News Summary
- Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, accused the Prime Minister of lacking seriousness toward the policy and program and neglecting the Parliament.
- General Secretary Paudel criticized parallel activities and factional gatherings within the Congress and urged all dissatisfied leaders to discuss their concerns within the party committees.
- Paudel emphasized that the upcoming budget should be designed to meet public expectations, ensuring reforms and good governance.
Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of the main opposition party Nepali Congress, expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s policy and program, stating that the Prime Minister lacks seriousness. He also accused the Prime Minister of extreme neglect toward Parliament.
While parallel activities and factional meetings are occurring within Congress, General Secretary Paudel strongly criticized the tendency to create power centers to seek power sharing in the party. He asserted that the recent appointments to the central working committee comply with party rules and urged all dissatisfied leaders to come forward and discuss issues within the committee.
Given that the current government is strong and enjoys popular support, Paudel emphasized there is no allowance for excuses in the next fiscal year’s budget. Below is the interview with General Secretary Paudel:
The government has just introduced its policy and program. How does the Nepali Congress perceive this?
Many questions arise in the context in which the policy and program was introduced. However, the Prime Minister did not show seriousness toward it. The Prime Minister was absent when the President presented the government’s policy and program in Parliament, indicating a lack of commitment from the Prime Minister.
Discussions on the policy and program should be conducted by the Prime Minister in Parliament, answering questions, but this seriousness has not been seen. The Prime Minister seems to treat it as a mere formality each year and has shown significant neglect toward Parliament.
Parliament was again adjourned prematurely, key issues were introduced through ordinances, and the government did not consider it necessary to bring them to Parliament. The President read the policy and program, but respect for both the President and Parliament was not shown in these procedures.
The content of the policy and program does not show progress according to public support and expectations. There are no plans to bring hope or change the country; rather, controversies arise more from the presentation and the Prime Minister’s behavior.
Why have the opposition parties launched such strong protests even though the government’s 100 days are not over?
The government’s work and conduct generate opposition. Even before completing 100 days, the government has given many reasons for protest. Opposition reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s work. Neglect of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s disregard toward Parliament are extremely troubling.
The government must perform its duties according to established procedures. Opposition highlights the government’s weaknesses. Both supporters and critics should be treated fairly. Now is the time to work maturely and responsibly.
What kind of budget should be presented for the upcoming fiscal year?
This government is powerful and enjoys great public trust. Based on this, the next budget should maintain reforms and good governance aligned with public expectations. It must clearly outline plans for reforms covering all sectors including education, health, infrastructure, and security.
Good governance does not mean merely low expenditure but depends on implementation and commitment. Clear programs are needed to manage petroleum price increases and control inflation. Health insurance should also be prioritized and must be advanced by the government.
The budget should propose long-term reforms, reduce inequality, and improve people’s living standards. With a stable government for five years, continuity of programs must be ensured, and excuses should not be made.
Is there tension in the alliances between Congress and UML at the provincial level?
Provincial and local governments are formed by alliances which are inevitable. Certain aspects require balance and improvement in governance. Within a year, the government is preparing strategies to perform well and send positive messages.
Various disputes occur, but the main focus remains on preserving the alliance. The priority is working in government and being accountable to the people.
What is your view on dissatisfaction and factional meetings within Nepali Congress?
Factions and groups are not new in politics, but the main work of the party is to serve the country and the people. Factionalism weakens the party. Therefore, efforts are underway to include all dissatisfied leaders and resolve these issues within the party.
We are working to incorporate both experienced and senior leaders in the new committees. Discussions are ongoing at all levels to prevent division and strengthen the party.
The tendency to form power centers to seek power sharing must be corrected. Everyone is ready to come together, discuss, and resolve problems. The party is for development and leadership, not street-fighting politics.
What about the appointments within the party?
Qualified and active leaders have been appointed to the committees. Responsibility is assigned based on individuals’ capabilities and contributions. Party decisions are made on consensus, so disputes should be avoided.
Power centers and power-sharing tendencies are harmful to the party. Our efforts focus on bringing dissatisfied leaders and groups back into the party structure.
What is the situation regarding the recent Bagmati Province level rally from the Deuba faction and preparations for the general convention?
Consensus building and collective mechanisms are crucial to ensure a fair and successful general convention. Instead of forcibly creating new committees, the policy is to seek consensus within the current central committee. Senior leaders are actively engaged in building consensus and preparing for the convention.
Members must renew their memberships within the deadline to participate in the convention. Efforts are ongoing to digitally update old member records, not to add new members. This will enhance transparency and strengthen party organization.
Are there efforts to bring back main dissatisfied leaders?
Efforts are ongoing to engage these leaders and invite them to collaborate within the committee. A nationwide campaign is underway to unite and keep the party dynamic and active.
Priority is on advancing the party rather than internal conflicts. Due to limited time, plans are in place to prepare for the convention swiftly and effectively.
How is participation and sentiment in provincial-level trainings and meetings?
Due to past electoral defeat and internal disputes, members are not very enthusiastic. But now the party is moving toward working unitedly. A sentiment is developing for members to actively represent and support the public.
What about the dissolution of 13 affiliated organizations and appointing new leadership?
The affiliated organizations’ terms expired due to inactivity, so no extensions have been granted. While the Women’s Association has new leadership, discussions for new leadership in other organizations are ongoing. Necessary support and facilitation will be provided.
If conventions are not completed, the process of dissolving organizations may be enforced.
