Who is regressive?
From the beginning, we were lauding against the political and economic anomalies witnessed in democracy. We were saying that such an act will not be in the interests of the nation and the people. However, a section of political groups labelled us the “regressive element” or “orthodox” opposing the offensive move!
What an offensive move, today it is in front of us. Whether they accept it or not, today, we are in majority, however, the rule of the majority has been abducted by a small group of political elements in minority.
They are afraid of calling a referendum on controversial issues – federalism, secularism and republicanism. We know, they are losing their popular base and thus stressing for an alliance with other political parties to ensure their victory. The reality is that in the previous elections, the Maoist Center, which has claimed ownership of the present system, was able to save its existence with the support of the UML in the elections held five years ago. Now, it sided with the NC to save its existence. Moreover, party supremo Pushpakamal Dahal, who is giving patriotic slogans in domestic politics, is roaming around the doors of the Indian leaders to save their existence in Nepali politics. Dr Baburam Bhattarai, who is said to be close to the Indian intelligence operated by the previous Congress I government in India, is facing a serious crisis of existence in Nepali politics. Upendra Yadav, who also claims ownership of the present loktantra, is passing through a critical phase in saving his political existence.
Within seven years of the promulgation of the new constitution, the lok-tantra has been transformed into a loot-tantra. Many economic and political observers have warned that the country is passing through a serious crisis and if failed to make a timely correction to the present system, soon, Nepal will become another Sri Lanka or say, the country will be bankrupted. The present negative syndrome has accelerated since the introduction of the present lok-tantra but the nation has been derailed in all sectors since the adoption of multiparty democracy in 1990. Corruption and commission practices were institutionalized since the 1990 political change. Now, a few brokers, middlemen, and commission agents have become a dominant power in Nepali politics. The end of rule of law and the rise of political anarchism is being witnessed in all sectors.
The recently released report of the fiscal year 2021/22 by the Office of Auditor General states that a total of 115.5 billion rupees was found as arrears in the three levels of government, public committees and organizations in the country. The total arrears in the government agencies have reached 483.59 billion rupees, according to the report. The total amount to be received by the government has reached 829 billion rupees. A total amount of Rs 4.37 trillion from 5,665 different entities was audited and 2.63 percent of the total audited amount was found to be arrears. Surprisingly, every year, the Office of Auditor General releases the report but the government is unable to refund the arrears and in one year, the arrears amount has doubled. If the government will be able to refund the arrears, a big infrastructural project can be completed from this amount.
All are saying that Nepal may become another Sri Lanka and those intellectuals defending the government are denying such predictions, but what we believe is that Nepal may face a situation worse than Sri Lanka if the present system is continued and if corruption is not checked.
There are vast differences between Nepal and Sri Lanka. Nepal is a landlocked country, whereas, Sri Lanka is an island nation having direct access to trade with foreign countries. The Sri Lankan economy – local production, tourism and exports – is stronger than Nepal. The infrastructure of Sri Lanka is much better than that of Nepal. In this regard, if Sri Lanka concentrates on corruption control and foreign intervention in politics, immediately, it can revive its economy. In Nepal, we have introduced an expensive political system in which our entire domestic revenue is not enough to operate the system and we need to take foreign debt to function. Without any foreign debt, we cannot construct or invest in infrastructure projects. In conclusion, with the present system, we cannot improve our economy and without a vibrant economy, we cannot strengthen the country. The end of the present political system and the end of corruption is obvious to save the country.