Leaders lack competency while cadres lack training, productivity and discipline; both prefer media to intra-party forums to vent their dissatisfaction. Party workers are too self-centered and they lack sense and spirit of collectivism—the very foundations of any organization. Ironically, democracy – its core belief – is neither practiced in the internal functioning of the party nor is reflected in the behaviors of party men. All important decisions are made by the supreme leader(s); customarily they are not subject to discussions, much less questions from party workers. Signing of peace accord with the Maoists is a case in point.
With rival communist parties – CPN-UML and UCPN-Maoist – it is the other way round. Both boast of sound organizational structure, efficient management, well-formed strategies, better source and use of funds, better inner-party democracy, efficient information network, superior public relation skills and above all disciplined and hard-working cadres. However, their Marxist/Maoist ideologies are out of tune with modern times. In other words, they have the right attributes but are at the wrong side of history.
During his lifetime, BP Koirala – larger-than-life leader and founder of NC – managed to compensate the shortcomings with his wisdom, charisma and skills. Also, as there were no formidable rivals during those days, the disarray caused little damage. During his final days, BP formed a triumvirate consisting of Ganesh Man Singh, KP Bhattarai and GP Koirala to collectively lead the party. Of the three, the pragmatic and energetic Koirala had better management skills and hold among the cadres, which enabled him to sideline others and take control of the party in the ensuing days.
But GPK also possessed little moral and intellectual capabilities; knowingly or unknowingly he thus became instrumental in unleashing the evils of corruption, nepotism, cronyism and factionalism within the party. This resulted in the steady loss of the party’s hold and attraction among the masses. The process started soon after the party was voted to power following restoration of democracy in 1990 and it continues. From its earlier #1 position, the party slid to second place in the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections.
During the upcoming 12th general convention of the party, Sushil Koirala, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Ram Chandra Poudel will for the first time contest for presidency as frail and aged Koirala will retire from the post. Therefore, let us do a brief SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the trio.
Sushil – Previously a Koirala crony, he recently distanced himself from his boss. Incorruptible and selfless, he has repeatedly denied ministerial positions. But throughout his long tenure as #2 leader of the party, his performance has been disappointing. He possesses hardly any skills. Thus, we can eliminate him as a frontrunner.
Deuba – Dared to challenge Koirala’s authority during the past 15 years with backings from late Ganesh Man Singh and KP Bhattarai, but demonstrated even poorer moral standard than Koirala. As prime minister for several times, he has a track record of compromising on everything to cling on to power. Master in defusing public rage with false promises, he lacks purpose and energy. A believer in neo-liberalist principles, he enjoys better international links and acceptability. Also, he is liked by the majority of the party workers for his easygoing manners and flexible approach.
Poudel – Hardworking, serious person with academic inclinations. A believer in democratic socialism, he maintained neutrality during factional infightings but is disliked by many for his chicken-heartedness. Blamed as narrow-minded, he lacks modern outlook.
Although Poudel deserves a chance as his (in)abilities are not fully tested like those of the other two, Deuba is likely to win. That Deuba recently lost the parliamentary party leader election to Poudel is a different story. Deuba miscalculated as he endorsed Koirala’s nepotism towards his daughter in exchange of the latter’s support to him in the election. A man with strong common sense, Deuba has already drawn lessons from the defeat. His material and manipulative capacities vis-à-vis Poudel’s modesty will tip the balance in his favor because elections in NC are contested on maneuverings or give and take and not on issues or virtue.
jeevan1952@hotmail.com
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