KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC), the largest party in the Federal Parliament, currently finds itself in the opposition following a dramatic shift in the power equation on March 5, 2024.

This change saw Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Chairman of the Maoist Center, also the Prime Minister, defect from the coalition with Nepali Congress to join the CPN-UML.

Despite this setback, Surendra Pandey of the Nepali Congress managed to secure the leadership of the government in Gandaki province as recently as Monday.

In light of these developments, the pressing question is: Will the Nepali Congress focus on toppling the current ruling coalition to regain power, or will it assume the role of a responsible opposition?

NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa has made it clear that the Nepali Congress intends to remain in opposition until 2084 BS.

He emphasized that the Nepali Congress has no desire to destabilize the government, stating, “Nepali Congress will move forward with the people’s issues. No one can do anti-people work by influencing the courts and the constitutional commission under the guise of government and power.”

Historically, the Nepali Congress has not fared well while in power. Despite its significant contributions, the party often finds itself more active on the streets than in the legislative chambers.

The Nepali Congress has been raising issues in parliament, including the recent misappropriation of funds in cooperatives.

This led to a parliamentary obstruction by the Nepali Congress, demanding an investigation into Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s involvement in the cooperative misappropriation case.

The ruling party eventually agreed to form a seven-member parliamentary investigation special committee chaired by UML MP Surya Bahadur Thapa Chhetri.

Moving forward, how the Nepali Congress addresses the cooperative fraud issue remains to be seen.

The party had previously raised concerns about the Giribandhu Tea Estate in Jhapa, an issue that has since gone dormant.

Additionally, with discussions ongoing about the government’s budget for the next fiscal year, there are numerous opportunities for the opposition to hold the government accountable.

Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, a Member of the House of Representatives and Nepali Congress spokesperson, reiterated the party’s stance, stating, “As long as we are in the opposition, we will play the role of a strong opposition.”

He clarified that the Nepali Congress is not interested in forming or toppling the government, explaining that any shift in power would only occur if the current coalition’s mutual understanding deteriorates, but the NC will not make special efforts to cause such a shift.

The party is leading efforts to form a legislative drafting committee for the upcoming convention, ensuring it aligns with the spirit of federalism and the sentiments of general party workers.

In this context, young central leaders of the Nepali Congress assert that the party should focus on internal organizational management rather than power grabs.

Here are some perspectives from central leaders on the future role of the Nepali Congress:

Not a tug of war, but organizational expansion: Sita Thapaliya ‘Urmila’

In the current situation, the Nepali Congress should remain in the opposition and work according to the sentiments of the people.

While the Nepali Congress has accomplished many good things, it has struggled to publicize its achievements.

In contrast, the communists often gain fame by embellishing their actions. The Nepali Congress has not effectively communicated its work and progress to the public.

Historically, the Nepali Congress has not fared well while in power. Despite its significant contributions, the party often finds itself more active on the streets than in the legislative chambers.

This is evident from its roles in various movements, including the struggles against the Rana regime, the Panchayat system, and the monarchy.

Currently, the general sentiment is that the Nepali Congress should remain in the opposition to better understand the people’s joys and sorrows.

This perspective suggests that the party should accelerate efforts to expand its organization and connect with the populace, avoiding unnecessary power struggles.

The Nepali Congress central working committee meeting has not been convened recently.

Decisions are typically made by the officials and performance committee after various discussions.

An emergency meeting of the Central Working Committee was held a few days ago to address issues related to cooperatives.

Now, it is crucial for the Nepali Congress to hold a central working committee meeting soon to discuss the issues raised in the general committee meeting and other matters concerning people’s livelihoods.

There has been internal discussion about sister organizations that have failed to hold regular conventions and are not oriented towards the convention, having expired their terms. The Central Committee meeting will address these issues.

The heads of the party’s sister organizations are submitting the convention schedule to the General Secretary.

The party must make informed decisions on whether to hold the session based on the agenda presented.

Organize internal life of NC: Prakash Rasaili ‘Snehi’

Preparations are underway to hold a meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee soon.

Discussions and debates on how to organize the internal life of the party are widespread.

Nepali Congress plays a vital role in national politics, although some roles change due to circumstances.

Importantly, various departments are being formed within the party.

Issues and agendas passed by the General Committee are discussed and completed by the Central Working Committee.

The party is leading efforts to form a legislative drafting committee for the upcoming convention, ensuring it aligns with the spirit of federalism and the sentiments of general party workers.

There has been internal discussion about sister organizations that have failed to hold regular conventions and are not oriented towards the convention, having expired their terms. The Central Committee meeting will address these issues.

Nepali Congress MPs, on behalf of the victims and the public, are working to make the government and the committee aware of the cooperative fraud.

Running our country solely based on the ideology of a communist party or a communist ideology cannot be in our best interest. It is imperative for the Nepali Congress to address this concern and strategize accordingly.

The party insists that the investigation committee must adhere to proper procedures and not allow the guilty to escape under the guise of the majority.

If the committee deviates, the Nepali Congress will continue to inform the public and hold the committee accountable.

Organization over power grabs: Ajay Babu Sivakoti

Following recent changes in the power equation, some parties have accused the Nepali Congress of seeking power.

However, consultations with leaders and feedback from grassroots workers indicate that Nepali Congress should prioritize organizational work over power struggles.

The party must focus on alerting the public to issues and advocating for people’s livelihoods.

Recently, the Nepali Congress has taken strong stances both in the House and on the streets.

This activism has resulted in the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate embezzlement in cooperatives.

Along with the parties in the government, whose involvement in corruption has been evident, it’s crucial to highlight such issues to the general public. The court itself has labeled some of these cases as political corruption.

The ruling CPN-UML seems to prioritize party interests over the nation’s welfare.

This was evident from the recent statement of its Chairman, indicating that the parliament dissolution was to save the party.

Efforts are being made to justify the dissolution of parliament.

If the Nepali Congress doesn’t take these matters seriously, there’s a risk that the UML, part of the current ruling coalition, might push the country towards midterm elections sooner or later.

Nepali Congress needs to pay close attention to this and create an environment that prevents the country from heading towards midterm elections.

Furthermore, Nepali Congress must take the investigation by the parliamentary committee on cooperative fraud seriously.

Running our country solely based on the ideology of a communist party or a communist ideology cannot be in our best interest. It is imperative for the Nepali Congress to address this concern and strategize accordingly.