Marriage of convenience

The Himalayan Times

9 May 2019

Marriage of convenience

Nepal and its people have seen emergence of many political parties since the 2062/63 peoples movement with their fancy political manifestoes. The old parties- UML and Nepali Congress - continued to take the centre stage at the political arena and had the opportunity to run the government with tall promises. The entry of the then Maoist party following the 12 point understanding of November 2005 with the seven party alliance was the turning point in the political history of Nepal.  In the mean time, regional and other fringe parties also took opportunity of the unstable political environment and had the privilege of joining the government in collision with the major political parties. 

But, the promulgation of constitution in September 2015 and three tiers of the elections downsized the number of political parties in the Parliament. However, this situation compelled the regional and fringe parties to seek alternatives so as to be still in the political limelight which resulted either in unification or merger of their parties with one another. A major unification that took place between the then UML and CPN-Maoist Centre just before the three tiers of the elections, sidelined the others including the NC, and it became a major force, securing almost a two thirds majority. 

Now, the Baburam Bhattarai led Naya Sakti Party and Upendra Yadav led Federal Socialist Forum have formed a new party, Samajbadi Party-Nepal (“Bhattarai, Yadav form new party” THT, May 7, Page 1). As per the unification agreement, the new party will institutionalize the federal democratic republic and steer the country towards progressive transformation, sustainable development and equitable prosperity through people’s struggle and constitutional amendment. Both the leaders opined that this new party will be an alternative force to both the NC and NCP terming them as capitalists. It is nothing new for the people to see parties splitting, merging and unifying for their own sakes. However, time will tell whether Baburam and Yadav merged their parties for their own sake or for the nation and its people.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj