Dhurba Giri
Nepal’s current political landscape reveals deep concerns about the democratic values of the nation, as seen in the internal disorder, power obsession, and factional maneuvering within major political parties. The controversy over former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s renewal of membership in the CPN-UML is merely a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue. Moreover, from the Nepali Congress to Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Unified Socialist, Maoist Centre, and Janamat Party, a wave of political intolerance and retaliation under the pretext of “discipline” has emerged, striking at the core of democracy.
The controversy surrounding the renewal of Bhandari’s party membership reveals that political parties have yet to rise above individual-centric decisions, factional webs, and leader-worship culture. To prevent a person who held the prestigious position of President for seven years from participating in the party’s convention under the excuse of “pending membership” exposes not only insecurity within the party leadership but also a growing intolerance toward alternative views.
A similar situation is unfolding in the Nepali Congress. Punitive actions selectively taken against leaders who differ from the establishment are less about discipline and more about political revenge. When disciplinary measures are used to silence internal dissent, it threatens the diversity of ideas within the party. Suppressing internal disagreements under the guise of party discipline may ultimately steer the party toward disorder and chaos.
What message does all this send to the new generation? The youth, who are intellectually engaged with politics and seek social justice, transparency, and accountability, now increasingly perceive the existing party politics as corrupt, self-centered, and opportunistic. As a result, young people are growing disillusioned with politics — a trend that poses long-term threats to the foundation of democracy itself.
The rise of factionalism, misuse of disciplinary authority, and suppression of alternative leadership have made parties more centralized under specific individuals. The rights to question, critique, or hold differing views are slowly being eroded within parties, turning them into “closed clubs” that follow orders rather than platforms for open ideas.
The tragic reality is that this has crippled the promise of multi-party competition. Even when one party falters severely, there is no hopeful alternative. The behaviors of these parties are crushing the hopes of youth who yearn for independent thought, open dialogue, and transformative change.
This situation could become dangerous in the long run. If the younger generation loses faith in politics and democracy itself, they may gravitate toward extremist ideologies, authoritarian alternatives, or total political disengagement. Such a scenario would mark the beginning of a crisis in the very system of people’s governance.
Political parties must reflect on themselves. They must learn to respect dissent, criticism, and alternative thinking within their ranks. Institutional discipline and codes of conduct should be clear, fair, and transparent. The focus must shift from personalities to principles. Only then can political parties convey a message of seriousness and commitment to the country’s future—especially to the younger generation.
Otherwise, history will record that these political parties were content to play the game of power while abandoning the future of the nation.
