Madhav Kumar Nepal: Leftist Parties Not Immune to Political Ills

Kathmandu. Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Co-chair Madhav Kumar Nepal has said that leftist parties are not immune to the distortions and anomalies seen in the country's politics. Speaking at a discussion program on 'Role of Leftist Parties in the Current Political Situation' organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of Pushpalal Memorial Day on Friday, he said that the communist movement cannot be taken to new heights without serious self-reflection of the past role, policies, and behavior of the leftist forces. He pointed out the need to review the weaknesses in their own policies, activities, behavior, and public relations, rather than just blaming others for the country's political deterioration. Co-chair Nepal commented that the policy of leftist parties to bow to foreign powers after coming to power is inappropriate. He argued that even subjects contrary to national interest were accepted just to please foreigners. Speaking at the program, Nepal said, 'Leftists are not free from the distortions and anomalies in Nepal's politics.' Mentioning the need for leftists to introspect their past roles, he added, 'Where did we falter? It is not enough to just blame others. We need to introspect all these things: where were the errors in our thoughts, policies, activities, behavior, lifestyles, and public relations?' Urging to discuss with an open mind, he said that it is necessary to review the policies adopted in different periods. 'It is not necessary to bow to foreigners as soon as one comes to power,' he said, 'One can raise their voice with determination. Raising one's voice does not necessarily lead to war. Expressing views in favor of one's country does not necessarily break relations.' He said that while it is possible to move forward by learning from the experiences of many in the world to make international relations effective, some wrong things have been accepted by unnecessarily trying to please foreigners. Emphasizing the need to be vigilant by understanding the interests of foreigners, he said, 'In this sense, it is not about being too extremist. On the other hand, it is not about bowing down and becoming a surrenderist.' He said that the communist movement can truly be taken to new heights only by moving forward with correct policies and perspectives, keeping the interests of the country and the people at the center. He said that one must move forward by abandoning both extremist and surrenderist tendencies.