Where Were Others When Harka Sampang Spoke Out?

The justification of Harkaism can be discussed separately at another time. However, the relevance of Harka Sampang in current national politics has become clear. Everyone knows he is highly determined. The labor culture he initiated has yet to establish a permanent identity within his party. Wherever he goes, the party follows. Decisions made by him essentially become the party’s decisions. This approach is known as “labor culture.”

On 6 May (23 Baisakh), a team visited Nakhhipot, Lalitpur, where Harka was welcoming veteran film personality Rajkumar Rai to the party. Rajkumar, known for the film The Commando, had spent considerable time behind the scenes. Accompanying him were young individuals such as Aren Rai, Sudip Rai, and Pritam Sanwa. Although the area was crowded, there was significant attraction toward the new party.

At present, the main opposition in parliament is the Nepali Congress, alongside the UML and other parties like the CPN and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, each with their own stature and influence. Amidst all this, why are Harka Sampang and his party’s MPs receiving more attention? There is a reason.

The government, holding a large majority, is making swift decisions. Bulldozers have been used to clear informal settlements. The government claims excellent facilities at holding centers. During planned visits organized by the Prime Minister’s office with security provided by Nepal Police and Metropolitan Police, inhabitants of the informal settlements reportedly said, ‘We have facilities here now. Previously, we needed to labor for food, but now the government provides free services.’

However, journalists report that those living in informal settlements contradict this narrative. They stress that demolitions should be managed with a proper plan. National Socialist Party Chair Ravi Lamichhane has also advised the government internally along these lines. While the policy of removing settlements might be correct, the method has been problematic, and even members within the ruling party are voicing concerns. Harka Sampang is among those raising his voice against the government’s approach.

When met in Nakhhipot, Lalitpur, Harka spoke passionately about why citizens deserve respect and dignity to live and move freely in a democracy. Much of the conversation was in Nepali, occasionally in English. He said, ‘Working people have rights. The poor have dignity. Books and notebooks piled inside makes children’s eyes fill with tears. In the informal settlements, there were couples preparing to marry whose dignity is being assaulted. The government is doing such things.’

Harka sometimes exaggerates or modifies his statements. All politicians are adept at playing on sensitivities.

Nonetheless, he is one of the few who has witnessed the government using bulldozers to clear informal settlements with unregulated living conditions and encroached public land, acting only after prior preparation.

Many leaders have not been able to visit detention centers like the so-called holding centers. Several have halted their political trajectories prematurely. Few have found humor in the suffering of the poor. Yet, Harka has reached these places, listened to conditions, and shared them with the people.

So what are the Congress and UML doing? These parties have leaders with greater stature than Harka. I present here a telephone conversation between two senior leaders. A high UML leader remarked, ‘So many people were displaced at once. What are you doing?’ I replied, ‘We are reporting and debating. What are you doing?’ He was speechless and requested material to be shared with the party’s top leadership.

‘The government has shut the doors of parliament, smashed glass, and is working through ordinances. No one’s voice is heard under majority pressure.’

On the other hand, when I told a senior Congress leader, ‘You have failed to run the government and risk being equally incapable of running the opposition,’ their response is beyond suitable quotation here.

As for the CPN, Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) remains focused on left unity. Serious national issues on roads and settlements are orphaned as he prioritizes leftist unity over these pressing matters.

During such a time, whether or not as he wishes, Harka Sampang is communicating the people’s problems to the government. In Nakhhipot, he said, ‘The government has shut parliamentary doors, smashed the glass, and is working through ordinances. No one’s voice is heard under majority pressure.’

Not all concerns raised by Harka may be accurate. A popular government might have formed organizations to listen to people’s voices. But considering ministers’ arrogance and performances in parliamentary committees, strict criticism is necessary.

In some parliamentary committees, government representatives do not even attend. This government faces tough questioning from various quarters and nature. These questions must not be suppressed but raised repeatedly.

In this respect, Harka Sampang’s questions are relevant. When he was Mayor of Dharan, he sometimes disregarded or arbitrarily handled questions, which is an important part of his background.

However, the opposition parties should now act as actively as Harka has. Displaying images on Facebook is not enough; we all must begin discussions on the real problems of citizens. Videos posted by ministers and MPs of clothes, jewelry, and bags at the settlement are inappropriate and insensitive mockery. Raising sensible and factual questions would benefit the government more.

Is that not so, leaders of the National Socialist Party? The opposition should reflect seriously.