Political Commentary
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By P.R. Pradhan
The Supreme Court’s decision of restoration of the House of Representatives (HoR) has become very costly for the Nepali taxpayers. Except for the MPs who have been rewarded with salaries and allowances for several months since Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli had dissolved the Parliament, the country has not achieved any benefit.
Since the reinstatement of the House and resumption of the Parliament, the House has become the hostage of the number game. Neither the government nor the opposition group has been able to exhibit a solid majority in the House. Practically, the government is in minority but technically, as the Maoist Center has not been able to withdraw its support to the government, PM K.P. Oli led government is functioning. The Maoist Center is unable to give an alternative government as it has not been able to manage the necessary number to form the government. There has been seen very little chance in the formation of an alternative government replacing Oli. Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda has already requested Sher Bahadur Deuba and Mahanta Thakur to lead a coalition government among the Nepali Congress, Maoist Center and Janata Samajbadi Party. Deuba is seen as reluctant to lead the weak coalition government, whereas, Thakur is seen as more positive towards PM Oli. JSP is divided on whether to join the Oli led UML government or develop a new alliance with NC and Maoist Center.
Indians in Nepali politics:
There has been seen two Indian lines in Nepali politics. Those leaders who were used by the Congress I government and then RAW and South Block officials are backing Prachanda, however, those leaders used by the Indian establishment or say Bharatiya Janata Party are against Prachanda. They want the continuation of the Oli led government.
The present mission of the Indian establishment is to split the communist party; weaken Chinese and western presence in Nepal, among others.
Delhi was against the unification of the UML and Maoist Center. Prachanda had expressed the commitment for not initiating unification with the UML, later, by defying Delhi’s instruction, Prachanda merged his party with the UML, since then, he had lost Delhi’s confidence, according to the Jana Aastha vernacular weekly.
Oli has been able to develop his relations with Delhi after the visit of the Indian intelligence chief, followed by the visits of the Indian Army chief and the Indian foreign secretary, say political observers.
Oli has given some words to Delhi for developing an India-friendly environment, therefore, India has trusted on him, observers say.
Wasting time or paving the way?:
Given the present circumstances, the House cannot function. There is a pile of bills to be passed by the House but the government is unable to present them as there is no sure about the endorsement with a majority. As there has been seen a deadlock, it would be better to go for a fresh people’s mandate through consent among the political parties. However, the midterm poll is not a permanent solution as we can assume that the election result will surely give a hung parliament. The hung parliament, as in the past, will give political instability, horse-trading and other dirty games.
The need of the hour:
JSP is instating for amendment of the constitution. Meanwhile, recently surfaced Nepal Communist Party led by Netrabikram Chanda is insisting on a roundtable conference and amendment of the constitution by adjusting all the forces within the constitution.
Already, it has been proved that the present constitution has not been able to function, therefore, to rescue the country, we must abandon the present non-functional constitution.
Therefore, a roundtable conference could be a better solution and if all are not satisfied with the outcome of the conference, in different issues, referendums can be conducted.
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