Nepali Communist Parties Face Crisis of Faith Amid Accusations of Embracing Capitalism

In Nepal's modern political history, the word 'Communist' was not just an ideology; it was a great struggle for the liberation, equality, and transformation of the common people. The establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic in Nepal today is built upon seven decades of struggle, the martyrdom of thousands, and the sweat of millions of cadres. Major forces like CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) have played a historic role in changing the political and social landscape of the country. However, serious questions are being raised by the public against the top leadership of these parties, KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. Have these parties forgotten their own glorious history and fallen into the clutches of capitalism?

1. Historical Achievements: Social Justice and the Constitution

Despite criticism, there are certain actions taken by Nepal's communist parties in the interest of the nation and the people that will remain significant for ages to come:

• Social Security and Welfare State: The 'Build Your Own Village' and 'Old Age Allowance' programs initiated by the minority communist government under Manmohan Adhikari in 2051 BS truly sowed the seeds of a welfare state in Nepal. This established access for the general public to state resources and ensured the right of senior citizens to live with dignity. The fact that all political parties now follow this program is proof of its success.
• Political Consciousness and Inclusivity: The Maoist movement shook the foundations of Nepal's centralized and feudal state power. Its greatest achievement was instilling the political consciousness among Dalits, Janajatis, women, Madhesis, and people from remote areas—who had been marginalized for years—that "the state is ours too." The proportional and inclusive representation guaranteed in every body of the state today is the result of that struggle.
• The 2072 Constitution and the Republic: Concluding the 2062/63 People's Movement and the subsequent political transition by promulgating the constitution through people's representatives in 2072 BS is an event that will be written in golden letters in Nepal's history. The role of these two major communist parties was central in institutionalizing epoch-making changes like federalism, secularism, and the republic.

The Clutches of Capitalism and Ideological Deviation

Despite historical achievements, the deviation seen in the leadership after gaining power has caused serious concern. There is a widespread accusation that despite being repeatedly endorsed by the public, the leadership has promoted 'crony capitalism' (the nexus between leaders and business interests) instead of working according to the public's will.

Falling into the clutches of capitalism does not just mean making money; it means allowing middlemen to dominate policy-making, favoring one's cronies and factions, and forgetting the issues of the proletariat. When communist leaders become accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle and the basic needs of the people (education, health, employment) are sidelined, the movement itself comes under threat. Some critics even suggest that the leaders might be intentionally engaged in a 'conspiracy' to end the communist movement?

Mirror of World History and Nepal's Situation

World history also has many examples of communist parties collapsing due to the loss of public trust. The dissolution of the Soviet Union was not solely due to external conspiracy; the communist leaders there had distanced themselves from the people, a new 'elite' class (Nomenklatura) had emerged within the party, and corruption had become institutionalized.

Similarly, the 1989 uprising in Eastern Europe was fueled by public outrage against economic stagnation and the luxurious lifestyles of the leaders. Similar signs are now beginning to appear in Nepal. The political landscape of 2082/83 and the rise of new forces have compelled the Nepali communist movement to engage in serious self-reflection.

Roadmap to Regain Public Trust

The Nepali people have shown great favor to the communist parties many times. Now, to regain public trust, merely repeating old speeches and history will not suffice. For this, the following 'surgical operations' are needed:

• Generational Change in Leadership: Leaders who have crossed 70 years of age and tasted power multiple times must now step into a mentoring role and hand over leadership to new, energetic, and clean-imaged youth. The rise of figures like Balen Shah or Rabi Lamichhane clearly indicates that the public is looking for 'results' and 'new faces'.
• Money Laundering Investigation and Transparency: The leadership must show the courage to investigate the assets of leaders from the top level down to the ward-level cadres and adopt zero tolerance for corruption. Those who turn politics into a 'money-making business' must be expelled from the party.
• Productive Socialism: Communist politics must now shift from 'slogans' to 'production'. Cadres should be mobilized for constructive work, such as freeing Nepal's agricultural system from the import of chemical fertilizers (Urea) and producing organic manure through local waste management. 'Nation-sustaining' productive cadres are the current necessity.
• Implementation of Fundamental Rights: Local and provincial governments must be activated to practically implement the constitutionally guaranteed rights to free education, health, and employment.

Conclusion

The sacrifices made and achievements gained by Nepal's communist parties in the past are incomparable. However, the future cannot be secured by merely living off the interest of history. Only by escaping the clutches of capitalism and private self-interest and once again becoming servants of the grassroots people will the communist movement in Nepal be saved. If the leadership continues to choose the path of favoring cronies and accumulating wealth, the risk of communists being confined only to the pages of history in Nepal is increasing. To gain public trust, what is needed now is not speeches, but 'delivery' and 'honesty'.