By Ankit ThapA
It is commonly accepted that the majority of the larger parties, including the currently prominent RastraSwatantra Party (RSP), are experiencing internal divisions. Even the two highest leaders, Prime Minister Balen Shah and RSP Chairman Rabi Lammichane, are said to differ on a number of matters.
In reality, Lammichane, the leader of the largest party, seems to be waiting like a hawk to replace Balen Shah, and the older parties that have dominated the country for decades are understandably unhappy with Balen Shah. This is certainly understandable. This author also recognises that this is a normal response among the old guard.
The RSP leaders must not underestimate PM Balen Shah’s popularity, since it was his charm that created a wave in favour of the RSP. Many of today’s Parliamentarians may not have seen triumph and the august halls of parliament if Balen had not fought for them and their party. However, members of parliament now seem to be split on whether to support Lammichane or Balen. This is a trend that can be noticed in all opposition parties. This is a difficult situation for Nepal as a nation.
PM Balen’s working manner has pleased the majority of people, and no one has been able to point a finger at his job. This cannot be stated for members of the opposing parties or the RSP. folks are understandably asking what these folks have to offer the country and the broader population. There is really nothing.
People had little reprieve even during this Christmas season, since the government was unable to keep inflation under control. Political pundits, specialists, and analysts each have their own take on the current situation. However, they do not seem to have any solutions to the challenges that the people are confronting.
This is where the so-called experts have completely failed to satisfy the author. So it is not out of context to advise Prime Minister Balen Shah that he is doing a terrific job and has many excellent long-term goals. However, this author would like to warn him via this essay that he should also enact certain quick policies and steps to alleviate the load on the general population. For example, we are aware that large sums of money are flooding in from foreign organisations, which the government might simply transfer to alleviate the people’s current problems. For example, lowering the cost of cooking gas, fuel and kerosene, as well as the cost of food goods that people use on a regular basis.
Forget about the pricing of fruits, clothing, and other commodities that the government believes are reserved for the wealthy. Another example is that the government defrauds the people by imposing taxes on everyday transactions. For example, most people want automobiles to travel in comfort and ease. However, our government has imposed outrageous levies, which have more than tripled the price of the automobile.
The majority of the people is aware that Nepal is significantly reliant on imports, and our economy is fuelled by the taxes collected from these imports. Most industrialised nations, which rely on exports to fuel their economies, have the exact opposite situation. We may look at India and China, two neighbouring countries that export much more than they import, which is why they are doing so well. Nepal might benefit from their experience.
That is why, with real good intentions, we would like to urge to the Prime Minister that the vast amount of monies that are streaming into Nepal as a result of the tragic flood that occurred lately be poured into providing immediate aid to the people. This is critical, and as we have said, although Balen’s long-term goals may be beneficial to the country, the more pressing duty is to bring immediate assistance to citizens.
Though this author does not consider himself an expert or competent to advise someone as important as the Prime Minister, I may respectfully advise the honourable Prime Minister Balen Shah that just because he is young, he cannot establish long-term plans and programs.
We know that our largest festival, Dashain, has just finished, but another great festival, Tihar, is just around the way. Many ordinary folks struggled to celebrate Dashain. The same holds true in Tihar. We will write about this problem in the coming days, as well as why crime levels climbed so substantially prior to these two major events. This is also an issue that PM Balen must solve if he wants to remain in power and gain popularity.
Everyone, especially political leaders, must accept, even if bitterly, that they must work together to see Nepal as a strong and independent country capable of dealing on equal terms not only with its two massive neighbours, but also with all of the world’s powerful and developed countries.
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