- Gaurav Ojha
The politics of Nepal has been characterized by a lack of political aspirations and principles that influence the actions, reactions, and decisions of politicians and their political parties. In the absence of political aspirations that provides guiding moral principles and self-assimilated ethical standards, politicians in Nepal are only influenced by their self-interest. What we have is the politics of ideologies and self-interest without ideals to inspire for and achieve. Indeed, we have socialism, Maoism, communism, Marxism–Leninism, conservatism, Hindu revivalism, ethnicity-based identity politics, and the democratic socialism of BP Koirala. Rather ironically, the politics in Nepal, behind the walls of ideological frameworks and isms, is utterly empty of ethical ideals, moral standards, inner convictions, and commitments that provide a unified direction for actions, reactions, decisions and cultural blue print necessary for socio-economic transformation of the nation.
Politics without Aspirations and Practice in Nepal
As British philosopher Bertrand Russell rather succinctly put it, political ideas and ideologies need to influence and inspire individual life. Ironically, in the Nepalese context, the ideologies and isms of political parties in Nepal never seem to influence and inspire their politicians and party members, let alone the voters. For instance, BP Koirala’s democratic socialism and Marxism which is based on equitable resource distribution and strong social welfare systems, would idealize that politicians operating under its tenets would never engage in unethical behavior that takes advantage of Nepal’s defenseless citizens financially. However, the realities of politicians in Nepal always already contradicts the tenets of political ideology they aim to embrace.
Similarly, identity politics in Nepal has become a mere tool for reinforcing self-interest among political elites, where leaders exploit ethnic and social divisions to consolidate power within their constituencies. Politics of self-interest within identity politics has only resulted in fragmentation and unnecessary conflict among different ethnic and regional groups in Nepal, damaging a possibility for an alliance between people belonging to similar economic status for their socio-economic upliftment.
In addition, Hinduism has also been unnecessarily misused by a few conservative parties in Nepal for their opportunism and political gain. However, none of the politicians Hindu revivalism, have ever practiced political principles based on Hindu political philosophy, such as ethical decision-making, bipartisan cooperation, and struggling for a personal transformation in the realm of politics by following Dharma that directs duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and what is considered the right way of living for a politician in the political domain.
Learning from the Neighbor: How Political Ideals Inspires Politicians
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, from his dietary habits to decision making has derived his aspirations and inspirations from Hindu political philosophy and its ways of being and living. Similarly, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, and his approach to governance and policy-making are significantly influenced by the ideals of Integral Humanism, a philosophy articulated by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. Within the political framework of Integral Humanism, a core tenet of Upadhyaya’s philosophy is Antyodaya, which focuses on uplifting the most marginalized sections of society. This principle emphasizes on political policies and programs that prioritize the welfare of the poorest and ensure the rise and development of the last person in society.
Based on the political ideals of Antyodaya, Narendra Modi has implemented programs such as PM Ujjwala Yojana, providing LPG connections to rural households, and PM Awas Yojana, affordable housing and these programs directly address the needs of marginalized communities. More importantly, due to this actions, policies, and decisions based upon his political ideal of integral humanism and Hindu political philosophy, the image of Narendra Modi as an incorruptible leader has become a significant aspect of his political persona. More significantly, the government programs and Union Budget under Prime Minister Modi’s direction, which prioritize areas for women, farmers, youth, and the impoverished, and emphasize unity, integrity, and inclusivity in economic development, are in line with Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision of Integral Humanism.
Similarly, The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, has made poverty alleviation a central focus of its governance. Under his leadership, the emphasis on poverty alleviation has become a crucial element of the Chinese Communist Party’s legitimacy, demonstrating the party’s commitment to social justice and its ability to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of its citizens. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China has eliminated absolute poverty and achieved common prosperity, which are essential requirements of socialism. Hence, ideals of socialism have indeed inspired President Xi Jinping to reduce poverty and improve the lives of its citizens.
However, in the absence of political actions, political ideologies evade their ability to motivate people, inspire and influence decision-making, ethical orientation, and personality-oriented traits in political leaders, and instead becomes merely a slogan and a tool for interpreting the political, economic, and social world.
Without Principles and Practice, Politics becomes a Game of Self-interest
More importantly, when political ideologies fail to influence and inspire a politician’s life, it results in a disconnect between the values and principles that are supposed to guide their decisions and actions and the actual outcomes of their policies. And the game of politics becomes a mere expression of self-interest where a politician seeks to maximize their votes, win the next election, manipulate, and make gains out of political appointments and maintain their power rather than work towards the greater public good. The frequent formation and dissolution of coalitions also illustrates how political actors in Nepal prioritize their interests over stable governance. Therefore, it is not surprising that politicians and political parties belonging to different and even at times of irreconcilable ideologies can cheerfully assimilate, rack up ministerial positions, and share government power in a coalition. Sadly, the socio-political chaos germinating from politics of self-interest has also allowed anarchy, autocratic tendencies, and populism to expand their space in Nepalese society.
Failure of political ideologies to inspire common people
There can be little doubt that within the current democratic political framework, politicians in Nepal have prioritized their own interests, nepotism, and favoritism over the political ideologies and ideals they claim to represent, hence the ideologies of political parties have failed to inspire and influence common citizens of Nepal. The prevalent self-interest in Nepalese politics has not only eroded trust in the political system but also depleted a sense of nationalism, self- confidence and their association with Nepal among common citizens. There is widespread disillusionment among the general public who believe that it is impossible to fulfill their dreams and aspirations in Nepal without sacrificing themselves in front of politicians’ self-interest because every day Nepalese believe that political leaders are more concerned with gaining wealth, power, and status than with attending to their needs and concerns. Many Nepalese feel forced to leave the country in search of a brighter future rather than wait for change because there aren’t enough values that motivate political practice.
