Former Nepali Congress Chief Secretary Claims Financial Irregularities in Ticket Distribution

Shobhakar Parajuli was the Chief Secretary at the central office when Girija Prasad Koirala led the Nepali Congress. He also served as the Chief Secretary when Sushil Koirala was the President. Later, he became a Constituent Assembly member and the party's chief whip.

Parajuli witnessed the distribution of election tickets when both Koiralas were party presidents. He worked closely with B.P. Koirala from 2033 to 2039 BS. He appears so dedicated to his faction that even after 49 years of working closely with the Koirala faction since 2033 BS, he remains within the Koirala group. Currently, he works within Shekhar Koirala's secretariat.

He holds a doctorate in Public Administration. Dr. Parajuli, who has witnessed many ups and downs in the Congress party, now claims that there has been financial maneuvering in ticket distribution, and the process has been opaque and biased. Dr. Parajuli spoke with Ratopati's 'Warpar' program regarding the Nepali Congress special general convention, elections, and other issues. Below is the edited excerpt of the interview (the full interview can be viewed in the video):

When the second special general convention of the Congress was taking place, the Nepali Congress was essentially divided into three factions: one led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, which included Purnabahadur Khadka; the Shekhar Koirala faction; and the Gagan Thapa faction. Which faction did you belong to?

Primarily, I have been active in the party without prioritizing any specific faction. However, I am currently working as an aide in Dr. Shekhar Koirala's secretariat. I want to state this clearly.

From the perspective of the Shekhar faction, how did you view the Nepali Congress special general convention?

The Election Commission has already recognized it. The Supreme Court also refused to issue mandamus orders. We must accept the decisions of constitutional bodies and the courts. Rather than further discussion, the election has already begun. I believe we should now focus on the elections to create public support for the party.

The Shekhar faction was accused of being the 'Palturam group' during the special general convention, right?

It appeared that way because we stand for a middle path—moving forward by coordinating with everyone and accepting everyone's existence. When adhering to this middle path, one sometimes faces criticism from extremists and at other times from status quoists. When we advocate for ideological harmony, accepting coexistence, following the rule of law, and minimizing factions and sub-factions, critics call us various names.

The question was also raised about why Shekhar Koirala seemed so unstable, and his activities suggested the same. Is he an unstable leader?

He desires a proper resolution to the problems.

The two then-General Secretaries were with the President Sher Bahadur Deuba. But Shekhar had even predicted on the 17th or 18th that the government had lost its justification, and the Nepali Congress should withdraw from this government, adding that this government would not last long. Therefore, he is also a visionary leader. He is a leader who wants problems to be solved. What he lacks is sycophancy and eloquence. He clarifies what is on his mind.

How ethical was it for Shekhar Koirala to contest the election using a ticket signed by the president elected from the very convention he used strong language to criticize?

Accepting the decision after it has been made falls within the realm of ethics. Once the party president is officially recognized by the procedures, he is contesting the election based on the party president's signature, not Gagan Thapa's signature.

Does this mean Purnabahadur Khadka did not abide by the procedure? He said he would not contest.

It would be appropriate to ask him about his reasons. However, the idea of refusing to contest an election based on Gagan Kumar Thapa's signature does not seem natural to me. It does not seem legal. It does not seem like something a person who claims to follow rules and laws would do.

What did you think of the ticket distribution in this election?

Ticket distribution was done unilaterally. After the special general convention was recognized, tickets were distributed somewhat unilaterally. In the case of Bara district, the Co-General Secretary Farumullah Mansur secured tickets for himself and his supporters.

This time, we only hear that tickets were obtained without paying money, is that true?

When Girija Prasad Koirala led the Nepali Congress, I was both the party's Chief Secretary and Chief Whip during his time. I was at the central office during two elections. As the Chief Secretary, I was responsible for ticket distribution in the capacity of the Chief Executive Officer. There was absolutely no financial maneuvering, neither high nor low. In the 56 and 64 elections, not a single paisa was manipulated. I can guarantee that. Let's not discuss anything beyond that.

Was there financial maneuvering in ticket distribution this time?

Bias was evident in ticket distribution.

Was financial maneuvering also seen?

It was seen. Looking at some districts, a little bit here and there. The current distribution is not exempt either.

Can any assessment be made about the election results?

There is a large number of silent voters who will search for where the 'Rukha Chinha' (Banyan tree symbol) is and vote accordingly. Therefore, I believe the Nepali Congress will establish itself as the leading party. It might not secure an absolute majority.

How much of a shock has the bell symbol of the Rastriya Swatantra Party given to the Nepali Congress?

The Rastriya Swatantra Party is currently being discussed in the market. Therefore, it has attracted not only Nepali Congress workers but also workers from UML and other political parties.

There is a debate now that a caretaker government was formed, with the sole mandate being to hold elections. But ministers are leaving that role to contest elections. Do you have any comment on this?

The current Minister for Social Welfare, Shraddha Ji, herself stated that ministers did not fulfill their responsibilities. However, this is a matter of individual freedom. As a proponent of freedom, I do not strongly object to the utilization of that freedom.

Individuals are elected to a position for a fixed term, but they leave that post midway to contest elections for another position. What should that be called?

That is not appropriate.

Is the party more to blame than the individual in this case?

Parties should not engage in such unwise, unethical acts. If I ever reach a decision-making position, I will not make such a decision, nor will I allow it to happen.

Why did former President Sher Bahadur Deuba not contest the election? Was it because he was not given a ticket?

I don't know that yet. Because it seems like he wasn't given a ticket, and it also seems like he chose not to contest.

Will this harm the Congress in the elections?

It would be fine if he said he would step back to act as a guardian. But if he wanted to contest and was denied a ticket, that is also not right.

Who will win in Jhapa-5: KP Oli or Balen?

There is hope that the Nepali Congress candidate might benefit from their conflict.