By Roman Acharya
KATHMANDU: Senior leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress have faced criticism from within their own party after publicly questioning the performance of the coalition government. At a high-level meeting held on Thursday at party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma came under fire for their recent remarks.
Party leaders reportedly objected to the general secretaries’ criticism of the government, stating that such comments should have been discussed internally rather than aired publicly. Spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat, speaking to the press after the meeting, confirmed that he had questioned the duo for bypassing internal party forums. “I personally raised the issue. Matters like these should first be discussed in the appropriate party structures and only then be taken outside,” he said.
Mahat claimed that the general secretaries acknowledged the feedback and understood the concerns raised. “They have realized the point we made,” he added.
Dr. Shekhar Koirala was the first prominent Congress leader to openly criticize the coalition government with CPN-UML. At that time, both Thapa and Sharma had remained silent. Thapa had even been part of the inter-party coordination mechanism, working to make the Congress-UML alliance effective. However, both leaders have recently shifted stance and begun speaking out against the government, citing its failure to act on their suggestions.
Just two days ago, Thapa alleged that middlemen had gained access to the Prime Minister’s bedroom, emphasizing how economic problems were being exacerbated by intermediaries. “The private sector and middlemen are not the same. Our economy is suffering due to the influence of brokers. I won’t name any specific PM, but the fact that middlemen have access to the PM’s bedroom is alarming,” he said, adding that it was unfortunate candidates for the Governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank were being openly linked to such intermediaries.
Similarly, General Secretary Sharma also took to social media to express disapproval of the government’s functioning. “This government tends to rush decisions that shouldn’t be taken and delay those that should. Such tendencies are not worthy of support,” he wrote. He criticized the slow pace of the Congress-UML coalition, suggesting that shortcomings must be reviewed and performance improved. “Let’s assess weaknesses, align our rhythm, and increase momentum. The government must connect with people’s expectations and improve its conduct,” Sharma said.
Even party president Sher Bahadur Deuba expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance during the meeting. According to a party leader, Deuba stated that although Congress was not opposing the KP Oli-led government, reforms and corrections were needed. “The government needs to make improvements. We are not against it, but it must correct its course,” Deuba reportedly said.
Deuba reiterated his commitment to the understanding with UML and urged party members to publicly support the government. He requested that concerns be communicated to him directly so he could discuss them with Prime Minister Oli.
After the meeting, spokesperson Mahat echoed similar sentiments, saying the government must perform better. “The government’s performance must improve. Coordination and balance within the coalition need to be strengthened,” he said. He also highlighted the need for more professional appointments to key positions and better harmony among coalition partners.
Mahat further clarified that the government would not fall simply because the opposition Maoist Centre says so. “Just because Prachanda said something doesn’t mean the government will collapse. Opposition parties naturally want the government to fall, but that alone won’t make it happen,” he stated.
Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had earlier claimed at a New Year event that the current government would fall, and a new one would be formed under Congress leadership.
