Kanchan Prasad Kharel &
Pratyush Nath Upreti
Freelancer Writer &
Youth Activist
The moment we realize the problem
of present Nepalese politics lies in self-centered, omniscient and know-all
attitude of the top leaders of major political parties then we are doing
justice with ourselves. If this very realization within us genuinely triggers
the need of revolution in the political culture of the country then we think we
are moving towards right direction.
The beauty of present democracy is
that the power lies in choices of four not in the voices of the rest. We have
been gradually redefining democracy from people centric to power centric. The
concentration of power in four faces without any accountability and ethical
standards is harmful for the nation. When ‘Democracy’ starts appearing like
‘Oligarchy’, there is no wisdom in keeping quiet.
Leadership vacuum is the cry of
the nation. People have been losing hope in the top leaders. As there is a
saying, “expectation is the mother of all frustration”, the same we are
experiencing from present politics and its key care takers. The growing resentment among people towards
leaders can lead to devastating situation in future if not timely thought of
turning their frustrations into optimism. If the main leaders do not change
their attitudes then their future is at stake. They should not forget that
people can take power from them like they took it from past heroes. We think
leaders should at least for now take time out and think in what better ways
they can reconstruct their leadership.
News is coming about increasing
ideological tussle between the top leaders and some second generation leaders
of the main parties. The grumbling has however shown no effect on top leaders but
the later are suffering. In one of the political discussions we recently went
to, some of the second generation leaders were sharing about their stories of
continuous struggle and revolution against any misconducts and paternalistic
attitudes of their main leaders. They admit that the parties are day-to-day
becoming very undemocratic, especially the communication gap between the
different hierarchy leaders is weakening the party values and deteriorating the
atmosphere of mutual trust among leaders. They condemn that top leaders do not
even bother to consult with the second generation party leaders about major
decisions. What a pity!
Leaders are living in the paradise
of self-obsession. The fun will not go long when they realize that loving
oneself too much on one side has hatred coming from everyone on the other.
Politics does not see person, it sees time. In democracy, people have right to
make wrong things right. Now, the question is how can we reestablish the very
idea of power on the hands of people by taking it away from the labyrinth of
quadrilateral power? There are certain ways to lead the transformation.
Quality leadership and team player
attitude is very nursery basics that our leaders need to reinvestigate. The
quality of a statesman lies not in how much votes he/she keeps behind but
depends upon how many sentiments and agenda he can put forward and find middle
way to resolve the indifferences. The political culture of our country is in
need of a true leader who keeps the national agendas in the front desk. One who
rises above party politics in current transition is the path finder. Such
leadership is desired!
In addition, we have always been advocating
for the power of youth whom we believe have potential to give new direction to
the politics of our country. Repeatedly, in every occasion, we have left no
stone unturned to highlight three pragmatic ways youth can choose to change the
current political motion of our country. First, changing the attitude of the
top leaders requires political pressure from the emerging new generation
leaders and party youth activists. Revolution within the parties can lead to
gradual transformation of political values and culture. The major agenda of
revolution should be towards encouraging shared leadership. Some of our leaders
assume themselves to be the ultimate knower of almost everything. Top leaders
obsessed about their individual wisdom. Undermining others knowledge and wisdom
has been the recent symptom. This has to be changed.
Second, young and dynamic youth should
enter into party politics. Since politics pave the way for socio-economic
development, capable youth should try to penetrate the fussy political system
and struggle to bring hope. Third, those who choose to remain out from active
political activities, remaining independent and being critical about the
political system would give much in return. Time has come to leave the
tradition of handing over party flags from one generation to next.
Forming a political party and contesting an election is part
of democratic practice. Since first democratic election in 1959, we have
witness only eight election and since inception of election we haven’t seen
much participation of youth in main stream politics through filling candidacy. What
would be reason behind it? We don’t denie that political thought of defining
Youth would be one of the major causes of less involvement of youth in
politics. In upcoming election political parties have responded youth outcry by
giving symbolic ticket to youth leaders. But this election we have been
witnessing break from the past, as young leader of Bibeksheel Nepali have
confidently filed independent candidacy for upcoming election. We had an
opportunity to through the manifesto of their, it looks promising but we are
not expecting much from them. But effort
of young candidate is appreciated, and we are confident that initiative taken
by Bibeksheel Nepali party and its candidate will sure encourage youth to
participate in election. But one thing we must know is that youth leader talks
politics when election is near, but they don’t have habit to continue then
after election. Nation is waiting to see how independent candidate of
Bibeksheel Nepali party, would response to election results and then after
political involvement.
At last, we suggest youth to stay more open to let things
come, be more vocal to argue what we need from whom, and believe in what we
receive not in what leaders advertize. New Nepal is possible when youth choose
to elect issues not faces, lead prospect not flags. Redefining new leadership
requires our individual commitment to do whatever we can to alter the current
power understanding among top leaders. As
election is near, nation is optimistic
about conducting free and fair election, and by election we are hoping for “common
goal with differential responsibility of each political party” to
respect people aspiration, prior commitment, and complete the much waited
Constitution of Nepal and lead country into political stability and
development.
