By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel At present, everyone is talking about two incidents that took place in the country just recently. The first is related to the indecent of our Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Jeevan Ram Shrestha. The second issue is surrounding our national cricket team captain (now suspended), Sandeep Lamichener for allegedly raping a girl. Both events have created a ripple effect among people from all walks of life compelling us to them think are we morally immoral. Minister Shrestha was criticized for his indecent behaviour. Social media was inundated with comments criticizing the Minister for his ego and arrogant attitude. They were of the view that leaders are still guided by an autocratic tendency despite bidding adieu to monarchy a little time ago. The Minister along with his wife had gone to the Thamel-based VFS global office to provide his biometrics to visit Canada. However, there was a queue of applicants outside the centre. The Minister's security guard asked the guard of the office to let the minister jump the queue. However, the security guard, Serjan Gurung, stood his ground and asked the Minister and his wife to wait for their turn. This led to a war of words between Gurung and Shrestha’s guard. Minister Shrestha alleged that Gurnuug misbehaved with them and used offensive language. He said that Gurung did not let them jump the queue despite recognizing him. It is not understandable what led Shrestha to think that as a minister he has all the right to flout the laws which are equal for everyone -- be it a minister or a layman. It is also not clear why the minister should be given undue privilege. After the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs sent a letter to the Police headquarters seeking it to act against Gurung. The Police headquarters asked Durbar Marga Police to act against Gurung who later booked Gurung for indecent behaviour. Only in Nepal do we find someone booked for carrying his responsibility earnestly. I will leave it to the government and expert par excellence to explain whether this is against moral character. I will also leave it to the politicians to explain when they will shun the autocratic tendency. Common sense tells us that the law is equal for everyone. It also says that one should respect others - irrespective of his/ her economic background, caste, ethnicity and gender.  But our leaders do not have moral obligations and etiquette. They are driven by autocratic tendencies and bullying attitudes. While monarchy has become thing of the past, the hangover of autocracy persists among our politicians. Across the globe, leaders are role model who inspires people to follow their suit. They invoke a sense of nationality and people rally behind them for the betterment of society. Their unconditional and selfless support and contribution have defeated the tyrant and autocratic forces laying the ground for an equitable and just society. Conversely in Nepal, politicians are compared with thieves and dacoits. They are viewed as ruthless, unaccountable and untransparent and irresponsible and are least bothered that people are closely observing their activities. The news report of cricketer Sandeep Lamichhaney equally brings shame to our society. Lamichhane has been accused of raping a 17-year-old girl a few days ago. The teen-aged girl filed an FIR at Gaushala Metropolitan Police Circle in Kathmandu on Tuesday in which she had accused 22-year-old Lamichhane had raped her in a hotel room in Kathmandu some three weeks ago. According to the case, Lamichhane allegedly took the girl to various places in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur for a visit on August 21 and raped her in a hotel in Kathmandu the same night. Though it is too early to say whether he is innocent or guilty, Lamichhane has certainly saddened his fans - at home and abroad - and shattered the sportsmanship spirit. Lamichhaney is the most sought-after cricketer in Nepal. He has played in cash-rich mega entertainment franchise tournaments like the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, Pakistan’s Super League and global T20 of Canada among other international franchises. His engagement with the international franchise has helped to contribute to taking our national cricket to a new helm. With the allegation of raping a minor girl, Lamichhaney has not only eclipsed his image but also made us hang our heads in shame. As a most sought-after cricketer, Lamichaney was supposed to be a role model inspiring youth to indulge in sports and do away from drugs and alcoholism. He had the responsibility to take our ranking even further. On the contrary, he did not leave any stone unturned to destroy our image as a promising cricket nation. After this pitiable event, I recall a  saying that Sati, the wife of Bhim Malla, was so frustrated with the administration of Nepal that she cursed Nepal to suffer from political, economic and social problems forever. She cursed Nepal never to be developed! As long as such incidents will continue and thrive, Nepal will never embark on the path of progress -- socially, economically and politically. In plain words, Sati’s curse that Nepal will never develop will always seem rational.