SPITTING VENOM

The Kathmandu Post

5 February 2016

SPITTING VENOM

It was not encouraging to read the news that CPN-UML leaders are not happy with the PM (“Rival faction meets in Capital” 3 February, Page 3). PM Oli has been facing criticism from every corner for his egoistic political behaviour, populist speeches and false promises. Even his own party members have started publicly accusing him of running the party in an autocratic manner. It is crystal clear that he has even failed to convince his own party members about his way of leading the government and his party. How can someone efficiently run the government if he is not able to manage his own party?

It is, however, a bit surprising that UML leaders are publicly criticising their party chief rather than doing so in their internal deliberations. This clearly shows that the practice of factional politics is prevalent in all the major political parties of Nepal which has always been a hurdle in the smooth functioning of the parties. On the other side, the people, who have been hit hard by Madhes unrest and unofficial Indian trade embargo, are completely frustrated with the Oli led government for its poor performance in these last three months. So the time has come for the rival faction to sit with their boss and suggest him to correct his way of running the government and the party rather than publicly criticizing him.

In the meantime, it is also unfortunate to hear from the members of coalition partners talking about the need of a national government (“Thapa hits out at coalition leaders” 3 February, Page 3). Does that mean that the days of this coalition government are over? Like Kamal Thapa said, is the current government anti-national? If that is so, then the Oli led government should be immediately replaced by a national government.  Is it possible and necessary in Nepal to form a national government? What is meant by a national government? Whoever is talking about this should come forward with suggestions.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj