Shankar Pokharel: Leadership is a Matter of Trust, Not Just Expectation

Kathmandu. UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has commented that the question of leadership within the party is not just a matter of expectation but also of trust.

Speaking at a discussion program organized in Kathmandu on Sunday on the occasion of the 33rd Madan-Ashrit Memorial Day, General Secretary Pokharel made such a comment.

He said that ideological, political, and organizational trust are the main basis for leadership. General Secretary Pokharel made such a statement at a time when questions are being raised about the party and its policies within the party.

He also said that it is natural and justified for the younger generation to demand responsibility and opportunity from the party leadership. However, he said that leadership can only develop if one has the ability to lead the overall movement, organizational skills, and can build broad trust. He urged party workers not to be influenced by the narrative being created in society that the old generation has not done well.

Speaking at the program, he said, 'The question of leadership is naturally not just a matter of expectation, leadership is also a matter of trust. Leadership cannot be achieved until the trust of the majority is won. Therefore, what is the question of leadership? It is about winning the trust of the majority of party members ideologically and politically. When trust is won, anyone can become a leader regardless of age. The demand made by the youth in terms of fulfilling their responsibilities according to the circumstances of the time is justified. But it means that the younger generation must be able to trust the ability to lead the overall movement ideologically, politically, and organizationally.'

He added, 'We must understand that this develops leadership. This should not just be a matter of subjective desire. Currently, a narrative has been created that the old generation has not done well, the new generation will do it. We are being influenced by that. In reality, the question of social development is not just a question of one generation.'

His view is that social development is a matter related to overall political vision and leadership capability, not just a question of one generation.