Fresh drive

Newly elected Nepali Congress youth-generation’s step to challenge Prime Minister and Party-President Deuba in parliamentary party leadership election could be interpreted as a significant response to the recent people’s mandate. Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma chose to do so to indicate that they would bring about change in the style and tone of operation of the grand old party in the next five years as per the demand of changing times and voice of new generation. Although Gagan lost in the competition as expected, the ground work for reforming the NC under the leading role of new generation leaders has begun. The duo’s announcement that they would not join government but would focus on party affairs and legislative works in parliament indicates they would like to draw lines of demarcation among government, parliament and party- ruling or opposition. Such demarcation was needed for the party right after 1990-restoration of multi-party democracy. None felt it urgent, it resulted in the trend to make ruling party leader-centric. This also produced confusion in concept and practice of all three wings – governance, legislative exercises and handling of party affairs. In other words, governments could not govern rising above party-interest. Legislative works suffered because law makers sought to follow government; they forgot they have specific role in introducing new laws to respond to changing need and times; party-connection with people was lost because the point remained ignored. If new generation of other political parties also pursue the same path, Nepali parties will witness important and much needed timely changes. The same will strengthen them and their capacity to function besides inspiring law makers to focus on legislative works and press government to concentrate on governance and urge party to be functional in the best interest of the public. It will create a situation in which party affairs could be handled robustly emphasizing public service, and continuing link with people all the time (not only during polls). Another new generation leader Prakash Man Singh also appears focused to make politics public service-centric. His emphasis on making government, parliament and party effective in delivery of services will further boost reformation in all three pillars –government, parliament and political party. Ray of hope indeed for restoring people’s trust on politicos!