Former minister and UML parliamentarian Ramkumari Jha expressed outrage over student organizations’ silence amidst soaring prices and the public’s suffering. She noted that despite petrol prices reaching 219 rupees in Nepal compared to 107 rupees in India, students and delivery drivers have remained silent. Jha attributed the emergence of an ‘ideological crisis’ in the country to the inactivity and internal weaknesses of major political parties. Kathmandu, 6 Baisakh.
Speaking at an event on Sunday in Kathmandu about the role of student organizations and the current social situation, Jha argued that the student movement has lost its credibility and agenda. “At one time, we took to the streets demanding concessions for students who cooked with kerosene and fought for student discounts in public transportation. But today, when petrol prices in India are 107 rupees and in Nepal 219 rupees, students and delivery drivers remain silent. Why is no one concerned today?” she questioned.
Jha expressed surprise that neither consumers nor student organizations have resisted when the price of rice surged by 350 rupees per sack simultaneously in the market. She said, “The public and students may be silently enduring the price hikes as ‘retribution.’ Previously, they applauded and voted, but now those same people are strangling themselves. This situation must mature; only when people and students truly realize it will rebellion arise from school benches.”
Member of Parliament Jha blamed the ‘ideological crisis’ in the country on the major political parties’ inactivity and internal weaknesses. She criticized the parties for failing to make activists thoughtful and instead turning them into ‘consumers.’ “What happened in the last election? The reformed Congress dropped to 18 seats, UML to 9 seats, and the NCP secured 7 seats. This is no one else’s fault but the consequences of our own incompetence, a punishment given by the people. If we don’t improve, this penalty will become even harsher,” she warned.
