Bishwa Bandhu Thapa, 92, perhaps one of the last remaining survivors of the 1951 revolution, is a witness to Nepal’s several political upheavals and changes.
He witnessed Rana’s feudal regime, absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, and now federal republicanism within a span of few years.
Still peppy, a nonagenarian Thapa reminisces those ‘difficult, yet strenuous’ days when BP Koirala and Subarna Shumsher and Thapa came together to fight for a cause – to establish democracy.
“And you know what?” he goes on to say: “The political changes in Nepal would not succeed without India’s support.” Here, he tried to ascertain that every political movement in Nepal has India’s support in one way or the other.
History cannot forget Thapa’s key role supporting King Mahendra in staging a ‘coup’ in 1961 by ousting BP Koirala, the then elected and powerful prime minister. Thapa, however, defends his move saying, “My intent then was to see stability and development in the country.”
He is ‘well-informed’ about how political changes have happened in Nepal. “I have seen all the changes – from the downfall of the Ranas in 1951, the restoration of democracy in 1990, and the establishment of Republican set up in Nepal,” quips Thapa confidence and pride.
“And you know what?” he goes on to say: “The political changes in Nepal would not succeed without India’s support.” Here, he tried to ascertain that every political movement in Nepal has India’s support in one way or the other.
Adds Thapa, “The formula is to appease our southern neighbor or else the government will collapse.”
While saying so, Thapa reminisces his meeting with Chinese leader Mao Zedong some 50 years ago when the Chinese leader had ‘suggested’ him to “have good ties with India” rather than China for Nepal’s betterment.
When the country is observing the 69th Democracy Day, this nonagenarian leader, who fought for democracy, now is seriously disappointed at Nepal’s current situation.
He says the political leaders have failed to fulfill the aspirations of the people who fought for democracy and republicanism for years. “Look at Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and look at us,” he says in a disenchanted voice while expressing his annoyance over the leaders’ approach and the style of working.
“Why should I hesitate to say that majority of the leaders are corrupt?” he queried with a sense of arrogance while justifying his claim that Nepal is far behind due to the failure to control corruption.
Recalling those old days, he says, “Bribery was a rare happening. It has become a fashion now.” Thapa adds, “A cup of tea or a cigarette would work as a bribe then because there was a fear of being punished. Minister and government officials were alert.”
However, he is shocked with the way political leaders, who had sacrificed everything for the sake of democracy, are now shamelessly indulged in corruption.
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