Bad Practices

The Himalayan Times

27 June 2014

Bad Practices

The political parties of Nepal have not so far been able to play productive political roles for the nation and its people other than engaging in factional politics. In virtually all the so called big political parties, there are such bad practices undermining the decisive roles to be played by them in nation-building. It is very unfortunate to see the senior leaders engaging in self-centred and factional politics as reported in “Both Oli, Nepal factions claim majority” (THT, 26 June, Page 5).

Albeit they claim such practices are democratic processes within the party to make it more vibrant, it does not sound healthy for various reasons. It can be clearly seen among the UML cadres who are preparing to attend their General Convention (GC) beginning July 3 where Oli and Nepal are seen flexing their muscles to contest for the post of chairman. This has clearly invited factional politics within the party hampering the cohesiveness and one-party principle of UML as a whole. Let us hope that they will sort out their political differences and end their factional politics before the commencement of their GC.

The other big political parties do not also seem to be untouched by such factional politics. The so called senior leaders are seen challenging and blaming each other for running the parties in wrong ways. Instead of doing so, they should have clear and common understanding of their party mission and goals and responsibly and collectively acted towards achieving them (mission and goals) rather than voicing differently giving wrong messages and impressions to the general public. The need of the hour is that so-called senior leaders of all the big political parties in the days to come will learn the lessons from the past and act sensibly and responsibly in nation-building.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu