Shadow government

The Himalayan Times

23 May 2019

Shadow government

Following the three tiers of elections held 15 months ago, the political situation of Nepal seemed to be stable, considering the two thirds majority government in place. However, the government is running the country with not much excitement, shattering the high hopes of the common people and its well wishers. It seems that it is gradually losing its credibility due to its high-handedness in handling the state affairs. The government has been facing wide criticism from different sections of the population for its poor political performance. 

The NC has also not been able to effectively play its opposition role in the Parliament, may be, because of its poor political performance in the elections. The internal political feud in the NC is one of the reasons for its downfall. The other reason could be the deviation from its age old political stream as envisioned by late BP Koirala. There did not seem to be any difference between the NC and other political parties once it abandoned its two pillar political philosophy because of some of its senior leaders’ opportunist and highly ambitious political tendency. Not all the second rung leaders dared to openly challenge their senior leaders, resulting in the gradual downfall of the once popular democratic force.

Although it has taken 15 months, it has now decided to take a strong opposition role in the Parliament by forming a shadow government to monitor the works of the government and its ministries “NC forms shadow government” (THT, May 21, Page 2) in line with its Statute. The presence of strong opposition in the Parliament will help balance the democratic process in the nation. There will be 21 ministerial level coordination committees, which will function as shadow cabinet. It is encouraging to see the NC’s initiatives at such a time when the ruling party has started undermining the constitutional process. However, it is yet to be seen how strong and effective a role it will play in the days to come.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj