End the Betrayal: Time for a Truly Inclusive Democratic Republic of Nepal

Dr. Vidhu Prakash Kayastha

 Nepal’s political journey has been riddled with betrayals, broken promises, and cycles of failed leadership, leaving its people struggling for the democracy they have long fought for. From the fall of the Rana oligarchy in the 1950s to the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the country has witnessed numerous transformative moments. Yet, every step toward a more democratic Nepal has often been followed by deep disappointments. The people of Nepal have consistently called for a government that is not only democratic but also inclusive and transparent, one that genuinely reflects their needs and aspirations. Unfortunately, they have repeatedly been let down by those who once promised to uphold democratic values and their rights.

This article examines the political forces and leaders who have, in the eyes of many Nepalis, betrayed both the people and the democratic values they swore to protect: the monarchy, the Girija-Deuba-led Nepali Congress, and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), particularly its factions under leaders like K. P. Sharma Oli and Madhav Kumar Nepal.

The Monarchical Betrayal

For centuries, the Nepali monarchy was seen as a symbol of control, often tied to autocratic rule that undermined the people’s voice. The monarchy's betrayal of democracy became evident during the Panchayat Era (1960-1990), when King Mahendra dissolved the parliamentary system, curtailed civil liberties, and imposed a partyless political system. Instead of working toward the welfare of the people, the monarchy consolidated power for itself, leaving Nepalis powerless and excluded from political participation.

Though the monarchy was eventually overthrown during the People’s Movement of 1990, and democracy was restored, the monarchy’s shadow loomed large. King Gyanendra’s failed attempt to seize control again in 2005 led to widespread unrest, culminating in the Second People’s Movement in 2006, which resulted in the official end of the monarchy in 2008.

Despite the monarchy’s abolition, the royal family’s legacy continues to haunt Nepal. It had been a tool of feudalism, using its power to suppress the people. This betrayal not only set back political stability but also hindered the nation’s development. The monarchy's rejection in 2008 was a clear signal from the people that they were ready to move forward in pursuit of a democratic, inclusive republic, not a return to outdated, authoritarian structures.

The Betrayal of the People’s Trust by Nepali Congress

The Nepali Congress (NC), led by figures such as Girija Prasad Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba, has been another key force in Nepal’s political history. While instrumental in the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, the NC soon became mired in political opportunism, corruption, and failures in governance. Their inability to provide true democratic reforms and protect the rights of the people has left many disillusioned.

Girija Prasad Koirala played a pivotal role in the transition to democracy and was once hailed as a leader of the People’s Movement. However, his leadership was often characterized by inefficiency, authoritarianism, and an unwillingness to push for the comprehensive reforms needed for Nepal to thrive. His tenure, marked by political instability, failed to address the people's growing frustration and aspirations for a better life.

Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership continued this legacy. He served as prime minister multiple times, but his terms were plagued by weak governance, repeated corruption scandals, and an inability to bring lasting stability to the country. His failure to implement key constitutional provisions like federalism, secularism, and inclusivity during the drafting of Nepal's 2015 constitution only deepened the disillusionment among many Nepalis.

The Nepali Congress party’s betrayal stems from the significant gap between their rhetoric and their actions. Leaders like Koirala and Deuba promised prosperity and justice but instead delivered stagnation, internal conflict, and corrupt practices. The Nepali Congress’ focus on political power games and internal infighting failed to meet the needs of the people, undermining the true spirit of democracy and leaving Nepal’s potential untapped.

Betrayers of the Revolution

The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), particularly the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre) factions, has also been complicit in betraying the hopes and dreams of the people. Initially, the Maoist insurgency that began in 1996 sought to overthrow the monarchy and radically change the political system in favor of the marginalized and oppressed. But after the Maoists rose to power in the post-monarchy era, their leadership failed to deliver on their revolutionary promises.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Baburam Bhattarai, and other Maoist leaders, who once spoke of radical transformation, soon became embroiled in the same power struggles, corruption, and compromises that characterized the very forces they sought to overthrow. Rather than focusing on the welfare of the marginalized and the disenfranchised, the Maoists, once in power, quickly adopted the same elitist and corrupt practices that had plagued previous governments.

Their betrayal wasn’t just about broken promises—it was about the failure to create an inclusive society. K. P. Sharma Oli, a prominent leader of the CPN-UML, further deepened this betrayal when he became Prime Minister and demonstrated authoritarian tendencies, sidelining democratic principles for his own political gain. Madhav Kumar Nepal, another former Prime Minister from the CPN-UML, also failed to bring about the necessary reforms to address the economic and social issues of the country. Instead, these leaders contributed to the fragmentation of the country’s political landscape, pushing through policies that alienated various ethnic and marginalized groups.

Despite their radical beginnings, the communist leaders ultimately consolidated power, forming alliances with parties they once opposed and abandoning the very ideals of equality, inclusivity, and justice that had once defined their cause. In doing so, they not only failed to deliver a more equitable society but also betrayed the revolution itself.

The Need for a Truly Inclusive Democratic Republic

Nepal’s political history is marked by struggles against oppression, betrayal, and unfulfilled promises. The monarchy, the Nepali Congress, and the Communist parties—each in their turn—have failed to deliver on the people’s hopes for a truly democratic and inclusive society. These leaders have perpetuated cycles of political chaos, leaving the people yearning for genuine change.

The time has come for Nepal to move beyond these failed political elites. What Nepal needs is not more of the same—what it needs is a truly inclusive democratic republic. This vision must be rooted in principles of equality, social justice, and respect for the rights and dignity of every Nepali citizen, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background.

Nepal’s future lies in a new political culture, one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the full participation of all people in the governance process. The country must reject those who have betrayed the ideals of democracy and inclusivity for personal and political gain. It is time for leaders who will rise above petty politics and work genuinely for the welfare of all citizens.

The vision of a truly inclusive, democratic republic is not just a lofty ideal; it is a necessity for Nepal to move forward. The people of Nepal deserve leaders who will put their needs first, respect their voices, and uphold the democratic values they fought so hard to achieve. Now is the time for a new beginning—one where democracy is not merely a slogan, but a living, breathing reality for every Nepali.

(Views are personal)