KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has commented on the public rallies held by CPN-UML and royalists on Republic Day, saying the royalist gathering was larger due to growing frustration among the youth.
Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Friday, Koirala remarked that more people joined the royalist rally than the UML’s because the current political behavior does not reflect the spirit of a democratic republic.
“Why was the UML rally smaller than the Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s? Because our behavior does not reflect democratic values. There is growing frustration among the youth. They are searching for alternatives,” he said.
“They know what life under the monarchy was like, and now they’ve witnessed the power games among a handful of leaders. So where do they turn? We must win their trust through good governance.”
He also criticized the government for its inability to condemn wrongdoing, stating that he had spoken out because he was disillusioned by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent remarks.
“I had expected the party office bearers’ meeting to discuss serious issues, including the Prime Minister’s statement, but instead the discussion turned toward me. I found it laughable,” Koirala said.
“Still, we must be tolerant. Politics demands patience. But why are we unable to call out the government’s mistakes?”
A few days earlier, Oli had urged his party to make preparations for Republic Day on Jestha 15. In response, Koirala emphasized the need to once again stand up for democratic values, conduct, and culture.
“Today, I feel we must again fight for democratic values, behavior, and norms,” he added. “If we can’t do the right thing, at least let’s not do the wrong thing. And if we can’t manage either, we should stay silent and stay home.”
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