Federalism in 2nd cycle

A new government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is functional to preside over the second cycle of federalism in the country. Parties newly formed and elected in Nepal General Election 2022 and some traditional parties are also joining the PM in his efforts to act as per the mandate of the people. For PM Prachanda the highest executive role is something he eagerly sought for over the past six years. His scheme of delivery as Head of Government, therefore, is something all are looking forward to experience. The new Rastriya Swatantra Party which could secure votes enough to place itself in the fourth place in parliament had fought the election under the banner of doing politics in a different way. Led by Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, the party is now in a position to perform as pledged to people. People are enthusiastically focusing their attention on it as well. The government deserves congratulation and best wishes from all as it begins its new journey. All hope positively for its great performance. The political circumstances under which the government was formed, however, needs to be explained for contextualizing it fairly. The partnership among parties prior to the poll was one and the current one–post-poll-alliance- is another. The same would be explained in detail in future by those who feel responsible for the changed alliance pattern. Similarly the RSP’s claim of doing politics in a different way and structuring federalism sans provinces requires further elucidation. The way it joined the government does not indicate that spirit. So it is natural for people to expect the RSP to enlighten them about the rationale of why it joined government in the way of traditional parties. A number of challenges may stand in the way of the fresh team in Singha Durbar. Leading among them are political and economic factors. The political one is interesting: one PM could not protect his near two third majority government in July 2021 and another PM could not shield his alliance-government with near majority win in polls -short by two only- in December 2022. Compulsions behind both should be understood and proper solutions sought for comforting the path forward for the PKD-government. Nepali economy has been in a vulnerable position for some years because of COVID and other factors. The same requires careful attention and appropriate remedy-short term and long term. If this is not addressed properly several complicated problems would disrupt the new government particularly in delivery. Since the new government has high spirit of performance, service and expertise the problems would be tackled over time. People hope they would feel some change in their daily lives soon as the new government begins pouring delivery of pledges in practical terms.