Partisan politics and the Non-Resident Nepali Association

The NRNA must steadfastly distance itself from political influence and reposition itself as a purely social entity.

In retrospect, it becomes increasingly evident that the NRNA has diverted significantly from its original mission of bridging the gap between Nepali expatriates and Nepal. Its primary mandate was to facilitate diverse forms of engagement, support, and development. Nevertheless, historical records indicate a stark departure from this objective, raising serious concerns about the organization's future direction.

The upcoming Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) jamboree, scheduled for mid-October in Kathmandu, holds significant importance as it convenes every two years to elect the new executive leadership for the following biennium. Reflecting on recent NRNA conferences, it becomes apparent that the previous conferences have been frequently marred by grave controversies. The most significant rift occurred during the 2021 conference, leading to a division within the organization.

During the tumultuous event in 2021, the organization unceremoniously split into two factions, and the legitimate-claiming faction struggled to reach a consensus in selecting its leadership. Consequently, the appointment of the three chairperson candidates to the leadership became an embarrassing and unconstitutional affair. Regrettably, the two-year tenure of three chairpersons did not yield any noteworthy accomplishments, and the organization was fraught with internal power struggles, which extended to numerous national coordinating committees (NCC) around the world.

Even the second faction backed by former chairperson Sesh Ghale struggled to exert meaningful influence and existence in the past two years. This disconcerting pattern heightens apprehensions regarding the future of the NRNA, an organization initially founded with the noble intent of fostering a strong bond between the global Nepali diaspora and their homeland.

Evolution of NRNA

With a steadily expanding global Nepalese population, the NRNA was established on October 11, 2003, with the primary objective of creating a cohesive network among the worldwide Nepali diaspora. This organization was founded on the fundamental belief that a Nepali, regardless of his/her geographical location, would always remain a Nepali at heart.

During its formative years, NRNA's focus was on building a robust network of Nepali diaspora and expanding its global reach. This initial period saw the organization gain momentum and the trust of the Nepalese community abroad. However, this idyllic phase was short-lived, as Nepalese politics began to influence the organization's direction. Nevertheless, the continuous advocacy for Non-resident Nepali citizenship, which turned into a reality, stands out as one of the commendable aspects of the NRNA.

Political Influence

Despite NRNA's declaration of being a non-political entity, the biennial NRNA gatherings in Kathmandu have morphed into platforms for overt Nepalese political partisanship. Political parties openly endorse their preferred leadership candidates, and the campaigning becomes heavily politicized, often sidelining neutral and non-partisan candidates. During the upcoming conference of NRNA, the aspirants of executive leaderships are seeking for a political endorsement. The panels are being formed in accordance with the political affiliation of the candidates. In fact, the NRNA has been openly metamorphosed into a sister organization of the political parties and the political leaders dictate the terms and conditions of the organization. In the past, political parties had delegated their central-committee members the job of forming panels within the NRNA executive committee. Unfortunately, the scenario did not seem to change this time, as well.

Furthermore, NCC elections in various countries have also become tainted by political bias. As an indirect observer of election proceedings in Germany, it was evident that recent NCC conventions mirror the contentious nature of Nepalese politics, with vocal bashing of opponents and physical altercations becoming aplenty. To accommodate the maximum number of aspiring contestants, multiple unnecessary posts have been created on will, resulting in a jumbo size of the executive committee. Unfortunately, this trend is not unique to Germany, as similar scenarios have unfolded during NCC elections in many countries.

Consequences of political influence

The political influence on NRNA has engraved a line of division on the people of Nepalese origin living abroad. Differing political affiliations among NRNA members have resulted in conflicts over the organization's priorities and objectives. Such fragmentation has weakened the collective impact of NRNA’s efforts. This has also frequently led to questions about the transparency and accountability of the organization. Concerns have arisen regarding how funds are managed, decisions are made, and whether the organization serves the interests of its members or caters to only a certain political agenda. Political influence has also veered the representation of the interests of Nepali diaspora at the national and international levels.

Way forward

To navigate the challenges faced by the NRNA, the organization must strive for transparency, inclusivity, and independence from political agendas. NRNA should prioritize its core missions of fostering community, supporting development, and advocating for the interests of the Nepali diaspora. By doing so, NRNA can maintain its relevance and effectiveness despite the ever-changing political landscape of the home country.

As a Nepali living abroad, I am an ardent admirer of the NRNA as a vital global platform for our Nepali diaspora. Hence, I firmly believe that the NRNA must steadfastly distance itself from political influence and reposition itself as a purely social entity. Furthermore, it should extend its reach and support to the underprivileged laborers, particularly those residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who often face challenging circumstances. I earnestly urge the dedicated executives and patrons of NRNA to engage in a reflective analysis of the organization's activities. This introspective process can serve as a catalyst for revitalizing and refocusing the NRNA's efforts. By pursuing this track, we can realize the true objective of the NRNA - a united effort by Nepalis, for Nepalis, ultimately strengthening our bonds and enhancing the well-being of our global community.