reaction to this given the present tussle in the NC? 

Dr.Pokhrel: Currently the political scenario in Nepal, indeed, is evidently fluid. The irony of the situation is that those of the leaders who relentlessly underwent hardships and sacrifices for the restoration of democratic political order in the country are now bewildered, bereft of ideological clarity and miserably lacked the vision and commitment for the socio-economic transformation of the country. In the contemporary Nepal, democratic sentiments have reached its lowest ebb whereas the political opportunism to its zenith, creating a great deal of confusion and chaos in the society. Instead of showing collective wisdom to look forward and work with unison and determination for mitigating the sufferings of the commoners the so-called heavyweights in the ruling circle are bickering on trifles making a mockery of parliamentary democracy. The politics of opportunism and convenience would not solve the burning problems of the day, requires sound institutional base having a set of democratic norms, well-defined rules and procedures while operating the polity. This obviously, calls for bold imaginative and drastic action on the part of the ruling elites. Unless sincere and consistent efforts are made to replace parochial political culture by broad participatory one, the great task of national reconstruction would be a mere gimmick for us and even the second generation leaders would find themselves in a fix and prove to be ineffective to give a forward push to the nation.

The core components of democratic institutions-accountability, transparency and the rule of law-gradually were fading from the Nepalese political scene.

TGQ 2:How do you see the current political situation in the historical circumstances- especially when people are found dying in starvation, disease, violence and state sponsored political killings etc. while the ruling class is thriving in corruption, rent-seeking, in the privatization of public industries, massive capital flight, all being characteristics of bad governance? What measures do you suggest for the remedy of all these ills? And tell us who is to be blamed primarily for all these ailments?

Dr. Pokhrel: The Jana Andolan of 1990 was backed by the Nepalese people with a hope that the basic characteristics of the multi-party system would strive to give them ameliorative measures for uplifting their quality of life. But contrary to the general expectations, the fundamental issues- orderly political development, fulfilling basic human needs, maintaining social cohesion, making state authority accountable, strengthening national unity and nationalism are adversely affected. The rising expectation of the youngsters is a cry in the wilderness. The rural population of the Nepalese society is further impoverished despite huge quantum of foreign aid, grants and loans. A strong nexus of corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, is Mafia responsible for all these ailments and wrongdoing and is therefore, a serious threat to nation building task. As you have admitted yourself rightly that people are dying of starvation, are deprived of basic needs like medicines and food-grains and other vital ingredients for sustaining themselves, while a limited few on the other hand, are trying to exploit the entire resources of the nation to fulfil their vested interests. This has created a vicious circle in the society, which alone is responsible for giving rise to violence in this peace loving country. The ideals of democratic socialism as advocated by Nepali Congress through its election manifesto appears to be at its doldrums at the present juncture. Even within the Nepali Congress circle, the bonafide, genuine, honest cadres are neglected or not properly heard, only the cronies of the ministers or the higher-ups are rewarded ignoring completely the notion of distributive justice. The Nepalese constitution in its directive principles,(Articles 24, 25 and 26) has advocated the provision of mixed economy supported by cooperative schemes but are so-called liberals( ministers) have turned their ear-deaf to the ground realities of the Nepalese society and become euphoric in pursuing a haphazard policy of privatization of the public enterprises which has further aggravated the situation and has eroded the credibility of the system itself. Over the past ten years the pro-multi party leaders despite their rhetoric's and public utterances have failed miserably to create a sound political culture based on pluralistic characteristics of the society. Except the voting right of the people the institutional process of democratization is still far away. Even the voting right of the people is misused intensively by the government owned media manipulation, money and muscle.

Thus the ruling elites must accept the responsibility of all these wrongdoing and lapses and come out resolutely to bring the guilty to book without further loss of time if we are to broaden the base of democracy at the grass-root level. Apart from the above, the excessive politicization of the bureaucracy, public corporations and Universities has paralyzed the state apparatus and in the name of democracy hypocrisy must stop forthwith.

