Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on Sunday decided to pull out of the government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. All minister representing the RSP submitted their resignation to Prime Minister Dahal on Sunday itself. Although the party has decided not to immediately withdraw its support to the government, the decision of the RSP to quit the government barely 41 days in office has raised concerns over the possibility of a fresh round of political instability in the country. The party held four ministerial portfolios including a deputy prime minister. But as the Supreme Court found RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, who held the post of deputy prime minister and home minister, ineligible to become even a Member of Parliament (MP), there was uncertainty if the party would still be part of the government. The RSP's decision to quit the government seems to have triggered after Prime Minister Dahal and his party declined to give RSP again the home ministry with deputy prime ministerial portfolio. Lamichhane, who regained his citizenship as per the apex court's verdict, had demanded Prime Minister Dahal to reinstate him to the same post-- something Prime Minister Dahal denied arguing this might involve conflict of interests as Lamichhane still faces a case related to passport. There are also concerns within the Maoist Center that none of the key ministries like home, finance, foreign and law are with the party that is leading the government. This may also be the reason behind Prime Minister Dahal's unwillingness to reinstate Lamichhane to the post of deputy prime minister and home minister.
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No matter what may be the reason behind the RSP's decision, the latest political development in the country has raised a serious question if this is a precursor of a fresh round of political instability -- something Nepali people do not want to see it repeat in the country as it negatively impacts their daily lives and hinders the progress of the country. Nepal has not had a stable government that remained in power for a full five-year term so far. Although the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party (NCP) had secured nearly two-thirds majority in parliament during the previous parliamentary elections, the government led by the party could not survive full term as top leaders within the party engaged in accumulating power, while sidelining others. Needless to say that political stability is a critical factor for the growth and development of any nation. Political instability can have a significant impact on the economy, causing uncertainty and reducing investment. This can lead to a slowdown in economic growth, which in turn affects the livelihood of people. Among other things, this can also make it difficult for foreign investors to invest in the country, as they may be concerned about the stability and predictability of the political and economic environment. Political instability may also leave impacts at the level of people as this can be disruptive for their daily life
It is understandable that political parties may have differences of opinion and that these differences may sometimes result in changes in the political landscape. However, it is equally important for all parties to keep in mind the larger national interests and to work towards finding a solution that benefits the country as a whole. Political parties should focus on finding common ground and work together towards a shared vision of a better future for the country. In these challenging times, it is more important than ever for all political parties to put aside their differences and work towards finding a peaceful and sustainable solution. The country has made significant progress in various fields in recent years and it is crucial that this progress is not undone by political instability. We call upon all political parties to act wisely and with caution, keeping the national interests at the forefront of all decisions. The stability and progress of the country should be the priority for all political parties that have promised a brighter future to their voters. As the major parties remain busy grabbing power, vital issues in the country are often overshadowed. This has been the story of the last several decades in Nepal. As a newspaper, we wish to see Prime Minister Dahal working closely with all parties including those in the opposition bench so that the country does not plunge into a fresh round of political instability.
