Civil society played an important role in restoring democracy after the 1 February 2005 royal coup. People expected these activists to be vigilant about the seven parties which came to power. But civil society has turned out to be splintered and opportunistic, and has squandered its reputation even faster than the seven parties.

Instead of strengthening the institutions of democracy, civil society activists are now acting as the agents of the political parties in their extreme, unconstitutional activities. Some members of civil society pulled out altogether from the movement because of differences with the political leadership, but others have not uttered a squeak against the dictatorial aspirations of some leaders.

Some activists are even accused of supporting the agenda and personalities of the political parties and the exercise of unaccountable power. It is problematic that the activists have multiple identities of political figures, NGO representatives and journalists. By closing its eyes to human rights violations and to the madhes movement, and by not trying to bring the tarai, hills and mountains together, civil society has shown its failure. Some activists are even challenging Nepal's national unity by not speaking out against the vandalisation of figures of Prithbi Narayan Shah, Bhanubhakta and BP Koirala. And when they used the Rayamajhi Commission to get back at political opponents, they did not understand why the people had turned their backs on them. Civil society can still salvage its reputation by severing its ties with the sources of political power.