EGOISTIC POLITICS
The Kathmandu Post
Jan 29, 2016-
EGOISTIC POLITICS
It has been almost
four months since the Nepali people have been suffering due to the Madhes
unrest and unofficial Indian trade embargo. However, it was encouraging to read
the news report that the PM is hopeful the blockade will end soon (‘PM hopeful
of blockade ending in 2-3 days’, January 20, Page 1). But PM Oli has been
repeatedly asserting, since he ascended to the highest political position three
months ago, that the situation will stabilise. Yet, things have not changed
even after three months and still he seems optimistic. It has become difficult
for the public to digest such false promises. So far, he has become a
laughingstock after he publicly announced ridiculous plans such as supplying
cooking gas to every household through pipelines, ending loadshedding in one
year and starting a metro electric rail, while the quake-victims are suffering
without proper food, warm clothes and appropriate shelter during this freezing
weather.
The recent amendments to the new constitution have failed to satisfy the United Democratic Madhes Front (UDMF) that is intensifying its ongoing protests (‘SLMM mulling ‘mega alliance to up the ante’, January 26, Page 1). What were the intentions of the so-called ‘big three’ parties to amend the constitution if it was not intended to fulfil the demands of disgruntled forces? Why couldn’t they have a consensus with the UDMF on politics- and constitution-related contentious issues and agree on a package deal rather than amending it on a piece-meal basis? The ball still seems to be on the ruling parties’ court.
However, UDMF is also equally responsible for this national crisis. The general public, especially the Madhesi people, have suffered a lot because of its protests. Blockading the Nepal-India border points for such a long period has a been blunder on its part. The time has come for them to consider alternative forms of protests rather than continuing their blockade at the border points. Definitely, egoistic and self-centered political behaviour of some of the senior leaders of the ‘big three’ had triggered a confrontational political environment. However, we hope that PM Oli will fulfil his promises made to the people and relieve the nation and its people of this horrible crisis.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