TGQ 3: In the current political standoff the main opposition political party, the UML, seems to be just waiting for an opportunity to fish in troubled waters rather than throwing constructive suggestions as it should have been in effect. It spends most of its time in criticizing CPN-ML leaders as if in the law of historical contradiction ML is the main enemy and the NC best friend in the establishment of Bhaudaliya Janabad. Don't you think CPN-UML has to play a role to contain capitalistic tendency of the congress and radicalism of Maoist parties for a "middle way?" What is your response to this? Never forget the fact that UML is the government in the making.

Dr. Pokhrel: I donot deem it appropriate to defend the policies and programs of the CPN(UML). After the endorsement of the policy of the Bahudaliya Janabad since its fifth national convention, CPN-UML has adopted a pragmatic approach in the existing socio, political, cultural context of Nepalese society. Taking into account the global retreat of communism and realizing its far reaching implications, this party seems to have adopted the policy of peaceful transition of Nepali society by accepting the current constitutional dispensation. At times, this party is exposed to anomalies pertaining to its long-term objective it is created, nonetheless the ever expanding base and growing popularity among the Nepali people amply testifies its serious concern over issues that Nepalese society confronts today. As an independent observer, I find this party has made great strides and has displayed political acumenship while expressing enough zeal, courage, determination and responsibility to voice the problems of the Nepalese citizens. It has used both the platforms-parliament and the streets-to build pressure on government pertaining to recent price hikes in the daily necessities-food grains, fertilizers, kerosene and diesel and petroleum products etc.

As regards to your query to the criticism of CPN-ML by UML, one can notice a drastic relaxation particularly after the results of the third national elections are announced. In other words, these two communist parties contending for better revolutionary postures appear less antagonistic than they were at the time of split. The actions and the roles expected on the part of the main opposition within the parliamentary framework can hardly be underestimated. To give an ultra left posture alone is no solution to the national problem. Therefore the moot question is to see whether the political party of the stature of the UML is adequately aware of the hardships suffered by the people or not. In addition, this party has been consistently at the forefront for the preservation of the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence plus building up of progressive democratic and communist alliance which would decisively be instrumental for rapid socio-economic transformation. In my opinion, ideology is not to be construed as a dogma but is taken as a guide to action. This theory applies equally to the contentment of the capitalistic tendencies in our overall strategies of national development

TGQ 4: How, Dr. Pokhrel, in your opinion Maoist problem is going to be solved? Do you think the current political commission as constituted under Deuba's leadership to solve the problem of Maoist will make great difference? Intellectuals opine that Deuba has no mandate to initiate meaningful talks with the Maoist. What is your opinion?

Dr.Pokhrel: As regards to your question on Maoists movement, I personally feel that it has to be seen as precipitation of wrongdoing and lapses in terms of policies and programs introduced by the multi-party governments over the last one decade. A small ring of KHAOBADIS bent upon plundering the meager resources of the nation is primarily responsible for the emergence of the Maoists' movement. Those who genuinely believe democracy as the system of government in which every one has a share, make sure that people's interest be given paramount importance at all costs and in all circumstances. In the final analysis, it reminds us "people and people alone are the motive force in the making of national history". This expression guide us to adopt a correct strategy for national development and forbids one to pursue adventurists cum dangerous policies without caring its short term and long term consequences.

TGQ 5: How media can help improve political , social and economic situation in the country?

Dr. Pokhrel: The role of media for the overall process of development can hardly be exaggerated in the modern age of Information explosion and increasing specialization. The rightful place that the media has acquired, as the fourth wing of the state is quite befitting and laudable. Media not only is the source of information dissemination but also acts as viable instruments for inculcating democratic political culture broadening the institutional base of equity and social justice. It is through the media that our knowledge transcends national frontiers. On top of that media could play a meaningful role in building sound public opinion which would tremendously enhance the modernization of the country. But if media is influenced on partisan lines or if it is indulged in yellow journalism, the hopes and the aspirations of the people towards better tomorrow would be shattered badly. This amply proves the place of media occupies in the contemporary world. In order to give a boost to our media meticulous and combined efforts are needed so that Nepalese people could feel a difference within the shortest possible time frame.

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