18/10/2025
The Unspoken Lessons of Bhadra 23 & 24. - Sanjog Gautam
Neither those who called for it, nor those who participated, neither the political parties, nor the ruling side, nor even the opposition — none had imagined or evaluated that the protest on Bhadra 23 (September 😎 would erupt into such a massive uprising.
Due to the government’s irresponsibility, bullets were fired — hundreds were shot, and many lost their lives. Those who now claim “I didn’t order the shooting” also never said “Don’t shoot.” And that silence led to tragedy.
There was no leadership, no organized plan to seize power, not even a clear set of demands. Those who came out merely to pressure the government with basic grievances suddenly found power and the nation in their hands within hours. A far greater responsibility had arrived — one that few were prepared to bear.
Then came the noise from social media — “Dissolve the parliament! Talk to the army!”
Even those with wisdom, with an understanding of law, governance, and constitutional order, were dragged into that tide — because refusing to join meant being branded “cowards” or “sellouts.”
Now, as time has passed, we are all witnessing the aftermath. We see the consequences, we reflect, and we form our own perspectives — each through a different lens.
Today, the nation has entered a familiar cycle: the blame game.
Power has once again become the prize, not the responsibility.
Populists compete for attention, and leadership is now measured not by vision or integrity, but by likes, views, and comments on social media. Those who can lie confidently dominate the conversation. The media amplifies whatever sells — because clicks have become the new currency of politics.
The election date has been announced, yet few seem to care. Many shrug and say, “What will an election change?” But the truth remains — elections give us power, the power to vote, to choose who represents us. And the kind of representative you choose determines the kind of nation you live in.
If you believe that Oli, Deuba, Dahal, Yadav, Mahato, or Chaudhary failed to build the country, then remember — no Gurung, Dahal, or Dhungana will miraculously do so either. A nation is not built from the top; it is built from the ground up — starting from our homes, our neighborhoods, our wards, municipalities, provinces, and only then the nation.
To build my community, I need a ward chairperson, members, and a secretary — people who work together, not against each other. The chairperson and members are chosen by us, the people. They coordinate with the government-appointed secretary to execute development work. That’s how progress begins — locally, practically, and collectively.
But the quality of that development depends on whom we entrust with the job.
Our vote decides that.
Your one vote may not change everything,
but giving it to the wrong candidate means sharing the burden of their failure.
So invest your vote in the right person — someone who carries purpose, not pride.
Even if they don’t win, you will always hold the dignity of knowing your vote didn’t go to waste.
Elections and voting are the second phase of our revolution.
May those who promise to act and those who truly work for change not be betrayed this time.
