Reporters Club: Ruling Nepal Communist Party standing committee member Mani Thapa said that although there was minor dissatisfaction toward the current government, they are working towards fulfilling the objectives of their slogan Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalese. Speaking at an interaction program at the Reporters Club Nepal officiated by the President of the club journalist Rishi Dhamala, Mr. Thapa stated that the Republic is here to stay and the federal structure has provided opportunities to the grassroots level inclusive to all.

He said that “there is no alternative to democracy and the Republic that we brought to the nation after historic sacrifices and so many lives lost for the cause. The sacrifices of the people should not go in vain.

(Mani Thapa)

Thapa also stated that the unification process will come to a concrete conclusion with delegation of duties, roles and responsibilities that will strengthen the CPN party further, although there were internal differences they will be sorted out, and although through both the extreme right and the left there were differing opinions regarding the unification of the CPN, unity is certain, and negotiations are being held regularly in order to make the party accommodating and inclusive for all.

When questioned by President of the Reporters Club Rishi Dhamala on the issue of leadership and negotiations with Biplav’s party that has been banned, Thapa said that the country will be under the leadership of PM Oli while the party’s leadership will be handled by Co-chair Prachanda. He also said that the government was in unofficial talks with Biplav and his party and were in the process of negotiating a deal to bring him into mainstream politics, and shun violence.

Thapa also said people should respect the norms and values of democracy while abiding by the constitution. The government was serious toward providing equitable opportunity for all and incorporating value-based policies that would be efficient for the people and country.

Dr. Shekhar Koirala is a stalwart of the Nepali Congress Party, he is seen as the future leader that can represent and bring the Congress out stronger among the masses. He recently spoke with journalist Rishi Dhamala on the current situation and state of affairs of his party and the nation.

Is Nepali Congress one, and is there no discontentment among leaders?

Nepali Congress was always one. We are a democratic party following the principles to voice out thoughts and concerns in the form of debates, discussions, and opinions, so it is obvious that there are issues that may have disagreements. I will give you an example, our founder Late B.P.Koirala wanted a revolution so he started buying arms. At that point, senior leader Subarna Sumsher Rana said to join hands with the King and India and move forward together. At the same time, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was in jail, and he was against the idea. So there are differences always, we should not give it much importance. Factional politics does exist, but I am here to strengthen and move forward with a good ideology and thought for the people.

Why did you backtrack from Secularism?

While the constitution was being framed, right from the assembly I have always been in favor of Religious freedom. There were several other issues too, Sher Bahadurji, Ram Sharanji, know about it. We had also taken up the issue of proportional and inclusive representation. I have been vocal about it and still do.

Will it matter only if you are the one saying it?

First of all, let me be explicit that one of the stars in the flag of the Nepali Congress represents Religious freedom. This is well known across the party. We have also always stated that the Cow is our national animal, and we are against its slaughter or abuse in any form. Second, do not convert out of greed to any other religion. Against conversion is well listed in the constitution.

Why haven’t you spoken on the recent killings of Cows being taken from Nepalgunj to Surkhet?

That is not my job, it is a process and mainly the government should take action as it is also against the constitution. The state should take necessary action in this regard.

Hasn’t this been a National agenda from your party?

 Our party has only given its opinion. We are here to voice concerns over that are happening. But what about those who claim to make Nepal a Hindu state, and took to the streets, where are they sleeping now? Why aren’t they raising this pertinent issue? Their silence is amazing, we have to separate religion and politics, those two put together will signal trouble for the country in the long run.

How did the incident happen under the Mayorship of Dhawal Sumsher Rana?

He is from the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party. I will say just that, primarily let us first separate religion from politics. Second, secularism and religious freedom are two different subjects. We should explain this to the masses. Secularism came from Europe, I have spoken about this before, separating the Church from politics. The idea of secularism came from overturning the power the Church held in political administration. We do not have that problem here. We fought for democracy and against totalitarian Monarchy, our fight has always been for democratic principles. As I said our star in our flag is based on the idea of religious freedom, and I am only making it clear.

