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Political survival

The Himalayan Times
23 June 2023

Political survival

Nepal and its people have witnessed and experienced many ups and down in its political history, especially during the last one and half decades. Considering the existing critical economic situation and political uncertainty, it seems that the nation might plunge into serious social disorder and political turmoil if the so-called major political parties, including the 10-party coalition government, continue to undermine the people’s voices and their hardships due to sky-rocketing market prices of daily consumable goods. Looking at the on-going 2080/81 budget deliberation in the House, lawmakers even from the ruling parties are blaming the government for not properly addressing the needs of the hours and spreading the budget here and there. It remains to be seen if next year’s proposed budget will get approved. 

With a goal to establish socialism in the country as stated in the constitution, four left-aligned political parties-the CPN-Maoist Centre, CPN-Unified Socialist, Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal and Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party, have announced the formation of Socialist Front Nepal (SFN), with the objective of achieving the goals of socialism under the current democratic, republican and federal system “Socialist Front” (THT, 21 June, Page 4), at a time when PM Dahal is facing serious allegation for not being serious in raising voices with India regarding territorial disputes during his recent visit and cases being registered against him related to the people’s war era at the Supreme Court.

It was not unusual to see parties splitting, forging and forming to suit their political taste and grabbing opportunities to secure their political powers. Some political critics opine that the formation of this front is nothing but to secure and save their fading political existence in the national politics and cover their political misdeeds performed in the past. Also, the newly formed SFN, being the third largest political force in the HoR, can play a decisive role in forming the government in the days to come. Both the NC and the UML will not be able to form the next government on their own without the support of this front. However, it remains to be seen whether the senior leaders of SFN can hold on to their promises to keep it alive for long.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj

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