In light of the Bibeksheel-Sajhas disintegrating back to their original factions today, instead of pondering on what went wrong in hindsight, it is worth discussing how these meager forces might want to advance.
Today’s political and social positioning is a perfect breeding ground for an alternative politics.
The ruling Communist party, with an overwhelming majority, is losing credibility with corruption, nepotism and lack of results. This is frustrating the populace by the day. A nigh moribund main opposition Nepali Congress, with its vigor and glory long gone, is virtually directionless and too feeble to check the increasingly authoritarian government. The voters, on the other hand, are more conscious, competent and young than ever and are fed up with the vile of traditional politics. At the same time, technology, prominently communications and social media, has pierced almost to the core of even the least privileged class.
If handled well, we could as well see one such new a force, full of energy and morale and vision, magnify themselves into prominence by the next election – or the next.
One or two elections ahead, gone will be the days when politics used to be about peace and stability and identity. With the change in demographics and overflow of young generation into the urban centers, the main agenda will by far be economy.
In this backdrop, it is tough for these newborns. It is not possible for them to capture the helm of the country without elucidating their positions in the political map. Do they wish to control the financial market or do they advocate laissez-faire? What sort of, and to what depth of, social security do they envisage? What will be their policy on education, health and infrastructure? Do they support a more labor-based agenda or a more competitive market swaying to capitalism?
Till now, they have been mustering all their resources in building themselves a house, so to speak – a house that would give them a common stand and recognition. That the house in question has now ended up in a debacle within a matter of 17 months, the need to clarify their positions with respect to the above questions has never been more crucial.
We have heard enough about their values. Now it’s time they enlighten us with their visions. For otherwise, people will be asking one tough question: Are the incumbent political forces, with some reform, not better off to lead the country?
