KATHMANDU, Feb 2: Young leaders have expressed optimism about Nepal’s future while engaging in discussions on the country’s political landscape.
Three political leaders and a young entrepreneur participated in a discussion session of Creators Champion 3.0, organised by Nepal Republic Media, the publisher of Nagarik and Republica, in Lalitpur on Sunday. The session was moderated by Sanjog Koirala.
Speaking at the event, CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai likened politics to an ocean, while describing political and social movements as floods. Recalling his own involvement in various movements, he said, “When movements enter politics, they gradually become calm and clear.”
He stressed that generational transition in politics is inevitable. “There has long been a practice of leadership transfer only after leaders reach Aryaghat (graveyard). Until recently, the UML was an exception. Some leaders have now stepped aside. The party once had a provision for a dignified exit—retirement at 70 and a maximum of two terms in executive positions. For various reasons, that provision was removed,” he said.
MASTER OF VOICES
Bhattarai argued that age limits should now be mandated by state law. “This provision should be incorporated into national legislation, particularly the Political Parties Act. Making it mandatory would help political parties become more democratic,” he added.
Similarly, youth leader Manushi Yami Bhattarai said women’s numerical presence in politics has increased and should be viewed positively. “The number of women in politics has grown, especially after the constitutional provision of 33 percent representation. Even if largely through the proportional system, women have gained opportunities. However, qualitative representation remains lacking,” she said.
She also noted that Nepal’s expensive electoral system discourages women from contesting direct elections. “Direct elections are costly, so many women hesitate to run. Even some men lack the courage to contest. Now, even proportional representation involves significant spending, which makes it difficult for women and marginalised communities,” she added.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Pukar Bam said that as he has moved into positions of accountability, his sense of responsibility has grown while anger has diminished.
A candidate from the party in the upcoming House of Representatives election, Bam said he now presents himself more responsibly in the pursuit of nation-building.
Reflecting on his past, he said, “From 2004 to 2010, I was involved in movements. At that time, there were more questions and anger, a tendency to blame others, and less responsibility. As my understanding grew, I realised that the destination is politics. When you move from questioning to answering, anger decreases and responsibility increases.”
Young entrepreneur Karan Vaidya said decisions—whether in corporate or political leadership—should be made only after listening to the public and experts.
“Rather than making unilateral decisions, it is crucial for leaders to listen to stakeholders. Whether in corporate leadership or politics, meaningful results can be achieved only when leaders form opinions and make decisions by considering the experiences of the public and subject experts,” Vaidya said.
Noting that Singapore is frequently cited as a model for development in Nepal, he stressed the need to understand the process behind its success. “Singapore is often cited as an example, but we must understand how it was built. The work carried out by Lee Kuan Yew should be taken as a lesson,” he said.
Vaidya added that Nepal now seeks accountability for action rather than speeches, and expressed hope that the country would find capable leadership to take it forward.
