Political past and the official rise of Maoism in Nepal

April 10, 2008 stands as a historic day for Nepal and international political observers worldwide. After a decade long civil war, Nepalese polled in the much awaited elections, foreseen as crucial to Nepal’s imperative peace and democratic future. As of today (Tuesday, April 15, 2008 – 11:05 a.m.), the Maoists are stated to have bagged 102 of the total declared 180 seats. Amidst this anxiety, anticipation and celebrations, present life continues to be an inexhaustible struggle for most people in the Himalayan nation.

The stunning beauty of landscape sits in stark contrast to the actuality of life in this country. Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, is still trying hard to recuperate from the civil war, which shook the nation and made it a hotbed for the communist insurgency that pitted Maoist guerrillas against the Nepalese army. Caught in the middle of a never-ending war, emerged thousands of victims’ of fighting and increasing number of missing civilians; terrorized, abducted and killed by forces on either side. In this backdrop of a tattered economy, deeply traumatized Nepalese population awaits a democratic future for Nepal with a hope for a better life someday.

Impeding the development of any progressive, democratic and modernization forces in the country, the institution of monarchy has been seen as one of the prime reasons for the plight of the Nepalese people. Enjoying absolute power, the King has been able to call and dismiss Parliament at will leaving strong marks of feudalistic relations and exploitation of the poor and marginalized.

Nepal suffered from the same economic stagnation that Britain created across the Indian subcontinent during the period of imperial rule. Talking about the historic past of Nepal with India, one can blame India for bullying Nepal after attaining independence in 1947 and pressurizing the feudal Ranas and Congress party to share power, depriving people of free elections. First elections in Nepal were held in 1949 under the rule of King Mahendra, but in 1960 this brief period of democracy was brought to an unexpected end with parties banned and the government overthrown by a royal decree. The royal appointees occupied all the local and national government posts. The new constitution ‘supposedly’ guaranteed democratic rights and elections were held again in 1991. Corruption, patronage and frequent changes of government led to disappointment among the people and ‘people’s war’ began in 1996 when the demands made by the Communist Party Of Nepal (Maoist) stressing on pro-poor policies were rejected by the government.

In June 2001, the scandalous news of King Birendra and eight other members of the Royal Family being shot dead in the Royal Palace hit the headlines around the world. The ‘official’ story was that they were killed by Birendra's brother, Dipendra, who then shot himself. Well, rumors never died that the killing was arranged by the successor, Gyanendra and his actions too never proved the contrary. In 2002, Gyanendra dismissed Prime Minister Deuba and took power.

The unstable political situation in Nepal has had sweeping consequences that affect the economy, the tourist industry and daily life of a majority of Nepalese. The just happened elections are being seen as a sign of relief by the bulk of the population while a few others still strongly want the monarchy to continue. The final and official results are yet to be announced but the Maoists celebrations have already taken to the streets.

Let us wait and watch if the new rule in Himalayan nation would keep up its commitment to democracy!