Aren’t there leaders within the party debating on whether to support Nepal as a Hindu Nation?

 Nepali Congress is a liberal democratic party. We cannot say that certain issues cannot be discussed or debated; everyone has a right to speak and question one another it is a democratic practice. There may be representatives who will seriously bring this up during the convention, so we have to be careful and manage it from the outset, but that has to be done by the leaders.

Is Nepali Congress in the campaign to make Nepal a Hindu Nation?

I haven’t said anything as such, where is the campaign to begin with?

Is the Nepali Congress going to change its stance?

Congress has never changed its stance. There is no use of such a discussion.

Isn’t Nepali Congress itself weak on its policies?

No, we haven’t been weak at all. Republic and Secularism haven’t made us weak, we do not have a government in the center. Recently in the all-party meeting, the Prime Minister said that the King along with Biplav is trying to weaken the republic and finish secularism. We have to unite to tackle them. Has the King finished the republic? He is quiet and living his life. If one cannot manage the state of affairs he has no right to pinpoint and blame others. Even France was a Monarchy but it didn’t last, we have to work for the people, otherwise, this Republic will not last if the general masses are disappointed. In the issue of federalism, there are problems between the center and the state. The constitution needs to be adhered to and it is cardinal for the moment. States are at disagreement with one another, while the government is not being inclusive enough to tackle all these situations.

Haven’t have lost faith with political leaders and the establishment?

Yes, I was just getting to that point. Look at the case of the suicide of Salikram Pudasaini, and the arrest of Rabi Lamichhane. Why were the public out into the streets? Why when political leaders today are at the stage there are hardly 4-5 hundred people have you thought about this? The people have also lost faith in the justice system. The general masses do not believe they will get justice. Why does the CIAA only catch the smaller people but are silent when big names are involved? What happened to all the cases of massive corruption, the Lalita Niwas case, Gold Smuggling, The wide-body airplane procurement scandal, why isn’t the authority speaking up, in other countries they are penalized for such actions irrespective of who it is. Why is the CIAA afraid to even question the individuals, look at our neighboring nations they have all questioned even the topmost people in cases, why isn’t this being done here?

Aren’t the ruling and the opposition parties hand in glove in corruption?

 The CIAA is independent of any partisan politics. If it is not running independently without prejudice I have nothing else to say. 58 people were named in the Lalita Niwas land scam, but none were prominent or powerful. How is the country going to move forward with a scenario like this? Continuous deliberations are ongoing in the wide-body airplane scam. There are investigative committees formed, none have been substantive. It looks mere procedural and it is indeed baffling. Probable those big leaders are involved and hence I am a little worried.

Isn’t the Nepali Congress President’s name is also associated with the Wide Body Airplane procurement scam?

I have not singled out anyone. It is a group and I am talking about it in general of people involved. I saw in a newspaper where a byline read how do we call the big shots? it hurt me reading such things. Your status should not matter, if you are guilty you have to be called upon for questioning. How will authorities investigate, and why are we in politics then? Aren’t we here to make a positive change in society? Is the law only for the general masses and not for the politically powerful, how is this justified? If you have taken a bribe of any sort you should be legally accounted for and prosecuted, whether being the giver or the receiver.

Coming September 24th you are protesting against the government in the streets, why?

 We are planning to invigorate and instill awareness among our party workers. We will voice our concerns over the wrongdoings of the government through a mass protest, the people have to know how the country is being governed. We have to make people aware of the misdeeds of this government.

By taking to the streets will it be a solution or create further problems?

 We are currently in the opposition. It is not only about the Nepali Congress Party. The government’s misdeeds have to be voiced out by the opposition. We have to take to the streets and let the people know. We are not there to trouble the streets or resort to acts of hooliganism, we are there to inform, and create awareness. The media council bill, commission for conflict victims, even Nepali Congress is caught in the mess. Former Chief Justice is the Chair of the Committee, how can we bypass that and allow the political parties to take over. What if the committee disagrees, it is a matter of grave concern. What would the International community think about our human rights situation in Nepal, if we continue this way the international council has already mentioned to remove Nepal from the list. We have not been able to provide justice for the victims. The leaders are not convinced and are unable to do anything.

