Several ups and downs have come and gone by in the political spectrum of Nepal over the last few decades. Currently, the Nepal Communist Party (CPN) is leading the current government. People are uncertain about the future political course and the fate of the incumbent government. Will it address the aspirations of the Nepali people, while maintaining ties with the international community? Recently, Khabarhub talked to Mohan Bikram Singh, general secretary of Communist Party of Nepal (Mashal), for his views. Excerpts:
Currently, Nepal has a communist government. You witnessed governments led by various political parties including Nepali Congress and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in the past. How do you see its future political course as an ardent pillar of the communist movement?
The ruling Nepal Communist Party has already deviated from the core communist norms and values. If someone believes that the current government is a communist government, or being run under communist ideals, he/she is wrong. Hence, it would be wrong to judge its success and failures under the parameters of the communist ideology.
The role and the working style of the NCP are not in favor of development, republic, prosperity, national independence, and democracy. If this continues, the country will take a regressive course.
What do you mean by regression? Is it that the monarchy will make a comeback?
We cannot absolutely negate the possibility of the monarchy’s revival. RPP is bent on reinstating the Hindu state. It has been launching several political activities to this end. Similarly, there is a big section of political leaders within the main opposition Nepali Congress advocating for the reinstatement of Hindu State. Indian ruling party BJP is also exerting pressure on the reinstatement of the Hindu State in Nepal. Independence Mahesh Alliance led by CK Raut, which has recently agreed to join mainstream politics, has formed Janamat Party with an objective of holding a referendum to fulfill its long-cherished agenda. By and large, there are still possibilities that the political course is likely to take regressive direction.
You said Prime Minister KP Oli-led government failed to play a constructive role. Do you attribute it to Oli’s ill intention or sheer incompetence?
Even though the intention is good, the current government is facing attacks from all sides. The international community, including the southern neighbor, does not like the policy of the Oli-led government. That is why there is a massive decrease in foreign direct investment (FDI) since Oli assumed power. As a result, the upcoming investment summit in Kathmandu is not likely to be successful.
The government has to tackle the existing grip of international companies, corrupt bureaucracy, mafias, and other regressive forces to achieve its set goals. Integrity and high level of will power are necessary to deal with such multifaceted attacks coming from all directions. But, I do not see such qualities in the government, despite having good intention.
How do you assess the Nepal Communist Party led by Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav), its latest activities, and Mohan Baidya’s faction?
Nepal Communist Party led by Netra Bikram Chand is the remainder of the Maoist party that waged a decade-long insurgency. It is an extremist party for which we have no support. It is trying to revive violence creating terror in the society, which is absolutely wrong.
As far as Mohan Bidya’s party is concerned, it is also the remains of the then Maoist party. Though it is not currently launching terrorist activities, its party-line is wrong. We do not support it.
How’s your take on the government’s ban on Biplav outfit?
This is wrong. The constitution does not allow the government to put a ban on any political parties. Law and order should be maintained. There are various ways to deal with the Biplav issue. It can be resolved through dialogue.
Comment