BLAME GAME

The Kathmandu Post

8 May 2016

BLAME GAME

It is natural in a democracy for the opposition to challenge the performance of any government that does not meet the aspiration of the people. The Oli led government has not been performing well for the last seven months. It has been giving only false promises to the people whose daily lives have been hit hard due to the government’s apathy. Even though unofficial blockade was lifted two months ago, the government has not ensured smooth supply of essential goods. It has not been able to reduce load shedding and control inflation either.

It seemed a key coalition partners, the UCPN (Maoist) was also unhappy with the way the government was functioning (“Storm brewing in ruling coalition?” 4 May, Page 1). It would not be surprising if there is a change in government now. In the last ten years, Nepal has seen eight Prime Ministers. But it would not be surprising either if the present government survives for a while. People do not really care who leads the government. Whoever has led the government in the past did not do well to meet people’s expectations.

However, the Oli led government had a great opportunity to perform well, given its political strength in the parliament and the timing of its coming to power. Had Oli been wise and sympathetic to the legitimate demands of Madhes based parties, the people would not have suffered so much. He and his government also missed the opportunity of starting the reconstruction process on time and giving relief to the quake survivors. Despite such shortcomings, it is not the right time for the major political parties to play blame game and ignore the implementation of the new constitution and the long-delayed reconstruction programme.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2016-05-08/letter-to-the-editor-20160508083029.html