Will the Nepali Congress go against the Republic, and Federalism?

 No, we won’t. It is not about us whether we will oppose the Republic or Federalism of the nation. Regarding federalism, there was news just yesterday that the European Union nations have provided 11.40 billion Nepalese rupees to maintain it. The finance minister is requesting the World Bank for more funds to maintain the federal structure. If it continues in this manner then they can stretch this to a maximum of 4 years. We have to go to the districts to see the development, the state, and the center have funded the same project, how is that going to help? This duplicity has to end. Federal units have to be self-reliant not externally funded to continue its operation. We need a federal structure for the country due to our extensive cultural diversity. If we adhere to the constitution the federal structure will remain.

A recently published fictional account by Amar Bhushan “Inside Nepal” is creating hype among many Nepalese readers. Bhushan is the former director of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) India’s premier intelligence unit. In this book, he fictionalizes accounts inspired by true political events in Nepal stating that India was involved in-depth in order to remove Monarchy from the country and reinstate a Republic. This has brought many leaders both from the ruling Communist Party and Nepali Congress Party to express concern over voicing against the current regime.

The book however fictional has come at a crucial time where various leaders and the masses are dissatisfied by the Republic and the federal structure. Why even though be it fictional of an account in the internal political structures of Nepal being released at this juncture is a question to ponder upon. Also, the system and regime change were brought about without holding a referendum from the people, Monarchy is a 200 year plus institution was dismantled without major approval from the general public. There is still an opportunity here to get a 2/3^rd majority from the people and with a broader consensus reinstate Nepal back to being a Hindu nation with a ceremonial Monarch is not inconceivable.

If we look at the recent reactions, the Communist Party leaders are in a panic-stricken mode. While the voices to bring back Monarchy is inching forward, the establishment is at an offense. Recently former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda warned former King Gyanendra not to be active in public. While Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli nagged at the Monarch calling the institution a ghost from the past. While these offensive measures were taken to counteract the rising popularity of the King, it was seen as an act of despotism and disgrace by the general masses. It was likely that the image of Monarchy benefitted from this charade.

On the other hand, the people of Nepal have not been well accustomed and appreciated the newfound Republic and federal structure. They have been mercilessly hit by various taxes, and the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed to an all-time high. Provinces, local bodies, and the central government are finding it a hassle to coordinate increasing internal work conflict. Blame game is on the rise between the newfound states and local bodies for the allocation of funds. Public and civil servants are directly involved in misusing state funds for personal use, while taxes continue to increase for the masses increasing the burden on them thus creating a frightening situation of frustrated youth.

The frustration does not stop there with the Republic, increasing problems of foreign relations and escalation of the rift between internal political structures are seen as a plausible threat. The larger masses have been dissatisfied with the style of political leadership and are outraged by the way the government has handled public cases. Rabi Lamichhane’s case, for example, created a stir among the masses where the government was unable to do much. This continued dissatisfaction whether known or unknown to the Prime Minister who is currently undergoing treatment in Singapore is a matter to ask his political advisers. It cannot definitely be said that Prachanda who is one of the main architects of the Republic will stick to his stance looking back at his political history, he can u-turn any moment.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba recently organized a religious ceremony at this private residence. He knows that there is an agenda of increasing sentiments to bring back Nepal as a Hindu nation and this has spread to the rank and file of his own party. Senior leaders of the Nepali Congress Dr. Shashank Koirala, and Shankar Bhandari have been vocal regarding their support for Nepal has a Hindu nation and they are vigorously invigorating their stance within the party and the general masses.

The National Democratic Party has always maintained its stance for Nepal to be a Hindu nation along with having a ceremonial Monarchy. Despite several of these supports, there needs to be more unity specially with Nepali Congress if this has to gain momentum as a national agenda. New possibilities with rising consensus can see a foreseeable change in Nepalese politics. Vote split among the people favoring the Communists will be certain because none have been able to captivate the general public. Mr. Chitra Bahadur KC a staunch communist leader has started to regret on the model of federalism. Imposing views and ideas wouldn’t last long, as rising costs for a decent living is posing one of the biggest challenges for the coming Nepalese generation, and the end result can be consequential.

