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Kathmandu – Vidya Bhattarai, known for her political lineage within the Maoist party, has emerged as a leader who brings a wealth of experience in student politics and teaching. She was thrust into the spotlight due to educational issues and has since been interviewed on the subject.
Following the untimely death of the former Minister of Tourism, Ravindra Adhikari, Bhattarai was nominated by the Maoists for a by-election ticket in Kaski Constituency-2. Despite not initially feeling prepared for the election due to the burden of previous loans and her responsibilities at home, she eventually contested and became the victorious candidate. Over her first term, she served as a Member of Parliament for nearly 40 months.
However, during the 2079 elections, Bhattarai was hesitant to stand for re-election due to financial concerns and personal circumstances. She doubted the desire of the party president, KP Sharma Oli, to see her participate in the elections. Nevertheless, Oli allocated her the ticket for Kaski-2 constituency. While decisions within the party are not always unanimous, they are generally accepted, as it comes with a certain level of responsibility.
Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, commented, “Bhattarai’s sense of duty towards political culture made her feel responsible for contesting the election. Despite her reluctance, she was prepared to fulfill her duty. However, Oli’s decision to give her the ticket was met with indifference and lack of enthusiasm.”
Bhattarai’s involvement in a political dispute with Prime Minister Oli attracted attention due to her refusal to transfer the responsibility of producing educational materials from a government program to her own company. This led to a clash of egos and authority, causing tensions within the government machinery.
Furthermore, Oli’s controversial remarks during a meeting regarding the educational sector had a profound impact on Bhattarai, eventually leading to her resignation amidst disagreements with the Prime Minister. The incident highlighted the power dynamics and challenges faced by individuals in positions of authority within the government.
In a separate incident, Oli’s interference in the formulation of the School Education Bill obstructed Bhattarai’s efforts, as she sought to prioritize reforms in public schools over the interests of private school operators. The conflict escalated as prominent political figures sided with Oli, disregarding Bhattarai’s concerns.
As tensions mounted, Bhattarai faced numerous instances of disrespect and pressure, including an incident where she was bypassed in communication between the Prime Minister’s office and a senior secretary, Rajesh Bajracharya. This perceived slight further strained the relationship between Bhattarai and Oli, highlighting the challenges faced by officials in navigating power dynamics within the government.
In response to these incidents, Bhattarai’s unwavering commitment to her principles and responsibilities underscored her dedication to public service, despite facing resistance and criticism from within the political establishment.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: April 22, 2025 3:01 am
