Kathmandu: The agreement between Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal – United Marxist-Leninist (CPN – UML) is a defining moment of history –  a turning point for Nepal. This is one of the biggest political achievements for Nepal since the Revolution of 1991 AD.

Universally accepted political leader of Nepal Ganesh Man Singh, who has currently decided to refrain from sharing his political opinions, upon repeated requests from Punar Jagaran, shared the above analysis.

“The taste of ‘kheer’ (rice pudding) can only be known after tasting the kheer, similarly the success of this agreement too can only be known after it has been put to test”, Singh said.

Singh shared that he had consistently maintained that ‘to protect and prolong Nepal’s newly founded democracy, Congress and UML would have to meet eye-to-eye in at least a few affairs’, and that ‘he continued to maintain the same belief’.

Singh was happy upon learning that both, the ruling party and the opposition agreed upon the same belief – albeit a little late, and wished both parties success in their newly founded agreement.

Singh also warned both parties that if either party (Congress or UML) were unable to fulfil their commitment, they would not only be putting their political standing at risk, but also risking the nation’s newly found democratic establishment.

Ganesh Man Singh with his political friends in Kathmandu, Nepal

“Both parties must work with the spirit of honesty, transparency, and cooperation, and should not try to cheat the other, else it would be a great misfortune upon the nation – a misfortune whose burden would have to shouldered by the future generations of Nepal”, Singh shared with Punar Jagaran.

Singh also reminded Nepali Congress about their responsibility towards ensuring the success of the agreement. “If Nepali Congress makes a mistake in honouring the agreement, they will be not only become liable to the party, but also to the people of Nepal. Therefore, it is my humble request to the party to operate in a definitive and responsible manner”, Singh said.

Singh also said that if the implementation of the agreement is delayed, he will personally pressurize the government to push for its earliest execution, and expects UML to do the same.

Singh expressed regret towards his inability to prevent the strike of Shrawan 4 and 5, “I tried my best to prevent the strike. Had it been prevented, 5 Nepali lives would have been saved, and the nation’s industrial and tourism sector would have been spared”.

Singh hoped the incident would prove a lesson to Nepali Congress, CPN – UML, and to the government.

When asked about the issue pertaining to the demands of the Prime Minister’s resignation, Singh did not give a straightforward response: “Keeping the current situation in mind, a straight answer to this would prove difficult for NC and CPN UML. Right now is not a time to create more problems”, Singh answered.

Lastly, when asked to comment on the groups who were insistent the revolution must continue, Singh said,

“Revolution is not a profession. I don’t think anyone will make revolting a profession. However if they do wish to, that is their inherent right to do so. The answer to the protests will be provided by the people themselves”.

Published in Punar Jagaran
( 24^th August, 1993 AD)