Opinion | The ‘Panchayat-isation’ of Sher Bahadur Deuba
Summary
Sher Bahadur Deuba’s recent political presentation has triggered criticism that his style reflects a lingering “Panchayat” mindset, with excessive focus on personality, power and religious identity. The opinion piece argues that Nepal’s democratic culture has changed less than its constitution, and that the Nepali Congress’s future should not remain bound to one leader or one identity.
Key Points
- Sher Bahadur Deuba is portrayed as a democratic leader whose public style increasingly resembles the political culture of the old Panchayat era.
- The article criticizes the use of religious identity in party politics, especially Deuba’s repeated assertion that he is a Hindu.
- It says the Nepali Congress faces a deeper crisis of culture and institutional discipline, not just a leadership problem.
- The piece argues that Nepal’s constitution has changed, but centralised and personality-driven political habits still remain.
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