Kathmandu, July 25
Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives last month, the main opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said, “I don’t care if anyone writes in my favour or against me. But, there should be the freedom of opinion and expression.”
For a past few months, the former prime minister has been consistently opposing various bills drafted by the Nepal Communist Party-led government, insisting they tried to curb people’s freedom of expression.
However, Nepali Congress insiders say Deuba is trying to replicate the government’s model of controlling dissident voices in the party. Earlier this month, a party panel under the influence of Deuba registered a new proposal in the Central Working Committee for the discussion that has a provision that the party can take action against the leaders expressing opinions that could jeopardise the party’s value, image and dignity.
Congress leaders belonging to other factions except the ‘establishment’ led by Deuba claim the party president is trying to contain all voices against him so that he can win another term of party leadership in the general convention to be held in next two years.
If need be, Deuba may expel any leader or cadres from the party for five long years, they fear.
Influential leader of the party Gagan Thapa says the party should not restrict its leaders from engaging in ideological debates, rather should make such discussions dignified.
“More narrow-minded thinking cannot be accepted,” he argues, “The party should be made more open, liberal and democratic.”
Meanwhile, political analyst Puranjan Acharya says the proposed regulation is against the party’s fundamental principles. “Open discussions about weaknesses and undemocratic practices of the leadership are basic features of the party. That is why it is called a liberal party,” he views, “If they cannot question the leadership, it is similar to an Islamic or a communist party.”
