Sexual harassment

The Himalayan Times

3 October 2019

Sexual harassment

Nepal has experienced many political ups and downs in its political history. During these times, it did not see any statesman who could drive the nation towards prosperity. Whoever got the opportunity to lead the nation could not distance him or herself from corruption. Likewise, other political leaders, with the exception of a few, have not been able to maintain a good image among the people. They are seen as people who are doing politics for their own sake.

 

In the recent days, the ruling party seems to be embroiled in hindering the democratic process and undermining the constitutional rights of the people, such as freedom of speech, free education and basic health services, the right to move around and anywhere in the country, restriction on peaceful demonstrations and so on. For these obvious reasons, the NCP government has become unpopular, when it should have fully utilized its two-thirds majority mandate for the well-being of the country and its people. Recent actions of NCP cadres barring citizens from holding peaceful demonstration and opposition leader from laying the foundation stone have been heavily condemned and widely criticized.

Now, Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara has had to step down from his chair after being accused of sexual harassment by his lady staff, which is very unfortunate for the party and his position in the political history of Nepal “Speaker Mahara steps down over rape charge” (THT, October 2, Page 1). Although the lady has done U-turn from her earlier charges, Mahara should take moral responsibility and not twist the story or try to occupy his lost chair once again. In fact, he has been involved in many wrongdoings in the past, but managed to climb up the political ladder. Let us hope this time the NCP senior leaders will take the right decision on his wrongdoings.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj