Excerpts of the interview:
Republica: What does People’s Republic mean?
Baidya: People’s Republic by its very name means a republic for the people. There are certain political and economic structures that characterize a People’s Republic. The parliamentary system has become outdated and we have to look for a different model multiparty system. Anti-national elements, feudalists and some groups who are a threat to national integrity will not be allowed to form any political party under the new model. It will be an inclusive republic in which women, marginalized groups and the poor will have an equal say.
Republica: So, do you think the newly agreed joint document on People’s Federal Democratic National Republic has incorporated your ideological stance?
Baidya: Yes, it has correctly addressed the issues mentioned in the document I presented. The short form of People’s Federal Democratic National Republic is People’s Republic. The joint document also states that the party will draft a pro-people constitution that addresses the concerns of the poor, women and marginalized groups.
Republica: But in your document you had called for an immediate revolt to establish a People’s Republic.
Baidya: It was not a call for an immediate revolt but I did say we have to resort to a revolt if we fail to draft a republican constitution. I called on the party to opt for a revolt to realize our dream if the other political parties obstruct the way to inclusive democracy, which is not the same thing as a parliamentary one, and we are unable to push for scientific land reforms.
Republica: But wasn’t your document rejected by the party?
Baidya: That’s absolutely incorrect. I was never in a minority in the party because we never went for polling. You must understand that the points raised in my document were duly addressed during the national cadres’ assembly and I am confident the new document has incorporated a majority of those issues.
Republica: What is the basis for your saying that the party has included your issues in the new document?
Baidya: You must have heard that the new document says the party will revolt if we cannot establish the kind of political and economic system for which we fought for years. The document stresses the promotion of nationalist and democratic forces.
Republica: How will you continue espousing People’s Republic?
Baidya: I will raise the matter at our national convention in future. I think our party will be organizing its national convention in some three to four months. I am sure a majority of the party leaders and cadres are in favor of People’s Republic. Our dream of a republic will become complete only if we establish a People’s Republic.
Republica: You have said that the party will leave the government and go for a revolt if it can’t achieve its goals. How satisfied are you with the achievements made so far by the government led by your party?
Baidya: I don’t think we have been able to make great strides as we had contemplated. If we couldn’t achieve much, the party should realize that there is no point in staying on in the government.
Republica: Don’t you think that your party leadership is gradually drifting towards the good life?
Baidya: This was one of my major concerns. I am worried that our party, which should be maintaining communist values, is slipping into lavishness. This issue was raised during the national cadres’ assembly also and the party decided to act on it immediately. I think we will soon rectify matters and maintain our communist character intact.
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