Sexual harassment
The Himalayan Times
3 October 2019
Sexual harassment
Nepal has experienced many
political ups and downs in its political history. During these times, it did
not see any statesman who could drive the nation towards prosperity. Whoever
got the opportunity to lead the nation could not distance him or herself from
corruption. Likewise, other political leaders, with the exception of a few, have
not been able to maintain a good image among the people. They are seen as people
who are doing politics for their own sake.
In
the recent days, the ruling party seems to be embroiled in hindering the democratic
process and undermining the constitutional rights of the people, such as
freedom of speech, free education and basic health services, the right to move
around and anywhere in the country, restriction on peaceful demonstrations and
so on. For these obvious reasons, the NCP government has become unpopular, when
it should have fully utilized its two-thirds majority mandate for the
well-being of the country and its people. Recent actions of NCP cadres barring
citizens from holding peaceful demonstration and opposition leader from laying the
foundation stone have been heavily condemned and widely criticized.
Now,
Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara has had to step down from his chair after being accused
of sexual harassment by his lady staff, which is very unfortunate for the party
and his position in the political history of Nepal “Speaker Mahara steps down
over rape charge” (THT, October 2, Page 1). Although the lady has done U-turn
from her earlier charges, Mahara should take moral responsibility and not twist
the story or try to occupy his lost chair once again. In fact, he has been
involved in many wrongdoings in the past, but managed to climb up the political
ladder. Let us hope this time the NCP senior leaders will take the right
decision on his wrongdoings.
Rai Biren
Bangdel
Maharajgunj
