BRB One Year Down the Line

BRB had caught the imagination of many people- friends and foes alike- when he entered the Singha Darbar in 2011. He had been an outstanding student throughout his student life. More than that, his entry in to the politic has encouraged many talented youths to join public life. He seemed to connect our aspirations towards the political stability and economic prosperity. After a long time, he succefully instigated confidence among the people. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the sheen to peel off the man.

At the end of his first year, what we see is an alarming drop in his popularity rating, leading many to ask: how big of underachiever is Babu Ram Bhattarai? The nation has spent big chunk of money for making constitution, but instead of creative ideation one seems him lapsing into protectionist rhetoric and blame game. The Nepalese society is in the throes of political instability, but he is merely an onlooker for a man who promised to constitution making, army integration, peace and security. BRB has neither been able to make constitution on stipulated time, nor keep pace and security in the country.

The general mass labeling him as an apologist, trying to shifting blame to the parties. But, many of his erstwhile supporters and admirers are also disappointed with the compromise he is making, often diluting his own policies at the cost of ignoring many of his promises- whether to establish peace or promote double digit economic growth.He also angered his well wishers in the opposite party by trying to spread the blame of political failure, perhaps under the influence of south Asian mindset. People feel that instead of doing some serious task, BRB is now looking for the most appropriate exit. 

In the recent past, there were some significant surveys made about the current political deadlock. His ratings are hovering down significantly which his insiders justify as being natural for an incumbent prime minister- it is the significant fall in his ratings. The latest survey, conducted by Himal Khabar Patrika shows BRB’s rating to be as low as that of any other average leader. Though he didn’t create these problems, he created the expectations that they can be solved. Many people attribute the drop in BRB’s popularity rating largely to his inability to deliver on his promises.

BRB had indeed kindled much hope with his much celebrated 40 points demand to then prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Quoting historical anecdotes, he had embarked in his mission to explain the deprivation of the country by stressing that Nepal can be a prosperous country. In an attempt to redefine Nepal’s strategic location, he proposed Nepal to be a dynamic bridge between the two vibrant economic giants. He had tried to convey a clear message that Nepal is also interested to be benefited from their growth and prosperity.

One could well argue that BRB we see today is a man awakened to realities, a man who has realized that it is easy promise dreams, tougher to build them. However, BRB is still the prime minister of hope. He happens to be at the realm during transitional phase- a time when an opposite parties are not supporting at all.

Not many are willing to forgive BRB that easily, or allow circumstances attenuate his blame. They had reposed far too much faith and confidence in his ability to heal the wounds of the people.