Interview with Shashank Koirala, leader of the NC and son of former Prime Minister BP Koirala, BBC Nepali, 19 July
BBC: Whose philosophy – BP Koirala or GP Koirala – is more pertinent in the current political scenario?
Shashank Koirala: I still stand by BP Koirala’s beliefs. He agreed with the king as far as nationalism was concerned, but held a very different view on democracy. Nepal abolished the 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, but look at the state of the country in the past 10 years. We had a chance to set things right before the 2006 uprising by bringing the Maoists to table. If Girija Prasad Koirala had taken a firm step, Nepal would have been in a better position. If we don’t mend our ways soon, it is going to be very unfortunate.
How can we put the country back on track?
BP always spoke about nationalism and nation building, but nobody seems to be bothered about these values any more. He used say that the king would protect Nepal’s nationalism because it is in his interests. But now people only talk about dividing the country along ethnic lines. If CA elections don’t take place in November, it will push the country further into anarchy. Our biggest priorities should be nation building and writing the constitution.
Do you mean Nepal should follow BP’s blueprint to correct past mistakes?
We certainly need to correct our mistakes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean reinstating the monarchy. It’s for the people to decide whether or not they want to revive the monarchy. If 30 million Nepalis say they want the king, monarchy will return. Also of late the NC’s image has been sinking, we need to restore our standing in the public.
After the 2006 uprising, the NC fully backed the Maoists and followed its agenda. What is the party’s position now on issues of federalism, secularism, and republicanism?
The NC believes in multi-party democracy and an independent judiciary. People shuold be free to chose their religion and must not be forced to convert through enticement. As far as federalism is concerned BP always supported decentralisation with the ultimate aim of creating a federal state. But federalism is not a magic wand that will solve all of Nepal’s problems.
However, abolishing the monarchy and becoming a republic were big mistakes. In 2006 when people came out on the streets to protest, there was not a single leader of BP’s stature who could bring the situation under control. Views on secularism and federalism were shared by most parties, but declaring the country a republic was solely a Maoist agenda. The idea of abolishing the monarchy came out from the Maoist camp.
You don’t agree with the NC’s current policies, what are your recommendations?
We need to first focus on preventing Nepal from breaking apart. The parties need to agree on holding CA elections as soon as possible to give people a constitution within the next two to four years. Local elections also need to take place. Like BP said we need to think of the country first.
Listen to the full interview