Gagan Thapa Criticizes Government's Style, Questions Democratic Values

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has raised serious questions about the government's working style and democratic values. Addressing a program organized by the Nepal Trade Union Congress on the occasion of International Labour Day, Thapa cautioned the government to respect law and procedure. Responding to questions raised about his recent silence, he said it was time for the opposition party to break its silence. Warning the government not to be arrogant with its majority, Thapa urged it to understand the difference between the 'rule of law' and 'governance by law'. He accused the current government of trying to attack citizens by making law a 'stick' instead of being a servant of the law in a democracy. 'The government has the right to remove encroachments, but it is not right to treat its citizens like war criminals. In the rule of law, process is as important as results,' he said, 'We ask questions, we warn, and we suggest alternatives politely. But the government should not mistake our politeness for weakness. We are polite but not weak.' Targeting the ordinance related to the Constitutional Council, he said that the balance of the constitutional structure was being disturbed. He argued that it was undemocratic to try to change the structure of the Constitutional Council, which is a state body and in which the opposition party also has a role. Stating that the election gave Rastriya Swatantra Party the mandate to run the government and Congress to be in opposition, he clarified that Congress would fulfill its role responsibly. He said that Congress would play the role of a constructive opposition rather than immediately taking to the streets to trouble the government. 'Rastriya Swatantra Party has been given the mandate to run the government for 5 years. We want them to fulfill their responsibilities properly according to the mandate they have received,' Thapa said, 'But this election has given the Nepali Congress party the mandate to play the role of opposition at the federal level for five years.' President Thapa said that the job of the opposition in a democracy is to question and warn. 'In a democracy, the job of the opposition is to question, to warn, and if necessary, to protest and resist. It is also to suggest alternatives,' Thapa said. Pointing to the country's current economic situation, President Thapa indicated that the economy was heading towards 'coma'. He said that the accumulation of money in banks but the lack of an environment to take loans indicated a lack of confidence among investors. 'From daily wage earners to big businessmen, everyone is facing economic recession, the kitchen has become expensive, but the government is indulging in publicity-oriented work instead of result-oriented work,' he said. He emphasized that the government's main priorities should be good governance and the improvement of the deteriorating economy, and expressed the commitment that Congress would fully support every positive step taken for good governance. Speaking on diplomatic and trade relations, Thapa said that Nepali entrepreneurs were suffering due to the tax imposed by India on Nepali tea and the obstruction seen at the China border. He said that at a time when Nepal's tea was establishing itself as a major industry, the sector was on the verge of collapse due to the tax imposed by India, and urged the government to provide concessions to Nepali products through effective diplomatic dialogue. He said that the obstruction at the northern border with China was negatively affecting the Nepali economy and urged for immediate initiatives to create a conducive trading environment. Targeting the discussions being held regarding India and China jointly opening the road via Lipulekh to Mansarovar, he said that Nepal's presence and stance on such issues should be clear. Speaking on labor rights, he emphasized the need for trade unions to be free from political party influence and focus on labor issues. Urging unions to operate autonomously and reform their working style, he said, 'The leadership of the union should not look to the party, but at the condition of the workers. To be free from the accusation of carrying the party's bag, the union must maintain its professional dignity.' He also pointed out the need to include workers in the 'gig economy' and the informal sector in accordance with the changing environment. He stressed the need to organize workers in the health, education, and service sectors who are working at minimum wages. Mentioning that self-reflection and review were also happening within the party, Thapa also expressed commitment to make significant changes in membership distribution and working style through the upcoming general convention.