‘The Government’s Method of Working Is Inadequate, but the Intentions Are Right,’ Says Dr. Tara Joshi

You have been involved in communist politics for an extended time. It’s been only about four months since joining RSP. What has your experience been like during this period?

I have been engaged in leftist politics for a long time, primarily viewing society through a Marxist lens. Marxism is a perspective that helps citizens analyze society.

I also worked with UML. Many of the agendas raised by communists are similar to those proposed by liberal democratic parties. Essentially, the core agendas have not changed much over time, so politically, there is not much difference between then and now.

Whether the party is communist or not, there is little difference in society’s agendas. As an elected representative, my practices may differ from before, but the agenda remains the same.

Is it challenging to adapt to a different environment given your training with UML?

The political training isn’t very different. At RSP’s general convention, we adopted social democracy as the foundational principle.

Social democracy is based on geography, economy, and values, emphasizing social welfare. UML is also a party that believes in these principles, though there are differences in sincerity. There is not much difference between the paths of RSP and UML. The training wouldn’t be very far apart. If UML were firmly rooted in communist tradition, the difference might be greater.

There is a difference in organizational structure between RSP and UML. How do you perceive this?

There is some difference in organization. UML is a party that puts more trust in the organization and creates party supporters. However, it is not necessary to have organizations everywhere to create supporters. Membership caps exist. To build a large organization, it is not required to provide unnecessary membership to many people.

The government’s way of working might be inappropriate, but the intention to work is there. Sometimes this can cause harm, but failing in method and having bad intentions are different matters.

In UML, a goal would be set as necessary for the party, and training would include it. RSP is more voluntary. It is a liberal-type party that believes in binding people on issues, without forcibly binding everyone. Our basic principle is social democracy.

How do you evaluate the efficiency and style of the current government, which was formed with a broad public mandate?

The government has not met the expectations fully, but it has done some good work. Progress has been made in administrative reforms, and I am satisfied with some aspects.

Has the government failed to meet the people’s expectations?

The government was expected to do more than the citizens expected, which has led to frustration. However, transforming the economy long-term takes time. Presently, the government shows results in tasks feasible at this time. Some flaws exist but are fixable. The intent to work well is there.

Do you agree that despite good intentions, the government’s methods have failed?

The methods may be insufficient. However, there is a will to work, and sometimes this may cause harm. But bad intent is entirely different. Some problems exist, and acknowledging them is necessary.

The government has been seen making hasty decisions, such as removing squatters, but did not manage it within the set timeframe. What’s your view?

Not all squatters are suffering; some issues arose in certain areas that must be addressed. The government provides 25,000 rupees monthly, which allows basic family living in rural areas. In this regard, the government has paid attention to management.

Government agencies intend to solve issues swiftly and work well, but time-framing seems to overlook the full situation.

There have been accusations of the government acting vindictively and making preemptive arrests. Your thoughts?

This is not solely the government’s issue; other state organs play roles. Not all state institutions act only on government orders. Investigations are conducted as necessary. Over 90 percent of people tend to want to see others as criminals, but the reality is the challenge is with the existing system.

Are arrests made based solely on evidence through judicial processes?

Yes, the law recognizes accepting or rejecting evidence. There should be no situation where guilty go free or innocent are punished.

How has the Prime Minister responded?

The Prime Minister has not made many comments on this issue but is above all institutions. I have raised problems from the streets and society.

There was an expectation that a strong government would introduce a budget to stimulate economic growth, but the budget became controversial. Your view?

The budget is not highly controversial. It seeks to put the economy on a new track and focuses on digitalization. It also offers some relief in trade and investment sectors.

RSP is a party composed of several factions, and I come from one such faction.

When tax was levied on health and education, the public expressed strong reactions, which were later addressed.

In Bhojpur, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister regularly engage with the private sector and entrepreneurs, but why does the private sector lack confidence?

Confidence has awakened, but social media is experiencing unnatural attacks against the government, creating confusion. Prime Minister Balen Shah remains popular.

Although some negative effects appeared in the market after the arrest of certain businessmen, the economy overall has not been greatly affected.

Now, about the party. RSP held its first general convention, but it was criticized for management issues. Your perspective?

The convention is a test of skill, leadership, and ideology. We never intended to complete it in three days, but now we will learn and do better next time.

UML’s conventions often delayed due to lack of consensus among representatives, but RSP started its convention without complete agreement among delegates. How do you explain this?

The party quickly reached consensus because everyone accepted it. UML had no such system dividing delegates into observers and representatives. RSP had a friendly atmosphere with liberal delegate selection, and many office-bearers did not show significant urgency.

The validity of the election was questioned as only 30% votes were received while selecting office bearers?

That was not a problem. Every delegate was considered a colleague. Those who didn’t vote were considered neutral, and only votes cast were accounted.

Complaints arose stating that there was insufficient in-depth discussion on reports during closed sessions. Why?

There was ample opportunity and space for debate. However, main discussions had already occurred within the central committee. Anyone willing to debate could raise their points.

How were new and veteran politicians selected at the convention? Why did you not stand as a candidate?

The old and current parties differ somewhat. I did not feel the need to be a candidate. There is no difference between the roles of a central committee member and a parliamentarian. The mode of contribution differs, but rank and respect do not.

Friends from Sudurpashchim told me, “You can come again.”

The party chairman has the right to appoint 51 central committee members. Did you decline to be a candidate expecting nomination?

I did not avoid running by commitment. There are various factions within RSP, and I come from one such faction. The party leadership decides how to see this.

There are suspicions of conflict between the party and government. What is your view?

There is no discord between the party and government. Such notions arise due to misinformation from outsiders. Differences exist between those inside and outside the government but no ideological issues at the leadership level.

Do differences in government and party leadership cause problems? Two contrasting opinions exist regarding media controversies and the squatter issues?

It is not appropriate to politicize media matters. No clear advice such as that has been given by the Prime Minister.

Comparing old politics with today’s government and opposition shows differences. More criticism comes from the ruling side, but that does not help the government. When the government’s existence is questioned, it also gains support. I am not satisfied with some ministers’ performance. One cannot be fully satisfied with the Prime Minister in all matters either.

Photo/Video: Kamal Prasain