Narayan Prasad Mishra
The development of a country depends on its people, much like the development of a family relies on its family members. However, the country’s progress hinges more on its government, akin to how a family’s well-being is greatly influenced by its parents. Therefore, it’s imperative to have a government that assumes a parental role, fosters the nation’s growth with boundless love and dedication, and treats all citizens equally.
In a democratic society, political parties emerge from diverse ideologies, interests, and aspirations, all aimed at advancing the nation’s development. People align themselves with parties based on their convictions and beliefs. While multiple parties may exist, their overarching goal remains the same: to serve the people and the nation’s interests, albeit through varying approaches dictated by their ideologies. None of these parties should prioritize the interests of their leaders and followers over the welfare of the nation. They should refrain from treating other parties and their supporters as adversaries and, instead, exhibit equal regard for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
Leaders and followers of political parties must uphold integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct while embracing empathy to adhere to these principles. They must prioritize the public good over personal gains and ensure transparency and accountability in their actions. Empowering followers to engage meaningfully in the democratic process and respecting independent voices are also paramount. Additionally, they should regard other parties, their leaders, and supporters as allies with differing political ideologies rather than adversaries.
Despite these established principles, the reality in our country often diverges. Political parties often view each other as adversaries and consider independent citizens second-class, depriving them of equal benefits from the state. Moreover, political factions in Nepal are mirroring the divisions seen in caste-based societies or tribal communities, fostering hatred and discord reminiscent of conflicts like those between Hutus and Tutsis in Africa. Most concerning is the marginalization of independent citizens, akin to the discrimination faced by Dalits and other marginalized groups, perpetuating a new form of caste system within the country. I experienced it at the university, being an independent citizen of the country, where I dedicated my life to serving its development.
This situation poses a grave threat to national unity and cohesion. Instead of uniting the populace, political parties deepen societal divisions, fostering a divisive “us versus them” mentality. Furthermore, parties becoming subservient to special interest groups or influential elites undermines their commitment to serving the public interest.
Despite these challenges, political parties play a crucial role in sustaining and strengthening democratic processes. They provide avenues for representation, policy formulation, and citizen engagement, thereby upholding democratic principles and fostering national stability and progress. However, for them to realize their full potential, leaders and followers must embody values of integrity, inclusivity, and pragmatism, fostering a political culture that prioritizes the interests of all citizens. We must stop a caste-like system within political dynamics. Only then can our democracy truly flourish.
narayanshanti70@gmail.com
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect People’s Review’s editorial stance.
Login to add a comment