People might not have succeeded at breaking their monopoly over state power if the Shah king and India´s new democratic government had not supported an armed movement against the Rana rulers. Nonetheless, the ghost was in the making amidst the people.
After 40 years of virtual control of state power from 1950 to 1990, the Shah rulers made the same mistake as the Ranas had by ignoring the ghost in the making, of popular discontent against the Panchayat polity. The palace took the loyalty of the people for granted and wrongfully felt well entrenched in power by the superficial dedication of Panchayat leaders and workers. People were seen silent but harboring disgust against all going ons under the royal administration. Like the Ranas, the Shah kings and their coterie never felt that people out there were watching closely, capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. They far less anticipated that people would come out openly and boldly against the royal system once endorsed by plebiscite in 1979. But they did in 1990. The Shah kings then blamed India for fomenting popular movement against kingship and ignored the fundamental truth of people´s grievances against it.
In a much shorter time, within 10 years of democratic exercise of a constitutional monarchy since 1990, the people were once again sidelined in the game of politics. This time, it was not the Ranas or the Shahs but the Koiralas and Deubas who thought and acted exactly as their predecessors had when vested with power. They took the people for granted, indulging in massive corruption and misuse of power oblivious to the fact that people who catapulted them to power by their votes would get disenchanted and turn against them. It was none other than their misdeeds and misconduct that gave rise to violence the Maoists continued for 10 years, and provoked the king to cultivate oversized ambition in state affairs. Lack in popularity of the democrats had become clear during the parliamentary practice under the 1990 constitution due to lack of popular response to the calls from political leaders to launch protests and march against an absolute, aggressive monarch. The people´s ghost stood indifferent to the miserable state of the political parties.
Gyanendra correctly read popular mood turning against the inept political parties and exploited to the hilt in his favor when he took over in 2002. But he too was mistaken by taking the people for granted and their continued support toward his undemocratic actions. There are many who still believe that he missed a great opportunity to prove his mettle as a king. Instead of working for the betterment of the people, he kept on working toward his selfish interests. It was he, who paid the highest price for ignoring the simmering popular discontent against him.
Like the preceding rulers of this country, the political leaders who wield power in the current state of uncertainty do not and, in fact, cannot dream of a day that might sweep them away not only from power but also from the earth.
He got the throne, inherited bulk of wealth from his dead brother´s family, and enjoyed unsolicited support from the international community, which was already disenchanted with the quarrelsome political leaders. If the king had read the writings on the walls as his autocratic and anachronistic actions had initiated, he would have never lost the crown thrust upon him. When the silent crowd turned into an angry mob, affected by his actions, he was shattered. People´s ghost once again prevailed to the astonishment of the world.
The post-monarchical era is marked by no better developments than those that aroused people´s ghost in the past. Political leaders make promises just to break them. They decided to produce a new constitution, a task they were unable to fulfill on time. They pledged to complete drafting the constitution within an extended period of one year. They did not. There is widespread dissatisfaction among people who do not find the leaders serious about the main task of constitution writing and establishing post-conflict peace.
Pressure is building up on them to get serious and complete the mission. But they have their own stories to tell, own conditions to fulfill and own logic by blaming their opponents. The net result is that the people are left high and dry with the power and perks of the political leaders and their workers remaining intact. The situation is best suited to reawaken the ghost that is sleeping in the minds of the people. Like the preceding rulers of this country, the political leaders who wield power in the current state of uncertainty do not and, in fact, cannot dream of a day that might sweep them away not only from power but also from the earth.
There is no doubt that Nepal has undergone tremendous changes. They are still taking place. However, a change is a double-edged sword. It can do good and harm at the same time. The biggest misfortune of our country is that those who are entrusted to lead and manage the changes taking place have never been able to understand its nuances. They believed the change has come by them and for them. So Nepali Congress who steered the political change in Nepal since 1950 could never catch up to the spirit of change in the heart of the people. It feels glorified in creating history from time to time for the great cause of democracy and freedom and is lost in self-indulgence.
The communists assume that they can create a utopia of communism in Nepal with the slogan of revolution and devout supporters. None of them resonate with public aspirations for a real change in their life, livelihood and lifestyle. About the other forces in power, the less said the better it is. Since violence has asserted itself in our political decision making, it has the biggest prospect to rise in the coming days, mostly against those seen exercising powers and enjoying the perks.
Writer is associated with Nepal Studies and Research Center
adityaman@hotmail.com
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