'Adherence to BP's principles a must for socialism'

Kathmandu, 28 April 2025: Various speakers have highlighted the need of adhering to the ideals and principles of BP Koirala for consolidating democracy and socialism in Nepal. 

At a workshop 'Importance and relevance of BP's socialist thinking in today's context' organized by BP Koirala Socialist International Nepal here today, the speakers expressed viewed that BP's ideas would be the guiding tenet for socialism and improved democracy. 

On the occasion, first President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said though there have been significant improvements in sectors like road infrastructure after the establishment of democracy, there is still much to be done in overall economy and the sectors such as education, health and employment. 

"Good roads have been constructed in villages and more than 95 per cent of the population has access to electricity. There have been many qualitative improvements in the last two decades," he said, adding "but there is still a lot to be done for the economy". 

Dr Yadav said that BP had envisioned socialism keeping the development of rural life at the center, so economic development would be possible if agriculture and rural economy could be placed at the center even now. 

Also speaking on the occasion, Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala shared the plan that some municipalities could be promoted as model ones as per the concept of socialism envisioned by BP.  Dr Koirala accused the people in the government of making pretentious expressions – whether th current system will prevail merely to hide their weaknesses. 

"Apparently the leadership was worried about the democracy we had brought, but discussion was only to hide their shortcomings," he said, adding, "There is no danger on the republican system". 

Leader Koirala stressed the need to lady emphasis on bringing reforms in the existing Constitution as everyone has accepted some shortcomings in the main law of the land. 
Likewise, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala said the policy of political party leaders to take decisions in the interest of the country is the essence of BP's policy. 

Noting that democracy would be strengthened only if the country's economy was enabled, she said the government's policies should come keeping rural development at the centre. NC leader and former Minister NP Saud recalled BP's style to listen to everyone respect those raising questions. He said efforts were being made to institutionalize democracy and give stability to the country through BP's subtle thinking and principles even today. 

Former Chief Secretary Bimal Koirala opined that BP was the architect of socialism in Nepal. He accused the NC of deviating from the agenda of nation-building by forgetting BP's principles. Dr Sundar Mani Dixit also accused the NC of forgetting BP's ideals and carrying communist ideology. Political analyst CK Lal said that there has been meager discussion and thinking about BP's thoughts at present. His literary works should be understood to know about BP, Lal added. 

Former Ambassador Prof Lokraj Baral said BP Koirala was a symbol of renaissance in political, economic and literary fields. Likewise, Prof Dr Jayaraj Acharya opined that BP's socialism would not be meaningful if basic needs like education, health and housing were not met. 

On the occasion, Chairperson of BP Koirala Socialist International Nepal Indira Thapa expressed her belief that the book 'BP's Socialism and Local Government' would play an important role in understanding socialism in the current context.