Not only govt but also opposition has failed: Puranjan Acharya

KATHMANDU, Feb 20: Puranjan Acharya, a political analyst and a critical observer of Nepali politics, has said that not only the government but also the main opposition party Nepali Congress has become unsuccessful.

“The incumbent government has failed to work as per the aspiration of the people despite commanding two-third majority,” said Acharya speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Wednesday.

The people have high hopes from the government because it is stable and has two-third majority. They thought the unification of the two communist parties CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) –now Nepal Communist Party— and political stability would bring development and prosperity in the country. But it didn’t happen,” he added.

“Corruption still persists in the country. The government’s foreign policy and economic policy is not consistent and the capital expenditure not good. The government is focused on ships and monorail instead of good governance. Economic growth has not improved. The much awaited Melamchi Drinking Water Project is likely to face the time and cost overrun,” he furthered.

If the government continues to fail, people’s expectation on the government will fade in time.”

Puranjan Acharya also blamed the NC of failing to play the role of responsible opposition.

“The opposition party’s presence is neither in the street nor in the parliament,” he said.

“A responsible and strong opposition can make a lot of things happen. But, there is no Nepali Congress in all seven provinces at a time when Oli is unchallenged due to majority. It is therefore the incumbent government is imposing absolute authority in all spheres,” he added.

“Therefore I say the opposition has also failed,” he furthered.

‘TO SOON TO GIVE UP’

He, however, argued that it will be too early to give up on the Oli-led government.

“The government still has four years. If government focuses on good governance and performs as per the people’s wishes, development and prosperity is possible.”

“But for that the opposition must play an active role,” he added.

He was of the view that the government should focus on clean governance, timely completion of national pride projects, eradicate corruption to its root and create employments in the country.

On a different note, he said that that the unification process of the ruling party will finalize if its leadership will pace the effort.