By Prem N. Kakkar

NATIONAL consensus is a term that is often used and equally abused as well. For the well being of any nation the consensus of all the political forces in the country is essential and always proves to be effective in the implementation of the relevant plans and programmes. Needless to say, the same is for Nepal, a country that has embraced the multi-party for the past eleven years.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, when he assumed the mantle of the head of government last year, had emphasised on the need for national consensus. After all, not only the political parties represented in the parliament but those outside also have a vital role in seeing that the prosperity of the country materialises. It is not only words but action is direly needed at present.

The nineteenth session of the House which ran for 58 days saw nothing except for the walkouts by the main opposition party CPN (UML) with other parties also boycotting. That was one of the saddest experiences since the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-1990 was promulgated. The stalemate in the House was to no one’s benefit. In fact the session, dubbed as the Bills Session, resulted in many important works left pending. The loss can be imagined by the very fact that some Bills that were meant for the betterment of the Nepalese people just gathered dust.

The national consensus that had to emerge was just in rhetoric. The ruling Nepali Congress party, CPN (UML), RPP and others had their own axes to grind while the people were left to fend for themselves. Rivalry among the parties is common but should not be at the expense of the country and the citizens.

This time around the 20th session of the House has started on a good note despite the fact that the main opposition party is still sticking to its one-point demand for Prime Minister Koirala to resign. Demands as such can be made but the point is that justification has to be given.

It is true that the country is passing through crucial times and there is every need for the government to chart a definite course without ifs and whys. Unless the government can act according to commitment nothing is possible. But the government alone does not occupy the whole stage the role of the opposition parties is also significant. What one assumes now is that more responsible behaviour is expected from the respected lawmakers. Without their participation and even criticism the House cannot function properly.

Herein, what has to be kept in mind is that criticism for criticism’s sake alone will not be enough. Though it is a reality that, generally speaking, political parties do not see eye to eye on most of the issues. This is the very reason that conducive atmosphere must be created so that consensus must emerge. The give-and-take strategy must be adopted but without impinging on the rights of the people. This is not an easy situation to tackle. Every caution is needed so that the plans and programmes put forth rebounds. Being pragmatic is most essential for those in the government as well as all the legislators. Petty interests cannot serve the overall welfare of the nation. A broad-minded approach must be forthcoming from the knowledgeable and experienced MPs.

The 14-point agenda that the Prime Minister proposed at the onset of the 20th session of the parliament is worth taking note of. The very fact that national consensus was sought makes it relevant for the present times. Without political stability peace is not easy to achieve and thereby prosperity. Economic prosperity is what the country needs urgently. Unlike elsewhere, here politics is bound up with every sector of the country. This merits attention if a way out has to be found.

Prime Minister has been clear in the statement of the 14-point agenda it talks of a minimum party level consensus among all the political parties and an all-party consensus and commitment for the Integrated Security and Development Programme. Keeping educational institutions and the civil servant out of politics is a commendable thought. But words alone do not mean much if the desired action does not materialise.

The main opposition party has noted the agenda and found it to be satisfactory but it has made reservations whether or not they will be implemented fairly. It is on the part of all the political parties to study the proposals carefully before coming out with their verdict. The resignation of Prime Minister Koirala alone is not going to do away with all the woes of the country. Constructive suggestions from all quarters are necessary if the problems and difficulties facing the country are to be overcome.

Now is the litmus test for both the ruling party as well as the opposition parties in the House. A certain amount of restraint must be present and responsibility must be borne by all. The people expect many things but not everything is possible at the waving of a wand. But what is possible is working in the right direction. The first and foremost among them is the government’s thrust as presented in its policies and programmes as presented last week. Next, what the budget speech has to offer. Going populist at such a time may not prove to be beneficial but a budget without specific drives too is not going to help.

In all, the focus of all is on the 20th session of the House and what it can deliver to the people and the country. Sincerity and commitment of everyone is necessary so that the ‘decade of national economic reconstruction’ could be the way it is visualised.