"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction."
- Ronald Reagan
Nepal today stands at a perilous junction-caught between sovereignty and geopolitics, between memory and manipulation. At the heart of this dilemma lies the ideological foundation of Nepal's democratic journey-and standing at the very center of that foundation is the Nepali Congress. Foundations may weaken over time-especially if those navigating this race fail to adapt, resist encirclement, and claim the mantle of leadership. This is not merely an electoral arithmetic issue-it is a question of national direction.
A Legacy Party Struggling for Relevance
During the eras of BP Koirala, Subarna Shamsher, Ganeshman Singh, and Girija Prasad Koirala, the Nepali Congress set the moral compass of the nation. From resisting the Rana regime to restoring multiparty democracy, from integrating the Maoists into the mainstream, the NC was always at the forefront.
But today, the party appears rudderless-trapped in temporary coalitions, operating within rigid structures under a soft, indecisive style, becoming a mere spectator in the very game it once invented. The ideology that once unified millions now seems to be dissolving into coalition compromises and procedural politics. We must ask ourselves: when did we stop setting the national agenda and start playing someone else's game?
The Emerging Shadow: Communist Institutional Capture
Let's not remain naïve. The current threat lies in the slow and calculated consolidation of power by both CPN-UML and the Maoist Centre. Though ego separates them, long-term ambition binds them. They are building a power monopoly through key tactics: capturing constitutional appointments, inserting party loyalists into the judiciary, and politicizing independent commissions like the CIAA (anti-corruption), Public Service Commission, and transitional justice bodies. All of this is forging a "parallel state" under the guise of procedural democracy.
This is not democratic competition-it is institutional colonization.
Prime Minister KP Oli strategically extended his influence across regulatory and constitutional bodies. Chairman Prachanda has repeatedly weaponized coalitions to weaken Congress-even from his proximity to Girija Prasad Koirala. While Congress failed to discern between strategy and sabotage, it became ineffective. New ideas are failing to convince the party leadership. Our silence has only emboldened them.
The Window Is Closing: Act Before Jestha 28
If Nepali Congress does not claim decisive leadership before Jestha 28 (June 11), it risks losing its final opportunity to shape Nepal's institutional future ahead of local elections.
Delays will have dire consequences:
- Critical constitutional appointments will go unopposed.
- The electoral apparatus will become structurally biased.
- Local governments will be filled with loyalists of rival power blocs.
- Congress will be reduced to a symbolic opposition, not a leading force.
Draw the Line
Yes, the NC entered into an alliance with the Maoist Centre-just as we reluctantly supported their mayoral candidate in Bharatpur. Yet, Chairman Prachanda's recent remarks and conduct have become increasingly troubling. He publicly declared that Maoists sought the arrest of NC leaders. He admitted to inciting attacks on security agencies during Girija Prasad Koirala's tenure. And yet he continues to expect cooperation. This is not misinterpretation-this is deliberate provocation.
Our continued silence is no longer diplomacy-it is complicity.
History teaches us a lesson: British PM Neville Chamberlain returned from Munich in 1938 proclaiming "peace in our time" after appeasing Hitler. Within months, he was betrayed. Deals made for short-term gain became long-term disasters. We must not repeat that mistake.
Geopolitical Balance: Vigilance with China, Clarity with India
Nepal's traditional non-alignment is under stress. China's engagement-though welcomed in some areas-is extending deep into ideology, education, and institutional influence. Strategic roads and airfields may not serve national interest. It is no secret that China invests in forces that promote cultural colonization. Nepal must engage with all powers-but on its own terms, defending institutions, freedom, and sovereignty.
Being committed to democratic values is not anti-China.
India, meanwhile, appears to have adopted a strategy of restraint. Unlike its previous interventionist posture, it now observes from a distance-perhaps hoping Nepal's democratic forces will rise on their own. But if our silence cements authoritarian alternatives from the north, even India's patience will not last forever.
Where Are the Leaders?
Nepal today has more politicians than leaders.
Leaders build institutions-not just coalitions.
Leaders protect values-not conveniences.
Who in the NC today:
- Defends the legacy of our founding figures?
- Responds when coalition partners make hostile remarks?
- Confronts ideological encroachment from China-without hate?
- Advocates internal restructuring, youth inclusion, and clean governance?
Silent diplomacy will no longer suffice. We need moral courage-not just political calculus.
Leadership is not transferred-it is built.
If the current leadership cannot stake a legitimate moral claim, will the NC ever again shape electoral outcomes?
This is not just about individual legacy-it is about institutional survival. And the senior leaders know this.
The Moment of Mahasamiti
If internal democratic structures are blocked, generational transfer must be allowed.
Distributing tickets by patronage and holding kamandalu (the begging bowl of favoritism) will not revive ideological clarity.
True transformation requires governance, not gimmicks.
When in power, the NC must focus on:
- Education and health reforms
- Efficient digital services
- Zero tolerance for corruption
- Empowering institutions like CIAA through fearless investigations
The Nepali Congress must become the shield of democratic Nepal-whether the threat comes from ideological colonization, institutional capture, or external interference.
Defending our legacy-of BP Koirala, Subarna Shamsher, Ganeshman Singh-is not just about history, it is about safeguarding the future. Allowing the distortion of that history is a weapon-and we must not remain silent.
The Rise of the Youth
I hold one truth to be eternal:
A leader must never use age as an argument in their campaign.
Nor should anyone weaponize youth or inexperience for political gain.
Every generation-especially the youth-must carry the responsibility of defending freedom. Ronald Reagan reminded us time and again that young people are the guardians of the future, and without their active engagement, even the strongest democracies can crumble.
A Letter to the Leadership
You are at a moment of immense responsibility.
Leadership is no longer measured by political skill alone-but by moral clarity.
This is a decisive moment.
From our coalition partners, doubts-not cooperation-are emerging.
Even if false allegations are not widely broadcast, diplomatic mockery is evident.
We must:
- Publicly reject such insinuations
- Protect truth-tellers within the party
- Define a clear path that refuses value-less alliances
- Make any coalition meaningful by elevating the Congress's stature
Reawakening the Democratic Soul
Nepal's democratic revolution was not for sale.
The NC did not make sacrifices in 2015, 2046, or 2006–07 so that we'd become a mere footnote in someone else's story.
This is our time.
To reclaim our voice, redefine our direction, and confront opportunism and historical distortion.
As Ronald Reagan said:
"When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat."
At this dark hour, let Nepali Congress radiate the heat of democracy-reformed, united, and resolute.
Bajgain is Nepali Congress leader and a member of parliament
