Editorial»
Let democratic forces thrive
NOV 20 - Jacques Rousseau long ago wrote: “Those who desire to treat politics and morals separately will never understand anything of either.” In today’s context too, Rousseau’s view is equally relevant. The root cause of our nation’s misery lies in politics of dishonesty. Until and unless the politicians realise the fact that politics without moral values does not work, the cycle of corruption and exploitation will continue.
People today generally seem indifferent to the whole class of politicians, thinking there is no fundamental difference between any two political groups. However, this kind of trend and thought has to be discouraged, because once we write off the entire politicians as dishonest, anti-democratic forces get chance to thrive. It thus becomes necessary to create general awareness about the quality and integrity of some individual politicians and their parties, who still can earn people’s faith. We understand our standard of decency, and righteousness cannot always be applied in today’s politics, though we strive for the same. However, we have to opt for a lesser evil force that can checkmate the rise of feudalism and dictatorship.
In Western countries too, there are corrupt politicians, and they resort to all sorts of immoral activities. The only difference between Western and Nepali politicians is that the former mostly remain loyal to their countries, while the latter remain disloyal to their country. In spite of it, in the present situation we cannot discard all politicians, only thing we can do is to make a proper evaluation of them and select the better ones. Neither the Nepali Congress, nor the UML, or for that, any other political group does have a leader commanding the respect and trust of the entire nation. However, there are still some good people in these political parties. We can point out to such people and encourage them to conduct a movement for cleaning the present dirty politics. We have to appreciate the sincerity and personal integrity of any leader. If a person is honest in his personal life, we can expect him/her to be an honest leader too. It is more a tragedy of present politics than dishonest persons, and political fanatics still maintain their hold over political parties. If the politicians were honest, politics itself would become redundant, because things then would move with no hurdle.
Everywhere we talk and hear about politics, because it has obsessed all of us. It is affecting us directly and indirectly all the time. We are neither assured of safety nor of prosperity by the slogan of Surya Bahadur Thapa nor by the talk of agitation by the five political groups, fighting for nullifying the king’s declaration of taking over executive power. The people are in dilemma not being convinced whether the present government or the five parties’ conglomeration is lesser evil. If it is in terms of preserving national interest, NC and UML are not much better than the present government that represents the erstwhile Panchayat elements. NC, RPP and UML have shown utter insensitivity to the integrity of country, whether it was the case of Tanakpur treaty or Kalapani issue. But, in terms of faith in democratic rights, NC, UML and Joint People’s Front have better records than RPP, and the present government. The Prime Minister cannot be sensitive to people’s democratic rights. The recently given interview by the Prime Minister confirms that he is the same man, known for using all tactics for ensuring the victory of Panchayat system during the 1981 referendum.
It is from this angle that we should not dub the political parties having same nature. However, as mentioned earlier, our support should not go to the people represented by the ex-minister who is now in judicial custody for looting the country. Like in NC, there is a crisis of honesty in UML too. Apart from the two opposition parties, the same crisis drags the smaller parties like NWPP, Joint People’s Front and Sadbhavana Party. However, the magnitude of crisis is not the same. It is for us to determine which party does have more honest people, who regard politics as a tool for achieving the common good. Such politicians are patient, and skilled in framing policies for smaller goals, without losing sight of higher objectives. Let us see which party has politicians capable enough, pursuing pragmatism built on principles. We have to see whether they have courage to
say bold things with a constructive attitude.
Now people have no faith whether the politician, in opposition at present, will provide good governance once they come to power. It is really a matter of great concern. However, the people will have an opportunity to punish such dishonest politicians through the ballot box, if the democratic system is preserved. It is for this reason that every attempt by the current government to bring back Panchayat sort of system in disguise should be thwarted. We must give one more chance to the politicians who admit their earlier crime and see how they conduct during elections whenever they take place.
Honest politicians are those who are ready to lose election or to become unpopular while equating politics with opportunism as means of fulfilling self-interest. In the present situation, we should not remain neutral and indifferent, rather should opt for a lesser evil force that can preserve the rights guaranteed by the present constitution than the force that intends to nullify the democratic provisions.
Finally, it is to be recalled that honesty is not the responsibility of politicians. It is for us too to show a sense of sincerity. After all, politicians are the product of our society, and until and unless we develop a culture of tolerance, solidarity, and equal enjoyment of individual rights, we cannot expect honest politicians. It is time for the public and politicians to go for soul searching with a view to saving nation. Politicians and people should never be free from the burden of troubling their conscience with the definition of honest and dishonest politics. General people cannot afford to be neutral; we have to be assertive and positive in giving direction to our motherland; even by opting for lesser evil political force.Posted on: 2003-11-19 09:59
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