WHAT NEXT?

The Kathmandu Post

6 October 2017

WHAT NEXT?

The recent political scenario, with the UML, CPN-Maoist Centre and Naya Shakti deciding to join hands, has created confusions among the common people considering their political backgrounds. These three parties, bearing the communist ideologies, seemed to be competing against each other for their political existences in the past. Now, they have abruptly agreed together in the upcoming elections. What might have brought them to come together under the UML’s banner when CPN-MC is still a part of the coalition government (What led to the broad left electoral alliance and what next?” Oct. 5, Page 1)?. Is it another dirty political game being played by the major parties for their political benefits or is it for the country and its people as claimed by UML boss K.P.Oli?

Likewise, NC has also decided to join hands with democratic forces which are  interested to form a ‘democratic bloc’ for the upcoming elections soon after hearing of the leftist alliance (“NC joins forces with five parties for poll alliance” Oct. 5, Page 1). So far, RJPN, MJFL, RPP, SSFN and RPP (Prajatantric) have agreed to go along with NC. A political polarisation seems to have been created between the leftist and democratic forces, which may be detrimental for the implementation of the new constitution. If this political situation is not properly handled and tackled by the major political parties, the chances of third forces with iron fist might surface in the Nepal political arena. 

It has to be said, the UML claims that there is no plan to topple the government (“UML: No plans to topple govt, Oct 5, Page 3). However, some of the NC members are of the view that the CPN-MC should withdraw its support from the government, saying that its act of forging an alliance with the main opposition is “unethical”. Nepal, which is still in the transition phase, is passing through a scary political situation. Let us hope that the senior leaders of major political parties use their political acumen and act sensibly for the sake of the nation and its people.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Via email