By P.R. Pradhan

The entire nation is polarized into the two schools of thought. One section is lauding for the Hindu Kingdom, meanwhile, the other section is still advocating for secularism, federalism and republicanism. The patriotic people sided with the Hindu Kingdom agenda, whereas, the leaders and party workers of the major political parties carried the second agenda. In other words, those receiving foreign support, especially, funding from the Indo-West Christian lobbies, are backing the agenda of secularism, federalism and republicanism. Since the present political agenda was adopted, those political leaders have been involved in daylight loot in the country. They are accused of being involved in different scandals and they have been united in protecting each other from being punished against crimes committed by them. Different political parties have different ideologies and principles but all are united and have developed a syndicate for enjoying power turn by turn. Nepal’s old democratic party, Nepali Congress and different communist parties, although having different political agendas, have a common agenda while enjoying power. As the self-centred political leaders exploited the nation’s coffer by themselves and for their family members, relatives and sycophants discarding the nation and the people’s welfare and prosperity, the general public, especially youths, has been frustrated by the present-day political leaders.     

Every day people are going abroad seeking foreign jobs. Students, who saw a bleak picture of the country, left for abroad to study. Those leaders in the government never tried to identify the problems or any attempt to explore employment opportunities within the country. Those patriotic people, witnessing the dark future of the country, have been united to save the country from the present anomalies.

Presently, the global geopolitical scenario is also changing. The developed countries are compelled to cut down grants for Nepal and other least developed countries (LDCs) and developing countries. Following the executive order of US President Donald Trump, the grant support that Nepal was receiving from the USAID has already been suspended. Accordingly, the MCC grant support has also been suspended for the time being. Grant support from the European countries is likely to be reduced as they are compelled to contribute additional funds to NATO after the Trump administration has decided to quit NATO, if not, reducing its financial contribution to NATO. Reduction of the foreign grants will adversely affect the country's economy, which is already suffering.  Already, the rhino census project has been halted following the suspension of funding by the USA.  

The present political system with seven provinces and 753 local bodies has been imposed to manage party workers. In doing so, the country is burdened with additional non-productive sector expenditure, which has forced the government to take two billion rupees worth of debts every month. The country lacks funds for capital sector expenditure, i.e. funds for development projects. The government is unable to run or establish new industries exploring employment opportunities within the country. The debt burden has already crossed the redline indication, and if we further continue the present political system, the nation may collapse financially. Unfortunately, the political leaders have hidden this fact and are busy organizing planned loot even by amending laws favorable to practising corruption and commission.     

If we review the pros and cons of the present federalism, secularism and republicanism, this system has contributed enormously to the downfall of the nation. This system has benefited the political leaders and their party workers, on the other hand, the general public is struggling for two-time meals. People are dying due to a lack of medicine and necessary treatment. We thus advocate for a system change and the introduction of a sustainable political system giving space to all actors.