Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025 09:30 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Mar 17, 2025 16:21 [IST]
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return to outdated, authoritarian structures.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.