UML General Secretary Pokharel Criticizes New Political Forces and Government Governance

Kathmandu. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has claimed that the future of new political forces built on the foundations of populism and anarchy is in crisis. He asserted that unity without ideology and principles will not last long.

Speaking at a program organized by the CPN-UML Contact Special Organization Committee, Pokharel, alluding to the internal conflict between new forces (Rabi-Balen), stated that once a clash of interests arises between those with differing ideologies, fragmentation is inevitable. He criticized the so-called new forces for attempting to shrink democratic spaces and attacking student organizations and trade unions. He made it clear that the UML would stand like a rock against authoritarianism and arbitrary rule. He stated that even though the UML's numbers in Parliament are low, its role will be 'decisive and aggressive'.

He said, 'Balen had a campaign to put Rabi Lamichhane in jail, but they united for self-interest during the election. Where ideologies do not align, fragmentation begins as soon as a clash of interests occurs. The faster a force rises, the faster its decline. Populism does not solve people's problems; it only spreads illusions.'

Expressing objection to the Prime Minister not engaging with the public by speaking in Parliament, Pokharel questioned what kind of democracy it is where the Prime Minister can speak for hours at security agency programs but is afraid to speak in Parliament, the sovereign forum of the people. Pokharel called on lawmakers to link the parliamentary front with the party's revival campaign and expose the government's undemocratic and illegal actions.

Pokharel also remarked that the 'good governance' mask of the current government and the so-called new forces has been stripped off.

He alleged that ministers and the Speaker, who came in the name of good governance, have made a mockery of transparency. Questioning the Speaker's asset declaration, he said that while becoming an owner from a worker is not a crime, they must answer through which channel the assets claimed to be earned abroad came and whether taxes have been paid to the state.

He expressed objection to ministers delaying the submission of their asset declarations. Stating that UML leaders are ready to face any trial, he asked whether the new ones are ready or not.

He warned of a strong retaliation against the Karki Commission being used as a 'weapon of vengeance' to harass UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.