Maoists better amid Nepal’s political decline: Om Sharma

Kathmandu, August 18 - Om Sharma, co-in-charge of the Asia Province Committee of the CPN Maoist Center, emphasized the need for vigilance in leadership to form a successful party. Speaking at the sixth session of the People's Progressive Forum in South Korea on Sunday, he urged leaders to remain vigilant. Sharma claimed that although all political parties in Nepal have faced decline, the Maoists are comparatively in a better position.

Sharma stated, “All the parties are corrupt; the best among them is the Maoist party. Congress and UML should have forged an alliance long ago. Finally, reason has prevailed. Now we will go to the people. There is nothing to lose for us even if we failed some attempts. We will rise again after shaking off the dust. If we address the issues and agenda of the people, we will regain our position. Power is not everything; raising people’s agenda from the opposition is important.”

He advised Congress and UML leaders to demonstrate better performance than the Maoists. Sharma criticized the centralization of power, saying that the problem began when federalism was weakened and all authority was concentrated in the center.

He pointed out that the Chief Minister lacks the power to appoint employees, being weaker than even a ward chairman. Sharma stressed the importance of everyone questioning and working to preserve the achievements made through change.

Sharma acknowledged that while the party might not have met all public expectations, it achieved significant progress while in government. He highlighted accomplishments such as providing citizenship to non-resident Nepalis and arranging employment for those returning from abroad. Sharma also urged against engaging in politics, business, and deceit while being part of the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) community.

During the program, Binod Kunwar, Chairman of the forum, emphasized that Nepal cannot develop without effective government policies and their implementation. He also noted ongoing efforts to address issues faced by citizens coming to Korea for employment and study.