The Rastriya Prajatantra Party of Nepal (RPPN) could succeed in becoming the fourth largest party in Nepal, following the second Constituent Assembly election. It was anticipated. With this development, the people have warned the major parties to do the country’s business seriously or they are bound to overturn the unconstitutional decisions made by the major parties that began from the day the former terrorists were inducted in the parliament governed by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990.
Nepali people are proud to be identified as Hindus. They loved their country being the world’s only Hindu Nation. People could not forget how they were humiliated by the illegal parliament’s decision declaring Nepal a secular state without their consent just to please the foreign masters. RPPN’s garnering major share of the votes in the capital city is the real proof that RPPN can capture the capital city and adjoining cities at any moment. People living in these areas are very religious and it is the RPPN that voices their religious sentiments. Hinduism is taken by them as the most important and inner part of their lives. Thus, the Nepali people would be delighted to have their Hindu Nation identity back as it was. Being peace loving and compassionate, Nepali people can face a referendum on the issue.
RPPN’s other equally important issue is reinstating the Monarchy, and this has also been taken very positively by the people. Nepali people still revere the King. They think the institution of Monarchy has something to do with their culture and tradition. The Monarchy is an antidote for the people against foreign intervention, division among the citizens and the political disorder created by the party leaders. Nepali people also feel it is not the parties but they who should decide whether to keep this institution or not. Nepali people are ready to accept the majority voice in this regard, too.
The issues of Hinduism and the institution of Monarchy would definitely be raised strongly in the Constituent Assembly. It is very unlikely that RPPN would support any party unless it is guaranteed to have a “soft corner” on the issues of Monarchy and the Hindu Nation identity. At the same time, RPPN cannot escape from accepting federalism as per the will of the people. There is no point of writing any constitution unless it addresses such issues properly. Enacting the constitution won’t take long if the people’s choices have been addressed honestly. Upon the guarantee of protecting the primary rights of the people to have their voices heard through the referendum or the round table conference of all political parties, RPPN can join the Interim Government to be formed if power sharing is to become reasonable. RPPN is in a better position to demand the Deputy Prime Minister’s position and a few other major portfolios in comparison to other parties. However, the issues RPPN carries weigh far heavier than joining the government led either by Nepali Congress or NCP UML.
RPPN’s support is crucial for the formation of the new government. RPPN sees no difference joining the government or extending the unconditional support to the leading party if it thinks of looking at the former’s idea of enacting the constitution where the Monarchy, Maoists and all other can coexist. RPPN’s idea of coexistence is the crux of today’s political outlet. RPPN’s principles are based on coexistence, and that is what is making it a “Rising Power” in Nepali Politics. It is quite certain RPPN’s positive role will lead the second Constituent Assembly to a reasonable end, provided its inclusive ideas are taken positively.
By Barrister Ben Stone