Expectations from PM Oli

With CPN UML senior-most leader K.P. Oli initiating work on Monday in Singha Durbar as 45^th Prime Minister of Nepal for the fourth time in a decade, public expectations began to pour in. Most pressing among them could be termed: public service delivery particularly in the field of basic needs, education, transport and public health. People hoped from new government fair governance in public offices and urgent action in creating employment opportunities in the country for avoiding the youth exodus. Since the seven-point Deuba-Oli-agreement offers the new government a continuity-guarantee of two years, PM Oli is free from parliamentary no-confidence-anxiety and this will make him able to make a positive contribution to the areas mentioned above. His performance will be evaluated publicly through the way he responds to the issues. Restoring public trust in politics, politicos and political behavior is another task before the NC-CPN UML-government. The Prime Minister will have to chart way for this so that cheap populism fueled through some or other media platforms would not challenge or defeat the high cause and principles of the established political parties in the country. The parties which have glorious history of dedication and service towards democracy and freedom and got first and second place in parliament in the past general elections have a duty to do so. If the point is ignored, voters may teach the parties a bitter lesson in the next round of polls. Learning valuable lessons from the past the new government should contribute to managing the political ego or ambitions of top leaders of parties besides paving way for opportunities for new generation youths in their parties. The task – changing transactional politics into service-focused politics – cannot be easy but should be done through cool mind, patience and dedication for earning public trust in politicos. Generating enthusiasm and support for amending constitution as mentioned in the seven-point agreement is another struggle that PM Oli faces over the next two years. Convincing all political parties in the parliament and outside it, democratic institutions, civil society and other public voices is difficult but doable for amending constitution. Since PM Oli has a pool of practical political experiences and wisdom, people hope that the new government he heads will make a difference in point of accomplishments. May his fresh tenure of Premiership be a success!