Kathmandu, July 20
A senior leader of the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal says the presidium of his party does not include any other leader of the party in discussions on crucial political issues.
In an interview with Onlinekhabar on Wednesday, Hridayesh Tripathi says the six-member presidium is acting as an autocratic power centre within the party.
When six Madhesh-centric parties merged to form the new party in April this year, the presidium was formed comprising chairs of all the parties.
“It is very unfortunate that the RJPN does not hold any discussion in the party,” he says, “After the merger, it has been disseminated that the presidium’s decision is acceptable to all. Therefore, no one knows what is going on inside the party.”
Despite his serious objection to the working style of party leadership, Tripathi, however, clarifies that he will not form a new party.
“I never wanted to open a sweet shop in the name of a party in Madhesh. I just want to lead a mission in the region,” he says, “Therefore, I supported the RJPN unification unconditionally. Had I not made efforts till the last minute, Anil Jha would not have joined the party.”
Tripathi claims some members of the RJPN presidium including Rajendra Mahato and Anil Jha were junior to him, and says he does not want to open a new party just to be called a leader.
“It has been established that whoever can split a party and open a new shop, he or she can climb to the leadership position,” he opines, “But, your role is defined by your society and people.”
“Becoming a leader by opening a shop and leading a mission are different things.”
