By Narayan Prasad Mishra It has been more than three decades since we introduced multiparty democracy in the country. Similarly, it has been more than a decade since we introduced the republican system by removing centuries-old kingship in the country. We were told our country would be developed like other developed countries of the world and that our people's lives would be better, with a high standard of living, by throwing out the old system we had. We were told that was the prime cause of our suffering. People trusted the leaders and brought the change with the high hope of having comfortable lives with good education, health, electricity, water, food, shelter, etc. Now, we have the constitution and the political system that our leaders wanted for our welfare. Not only that, but our people also elected them and gave them an opportunity to form the government and run the country as they wished. Almost all prime political parties have formed a government and enjoyed the power. But the majority of people so far have not experienced even a ray of change for the betterment of their lives during this period. They think they have more challenging lives than before due to the lack of job opportunities and much more expensive education, health, food, water, electricity, shelter, etc. On the other hand, they see unbearable mismanagement, corruption, irregularities, injustices, nepotism, and favoritism in the country. In the same way, they see the politicians in power as above the law and enjoying lives with wealth and power, openly involved in corruption with millions and billions of rupees. We hear about them every day. That is the prime news we see on television and YouTube and read in newspapers with dozens of corruption scandals. We hear about corruption as if it is running like industries and factories in the country by political power holders with an authorized license. Consequently, people with different names, groups, factions, and organizations are on the streets to voice their opinions against the irregularities, corruption, and systems in the country these days. No prime minister, minister, or leader needs to claim they are not involved in corruption, as no one will believe them unless the people experience it for themselves and judge based on their actions. Similarly, they don't need to say they avoid nepotism and favoritism because people will only believe it when they see it through their actions. People want to witness their honesty and dedication through actions, not just hear them talk about it. As people are more experienced now, they no longer believe in sweet words and speeches, assurances, and promises of the politicians.  People say they want action, not speeches. From political rallies to grassroots movements, they are increasingly demanding concrete solutions to pressing issues rather than rhetoric. They know now that without action, speeches often become hollow promises. They are tired of hearing promises. So, the time for speeches has long passed—what the country needs now are aggressive policies and sustainable initiatives to create better lives for people. Grassroots movements often arise in response to widespread inaction from those in power. These movements understand that actions, not speeches, create real change. People want to see exemplary leaders like Balen Shah at the local level, not preachers without practice like the prime ministers or ministers in the government. In this context, I sincerely feel that our political parties and leaders should understand that they can no longer fool the people as they did before. They must evaluate themselves and reform themselves if they want a future. They should learn to devote their time to action, not to speeches filled with sweet words and false assurances. They should devote their time to action and not waste time forming committee after committee on any matter. People are no longer interested in reading their plans and programs but in seeing work and action. If the government wants to be exemplary in action and win the trust and hearts of the people, they can start by working on the burning issue of cooperative cheaters with a war footing. The government has formed several committees and established many new offices for this cause. Now, even the Parliamentary Probe Committee on the Misappropriation of Cooperative Funds has submitted a large volume of reports. Our government is aware that millions of people have been suffering without any reason to get their deposited money returned, being the victims of many cooperative cheaters. The police investigation and the study of several committees have revealed that most of them are pure cheaters. Now, the government knows how they cheated the cooperative victims by transferring billions of rupees to their private companies and their relative's and wives' accounts illegally, even with fake divorce papers from the cooperative organizations. It is not that they could not pay the depositors money for any other reason, though they presented several artificial reasons for it.  Some of those in custody for their crimes, who even orchestrated fake divorces to cheat people, are now pleading with the government to release them, making false promises to repay depositors' money within three years. Everyone knows this is just a tactic to escape punishment and flee the country, as G. B. Rai did. The victims are concerned, fearing that corrupt politicians and officials might play a role in releasing these fraudsters in exchange for bribes under the policy of releasing cheaters through negotiation, recently introduced by the Attorney General of the Nepal Government. If this happens, it will be a major disaster that will betray the victims. Even Ichha Raj Tamang, the creator and chairman of the Civil Savings and Credit Cooperative organization, the honorable ex-parliamentarian connected with the Nepal Communist Party (UML) who had a good name and fame, positions, and power,  did the same as many other cheaters did. According to the news, he is also the one who orchestrated a fake divorce to cheat people. That was shocking and unbelievable for me. Because of this unbelievable crime, he is also in custody. Considering that he is a high-profile cheater and his case is the oldest one investigated by the CIB, I think the government must prioritize this issue and return the depositors' money soon. If the government could resolve this by returning the principal and interest money to the depositors without delay and with urgency, an example of action would be well established. The government's action would be well appreciated. If they do, it can be a visible example for people to believe that we now have a government with action, not just speaking. I hope the present government will realize this truth and come to action without further delay  Besides, our government must realize that mismanagement, irregularities, corruption, nepotism, and favoritism are the prime causes of the country's underdevelopment. They are the prime causes of our people's frustrations. The government must give due attention to controlling them if it realizes this reality and wants reform. I hope they understand that mere words, no matter how eloquent, fall short of addressing these challenges without corresponding action. Speeches alone cannot achieve change. They must be followed by measurable, substantive action. The disillusionment that follows such unmet expectations has become a significant source of public frustration. Additionally, action often speaks louder than words. The most effective leaders are those who can back up their words with concrete, sustained action. In this era, the demand for action over words has become a rallying cry for people around the world, especially in Nepal, where quick action is rarely seen. While speeches have their place in inspiring change and articulating visions, they are not enough to bring about the solutions society needs. narayanshanti70@gmail.com