Say no to western panacea for Nepal

The fourth largest party in Nepal’s Constituent Assembly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-Nepal) boasts of being a party with distinct and different set of ideologies. In an exclusive interview with APD, Chairman Kamal Thapa unequivocally elucidated his party’s philosophy, including three welldefined components that make his party distinct. Excerpts:

Compared to other parties in Nepal, what are the characteristics of RPP-N?

To begin with, RPP-Nepal is a party with a distinct identity and different set of ideologies. Keeping in mind the diverse socio-cultural, religious aspirations, identity, and the geopolitical location, we have been advocating for a democracy with ceremonial monarchy, Hindu identity to keep religious freedom and equality intact and a strong local self-government instead of federalism based on ethnicity. I reiterate that these three components are the distinct features of our political philosophy.

How do you define your party’s role in Nepal’s politics?

To be candid, our party was against the signing of the 12-point agreement in 2006 between the then seven agitating parties and CPN Maoist party in New Delhi. We believed that it was an unnatural agreement between two political forces having divergent view points and ideologies. Realizing that the road-map based on the agreement is a deception, we established RPP-Nepal as an alternative democratic force to save Nepal, strengthen Nepal’s identity, nationalism and democracy. The philosophy we were trying to promote was in the broader interest of Nepal and Nepalis. Despite all odds, we stood firm in our ideology and in just 8 years because of its pro-Nepal agenda, RPP-Nepal has emerged as the fourth largest party in the Constituent Assembly.

You said your principles were often misunderstood. Do you think that the situation has changed?

Yes, there have been improvements. The beauty of democracy is a competition among different ideologies. So, RPP-Nepal has set up alternative ideas for the broader interest of Nepal. Of course, in the past it was difficult for us to take our ideas to the people. Now the situation has changed. People have realised in the last 8 years about the futility of some dreams that were projected by some parties. People have understood the significance of our political philosophy.

So, this is an indication of a positive change?

Of course! However, some political parties floated the idea that federalism, secular identity, and republic are the only remedies of all ills that Nepal is facing. It is being projected that republic, pseudo secular identity and federalism are the panacea of all problems. But people have gradually realized since the situation has gone bad to worse. They are looking for an alternative and RPP-Nepal is the one. Despite the differences in opinion, we are committed to democracy and constitution. At the moment, we do not have enough strength in the parliament to get our agenda approved. But we will continue to promote our separate identity and ideology to achieve our ultimate goal for a prosperous Nepal.

RPP-Nepal’s relation with three major parties seems not so good. Is this an accusation?

We have relations with other parties. People have given us the mandate to remain in the opposition. We continue to play a constructive role of an opposition party. Nepali Congress, UML and UCPN(Maoist), in the facade of consensus, have repeatedly attacked and weakened the basic values of democracy and constitutional provisions. Even now they are suffering from mentality of negation. This negative mentality has been a stumbling block in the constitution drafting process.

You have repeatedly accused foreign forces of interfering in Nepal. How do you justify?

The 12-point agreement itself was signed in New Delhi under the auspices of foreign force. Interference of foreign forces has increased in Nepal after this. And especially after the unceremonious removal of monarchy, a void was created where external forces are competing to establish their interest here. After the removal of monarchy, Nepal has become a strategic and competitive ground for foreigners. Some western countries are trying to create a cultural area of influence in Nepal and this has become a serious challenge to Nepal.

Can you give us some concrete examples to support your statement?

As I said, the idea of ethnic federalism was not the demand and aspiration of Nepalis. It is an idea imposed by some western countries through different rights groups and ethnic communities. This is a serious threat to Nepal’s unity and stability. Never before in the past had we experienced ethnic and religious conflict. Another is the conversion of religion. It has been reported that more than one million Nepalis have become Christians in the last 10 years. Nepal, being a birth place of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Kirat religion, all religions, including Muslims and later the Christians lived in harmony. Religion was never an issue during the decade-long Maoist conflict, or during the People’s Movement-II. Soon after the end of the People’s Movement-II in 2006, the first attack was made at the Sanatan identity of Nepal. Pseudo secularism was imposed under the influence and pressure of some western countries. That is going to be a serious threat to Nepal’s national identity and traditional harmony and unity. In Nepal, together Hindus, Buddhists and Kiranti constitute 94 percent of the population. If Nepal’s traditional harmony and unity is disturbed, there is the possibility of a new conflict based on caste, ethnicity and religion, which will have negative impacts on both our neighbouring countries: China and India.

Can you tell us about tri-cooperation among Nepal, India and China? Do you have any ideas on it? Well, Nepal has friendly relations with China and India, though at times we face some minor irritants. We should further strengthen relations with these emerging economies. It is also a matter of pleasure that China’s economy is emerging at a faster pace. Similarly, India is also moving towards faster economic development. Situated between two big economic powers, there is no alternative for Nepal than to move along with them. We should be able to take advantage of the economic development, the progress and the prosperity that are taking place in our vicinity. Nepal has a tremendous potential for economic development with huge hydropower in which we can attract investors from both countries. We have a tremendous tourism potential too.

How about Nepal’s relation with China?

We have excellent relations with China and consider China as the trustiest friend. We have memorable relations not only at the political and diplomatic levels but at people to people and socio-cultural levels. One of the unique features of Nepal-China relations is that even at difficult times, it has never been indented and it has always remained out of controversy. China has helped Nepal in its endeavour towards economic development. Most importantly, China has never interfered in Nepal’s internal matters and Nepal has always remained firm in One-China policy regarding Taiwan and Tibet.

(This interview was published by the 14th issue of APD NEPAL in October 2014)