Bhadra 24, Kathmandu.
Today marks the 112th birth anniversary of the great personality, BP Koirala. Born on this very day in 1971 BS, BP passed away on Shrawan 6, 2039 BS. It is undeniable that BP Koirala, the founding leader of the Nepali Congress, was not just a leader for the Congress but a towering figure of the entire democratic movement.
He is recognized as a statesman with the ability to give momentum to politics, adapt it to contemporary times, and guide it to a logical conclusion. BP was known as an international-level statesman with an extraordinary capacity and practical skill to shape every evolving political situation in favor of democracy.
BP, renowned as a leading figure in the global socialist movement, unfortunately, did not get sufficient opportunities to implement socialist programs in his own country.
Based on an analysis of BP’s philosophy, it can be said that for him, the fundamental human value was a principle rooted in equality. He firmly believed that this state could be achieved through democratic processes and socialism. There can be no two opinions; this steadfast conviction of BP is the guiding principle of Nepali politics even today.
At that time, many policies adopted by the Nepali Congress were reflections of the Congress’s foundational doctrine, meaning socialist philosophy. Prior to that, the Sixth General Convention of the Nepali Congress, held in Birgunj, had enshrined the principle of democratic socialism as the party’s fundamental tenet.
At this very convention, 18 different proposals, including the establishment of a National Planning Committee for the creation of a socialist society, were passed, as presented by BP.
He had stated at that time that they were committed to achieving a socialist system through democratic means and methods. Even today, the Nepali Congress continues to thrive on this very foundation.
Unfortunately, he did not get a long time to implement the programs, plans, and policies he had initiated. Had he been able to work according to his vision for just a few years, Nepal too could have become prosperous like other nations in the world. Nepal could have also gained momentum in development.
However, Nepal had to endure single-party autocracy, armed conflict, and political instability. Now that democracy has been established in the country, BP’s successors, as proponents of democratic socialism, bear the responsibility of fulfilling his dream. Yet, there is a pervasive sense that problems exist in the implementation of BP’s concepts.
The problem is not with his ideas and concepts; rather, it lies with those who are supposed to implement them. By merely chanting BP’s slogans, reciting the mantra of socialism, and invoking his name in empty words, we can never achieve the dream he envisioned and the weighty goals he entrusted upon us.
BP’s concepts, which appeared on this earth 112 years ago, remain equally important today. In Nepal’s changed political landscape, there is no need to hesitate in recognizing the continued relevance of BP’s ideas. Indeed, while BP was the founder of the Nepali Congress, it is not appropriate to confine the political concepts he articulated solely to the Nepali Congress. There can be no disagreement that his ideas hold equal importance for everyone who identifies as a democrat.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that BP was not merely an individual but also a visionary in Nepali politics. At a time when Nepali society had not yet developed to par with the rest of the world, he had already envisioned the dream of the nation’s prosperity. He not only dreamed but also prepared a framework for a plan, complete with the vision for its implementation.
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His nearly 18-month tenure as Prime Minister is considered a golden age for Nepali democracy. This period was not merely a starting point for the country’s modernization and development, but also marked the beginning of clear vision and far-sighted politics. It is not an overstatement to say that under his leadership, the indigenization of socialism and the foundational structure of principled politics were established, and a future trajectory for the nation was outlined.
Based on the philosophy that democracy cannot be fruitful until economic transformation uplifts the people’s standard of living, and that without democracy, the country’s development cannot turn a corner, he emphasized the establishment of industries and factories. He made a timeless effort to unite Nepali society and geography through people-centric politics.
In an effort to give new meaning to politics, he initiated attempts to implement the concept of integrating excluded castes, communities, and regions into the mainstream of the state.
Today, those who engage in politics in the name of inclusivity must understand that BP, even then, not only propounded the principle of inclusivity but also implemented it, and on this foundation, he sought to guide the new process of nation-building.
An analysis of the historical documents from that era reveals that the foundation for today’s discussions on inclusion was already laid by BP in 2015 BS. Observing his cabinet and the individuals he appointed, one finds representation from all geographies, ethnicities, classes, and communities across the country.
In essence, BP emphasized establishing social justice through inclusion. In the days following his tenure, the implementation of this concept failed to gain meaningful continuity. His successors never stopped proclaiming BP’s philosophy on paper and in speeches, but they rarely guided themselves toward realizing BP’s dream.
A meticulous analysis of Nepal’s political evolution reveals that during his time, Nepali politics was largely confined to specific geographies and regions. He sought to change this situation.
Having thoroughly understood the realities of society, he formulated a policy of socialism based on pluralism. This fact is further confirmed by his efforts to introduce corresponding policies, plans, and programs. Land reform can be considered a prime example; all current land management initiatives in the country are based on his policies.
Given evolving political perspectives and global dynamics, national unity is always essential for nation-building. He had already envisioned several necessary structures for the functioning of democracy.
For example, it was his clear understanding that democracy cannot be strong without a free press. BP, who struggled his entire life for the establishment and preservation of democracy, put forward views in the name of socialism for democracy and economic advancement that remain equally relevant today.
Today, Nepal finds itself in a political landscape distinct from the past. New figures and ideas have emerged in politics, and the geopolitical situation is delicate. In such circumstances, Nepal’s politics and overall condition are arguably more complex than before. In this light, there can be no two opinions that the relevance of the policies championed by BP has only grown.
For More: Democratic Socialism Implementation Problem
