Nepal’s new parties merge to challenge status quo

By Deepak Adhikari

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AA) - Two Kathmandu-based political groups Wednesday merged to form a new party in a bid to challenge the status quo in the country.

Bibeksheel Nepali and Sajha Party, whose leaders announced unification to form Bibeksheel Sajha Party, had attracted media attention during the local elections in May.

The party is led by western-educated youth, who presented itself as a new alternative force in the country of 26 million people.

“The political parties until now have fought for our rights. Now is the time to work hard to realize our dream of a prosperous Nepal,” Rabindra Mishra, a former journalist and a founder of Sajha Party, told reporters on Wednesday.

“This is a platform for those who want change. In a decade, our neighbor China will become world’s number one economy. We need to rapidly grow within a decade to catch up with our neighbors,” said Ujjwal Thapa, leader of Bibeksheel Nepali, in Kathmandu.

Bibeksheel Sajha Party is expected to field candidates in upcoming elections for provincial and national parliament scheduled for January next year.

Though the new political force is gaining traction, analysts warn that it will be an uphill battle for them in a political landscape dominated by experienced communist and socialist forces with deep roots and robust organizational footprints across the country.

Ranju Dharsana and Kishor Thapa, who were fielded for the mayorship in Kathmandu by Bibeksheel Nepali and Sajha Party respectively, will serve as coordinators of the new party.