Survival of the alliance

 The Himalayan Times

28 July 2021

Survival of the alliance

Nepal and the people have seen and experienced many political ups and down for the last three decades in the name of development and democracy. Mostly every ten to fifteen years, there have been political changes in the country due to irresponsible and insensible political activities of the senior leaders and their political parties to fulfil their vested political interests. The people, who knowingly and unknowingly, came out onto the streets as called upon by the political leaders, have been badly deceived and are facing hardships. The political wrongdoings and maneuverings of the senior leaders during the last 15 years have been unproductive and unfortunate for the nation and the people.

 The recent uncivilized political activities of the senior leaders of the then ruling party, Nepal Communist Party (NCP), were shameful and destructive, which even ousted its own government, creating political turmoil in the nation. Now, the five- party alliance, holding a different political philosophy and principles, has formed a coalition government. The recent appointment of Umesh Shrestha as the state minister for Health and Population by the Deuba government has been widely criticized, considering his professional background “Umesh Shrestha appointed state minister for Health” (THT online, July 26, Page 1).

Also, Prachanda’s recent suspicions about a rift likely to be created by unknown actors among in the five-party alliance does not give a good indication for the coalition government “Dahal warns of bids to create rift in five-party alliance” (THT, 25 July. Page 1). Also, the on-going rift between the two factions of the JSP-N may have some political setback for the coalition government “Plea against EC move on headcount quashed” (THT, July 26, Page 1). Until today, the government has not been able to bring out common minimum programme for the next 18 months, raising questions about whether the five-party alliance government will be able to deliver basic services to the people at a time when the nation is likely to be gripped by the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

 Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj