Democratic image of NC

The Himalayan Times

1 July 2021

The Nepali Congress (NC), which has politically almost lost its democratic image and the main opposition role these days while closely looking at its dubious role, has proposed to hold its 14th general convention on September 1-4, nine days after the previously announced dates amidst uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The party has to organise its general assembly by mid-September as per the constitutional obligation. The convention is expected to elect new leadership from the centre down to the local levels.

Sher Bahadur Deuba was elected the party president for four years during the 13th general convention held in March, 2016, He is again vying for the position after completing his first four-year term. Likewise, there are other senior leaders including Bimalendra Nidhi, talking about contesting for the post against Deuba in the upcoming convention “Nidhi to vie for top NC post” (THT, June 20, Page 2).

Time has come for the NC’s senior leaders, whoever is vying for the post of future president, to seriously and sincerely contemplate on the party’s political blunders made in the past and to be bold enough to take the NC into its original political platform as envisioned by late B.P.Koirala. By doing so, the NC will get an opportunity to revive its legendary democratic image and give its voters and well-wishers hope that it will lead the nation with a new vigour. 

Having said this, the NC needs to revisit its constitution and amend it to suit the needs of the hour and growing demands of the majority of the population. It might be a huge advantage for the party if the NC’s future leadership dares to do so even before the upcoming general convention. Otherwise, it might prove to be politically disastrous for the party as a whole in the coming days, considering its dubious role played in the recent days and poorly performed opposition role following the historical defeat in the last general elections.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj