Nepal: Foreign interference is not a new phenomenon

Gokarna Bist

UML Leader/Former Minister of Energy, Nepal

Mr. Bist: Yes! We need a national unity government for the completion of peace and the constitution drafting process. But I don’t see its likelihood for the time being. No any indications to that effect are visible. But yet I would say that a politics of compulsion is in the making for the formation of such a government.

I don’t see that this government will be able to bring in an atmosphere conducive for having a consensus among various political parties. Simply because, neither the people nor the parties trust this government any longer. Trust deficit is there for all to see. Immaterial of the fact that the national unity government may not be possible for the moment yet the unaccomplished tasks must not be obstructed by any parties only because of the failure in the formation of an all party unity government. The parties must go in search for the common points and proceed in harmony in order to complete the unfinished tasks. The peace and the constitution drafting process must be completed well within the remaining five months time. No obstructions should be made even if a national unity government is not in place.

TGQ2: It is being widely talked that many communities, ethnic tribes and some political parties act as per the instructions of international community, India included on the top, and that unless these powers do not wish to draft the constitution, the Charter can’t be in place. It is talked so. How you think of such rumors? Surprisingly, the communist parties which used to talk of class politics now have begun to center their talks on community politics? Why so?

Mr. Bist: Well, in some issues, the international forces too may have some intrinsic interests in Nepal. But the fact is that Nepal has been subjected to foreign interference for long. Not a new phenomenon for our country. It continues still. Some communities conclude or say very much contend that they have been marginalized and discriminated thus the parties must proceed ahead by addressing properly those grievances. We can’t shift the blame onto the heads of others. It should be the parties to convince all and take them into confidence. Yes! I may agree to some extent that in some of the Nepali parties the feeling of nationalism and preservation of Nepali interests may be less but yet it is the political parties which eventually have to address these shortcomings. Keeping the national integrity and sovereignty intact, it should be the parties and parties alone which should look upon the grievances of various communities and act accordingly so that they too feel satisfied. The political parties must act in this regard. 

Let’s not take it from that angle. We have some grave issues regarding language, community and culture which need also to be efficiently addressed. It is here that the political parties should convince those who are involved in practicing such politics. This must be the prime job of the parties. The distressed parties or say groups, if they are, must be taken into confidence. I think the problem has arisen because of the lack of vision among our own leaders. The parties must reassure them all that the party will take in hand their issues and problems. As far as the politics of community is concerned, if the ideological and political thinking base declines then also such problems crop up. Such attitude may overwhelm at times. The trend that is prevalent now is to cash in upon from such politics for short term gains. Such players must be politically educated. And also those who were really discriminated and oppressed too must be taken well care of.

The political leadership must remain observant and edify those who are for short term gains.

TGQ3: The UML has begun taking a step wherein the seniority of the leaders is being determined and fixed. Is it that some sort of new equation is in the making in between the UML leaders? Does it also mean that the differences of opinions among the party leaders is lessening or coming to an end? What say you?

Mr. Bist: Well, these talks have come to the open through the steering committee. Let’s take it this way. It is the process of determining the position and rank of the leaders who have served the party and the nation with devotion including the people at large. It is the people who remain instrumental in determining the seniority of a particular leader.  The more you are popular among the mass the more you become senior and admired in the party. It is not that if you write a name in the register which makes one popular and senior one. The people should decide the seniority and the popularity.

To tell you frankly, the UML never had any problem with the party’s policies, thinking and ideology. Not even we have had any differing opinions in the manifesto or say the document compiled after the conduct of the party’s general assembly. Yes we have had some problems that cropped up with the personality clash. A personality cult got developed. It was all due to increasing ambitions which created internal problems in the party.  If we devise a definitive mechanism wherein one is taken as a competent person taking into account his or her real proficiency and the ability to shoulder the given responsibility. One should be evaluated by his works accomplished. If such a mechanism is in place then even if the personalities clash yet the system remains intact and keeps on functioning. The party runs in a united manner thus. As and when a competent and honest person in the party is encouraged then only the party’s future remains bright and secured as well. If it is just the otherwise then you keep on talking of party unity but in practice it is not that what is being talked of. That’s why one should be judged by his or integrity, proficiency and the commitment towards the people and the party as well. If one has these qualities then he or she must be encouraged.

TGQ4: The Supreme Court has already set the deadline for the draft of the constitution. It has already said “no more extension please”. Tell us also about the UML role in the completion of the peace and constitution drafting processes?

Mr. Bist: Wisdom would demand that let’s avoid conflict with the Supreme Court’s order instead we should concentrate our entire efforts in drafting the constitution within the remaining months by respecting the people’s wishes and aspirations. If we begin feeling that what if the constitution could not be drafted and act in a fearful manner then that fear psyche may hamper once again the constitution drafting process. Now we have to draft the constitution well within the stipulated time. For this certain procedures have to be slashed down. But that should not mean that we should exceed our limits instead the constitution must come from the Constituent Assembly itself. If it is brought from somewhere else then that may invite conflicts of new sorts. One should remain ever alert.

As regards to your associated question, well! The UML has played an important role in the process of the integration and the rehabilitation of the Maoists militia. Even on matters pertaining to the draft of the new constitution, we should lessen the differing opinions and draft the constitution on the scheduled time frame. For that as well, the UML will definitely play its due role. Rest assured.

TGQ5: When the day will approach this nation when we will be able to provide electricity power in a sufficient manner domestically and later be able to sell it for others? Also tell us about the talks floating in town of having diesel plants for electricity generation?

Mr. Bist:  This is not at all a big issue. Having electrical power for the nation is not of that much importance. However, what is important is the development of energy and utilization of the same for the country men and the rest to sell to other interested buyers. By selling electricity, we can earn money which will help support our national economy. If we begin working in this direction in a well planned manner then that is not at all an absurd thinking.

The talk of having diesel plant is simply to push the nation into an economic slide. The Nepalese population do not possess the ability to bear the operation cost of the Diesel plants. When we have not been able to operate those plants which we have with us then the talk of bringing in new Diesel plants is just to cheat the people by keeping them all in the dark. A sane and honest person who claims to be honest towards the population cannot think even of such plants.  

Courtesy: The Nepali Patra Weekly dated January 6, 2012. Thanks. 

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