KATHMANDU: Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai has stated that Nepal requires a clear, long-term development plan, with political parties competing solely on the implementation of such a strategy.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress, Bhattarai emphasized the need for a shared development vision aimed at elevating the country to the status of a developed nation within the next 20 years.
Citing the rapid economic progress achieved by nations like Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and China, he argued that Nepal must adopt a similar long-term perspective. ‘There is still time, everyone should think. How did other countries develop? If Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, and China could move from the Global South to the Global North within our lifetime, how can we reach that level within the next 20 years?’ he asked.
Bhattarai suggested that political parties should reach a consensus on a national development roadmap and compete on their ability to execute it. ‘Let us create such a plan. Let all parties compete on how to implement it. Only then will the country be built,’ he said. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of trusting the new generation to ensure political stability. ‘Let us learn from the past. We must now trust the new generation,’ he added.