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai a rising leader of the Communist Party of Nepal made a decision to have the national anthem played on the premises of the Pashupatinath temple during the evening rituals of aarti which is sacred for all Nepalese. This was outrightly seen as government intervention and disliked by the public creating a massive controversy. While on the one hand, the ruling party has termed itself secular, by imposing the national anthem on a religious ceremony was seen with contempt and defilement of religious sanctity. Various corners of Hindu organizations vehemently protested the decision bringing infamy to the image of the government.

Religion as a phenomenon in current Nepalese politics and its agenda is constantly on the rise. It has a silent overwhelming majority, if not for Monarchy but for Nepal to be a Hindu state. The current population is reported to be over 90%. If awakened the masses that take up the Hindu cause will have an absolute majority. The game of politics cannot be trusted. It is also the one of changing possibilities, situations and circumstances. Look for instance in West Bengal of India, the Communist Party that ruled the state for over 3 decades have been entirely decimated. The current government of India which is a Hindu nationalist party undoubtedly wants to see Nepal as a Hindu nation. Senior Nepali Congress leader and the general secretary of the party Dr. Shashank Koirala is in favor of Nepal as a Hindu nation.

Internal politics can pave the way to newer outcomes and Nepalese political history has not been indifferent to making changes. Monarchy making a comeback maybe a little too far-fetched, but for Nepal be a Hindu nation the chances are clearly visible. It is being slowly thrown upon the people while being readily accepted as a national agenda. New possibilities with alternate outcomes can be seen in the future course of Nepalese politics provided the silent majority wakes up to really push this forward. Karl Marx in the Communist Manifesto called the bourgeoisie the main cause for the proletariats to rise up in revolution. Federalism in Nepal similarly was imposed and can prove to be a fundamental cause for the Nepalese to rise, due to added burden on taxpayers, skyrocketing prices, unaffordable housing, and out of reach lifestyle. This change will be phenomenal for them to bring another overhaul in the entire Nepalese political system.

( Opinion wrote in Nepali by Dr. Dipesh KC  translated by Birat Krishna Thapa for Nepali Reporter, the original can be found in our Nepali site)

   “The Republic is in grave danger; we have to unite in order to be able to save it”

KATHMANDU, Aug 21: National People’s Front Central Committee has released a detailed press statement regarding their upcoming programs and organizational activities of the party. Speaking at their party press conference organized at the Reporters Club, the President Chitra Bahadur KC read out the press statement issued by the central committee after a meeting which was held back on 16 August. Chitra Bahadur KC is a veteran Communist leader and former Deputy Prime Minister.

He also answered questions of various journalists present on the occasion regarding the current state of affairs. He expressed concern over various rumors doing the rounds of social media and the public regarding bringing back Monarchy. In the detailed press statement issued by the National People’s Front issues such as the current state of sovereignty, secularism, and the republic all were in danger due to the activities of the government.

The press statement states that there is an agenda to destroy the secular fabric of this Nation and bring back Hinduism as a state religion, once this happens then Monarchy will be re-instated overthrowing the Republic. This is the reason why we have to voice concerns and organize peaceful protests through various measures.

Nepal is going through a stage of absolute corruption, the crisis in obtaining citizenship, rising prices, rising taxes, and oppression in the Terai region of farmers, labors, women and indigenous people. We have now taken the responsibility to make the citizen aware of what is happening to the country.

The programs are planned over a span of several months. The main agenda is also to increase the number of memberships for the party along with informing the public about the current scenario of the country.

“The republic is in grave danger. We have to unite in order to save it. There are forces at work that want to bring back Nepal as a Hindu state, and once that happens they will reinstate Monarchy overthrowing the Republic. We have brought this system through a lot of struggle and sacrifice. Everyone needs to be aware that religion is a very personal choice, and we should separate religion and the state, we cannot be ruled upon in the name of religion” KC said.