Born into an oppressed family, what struggles did you have to establish yourself in politics? Govardhan Sharma, the father of Gandaki Chief Minister Krishna Chandra Pokhrel Nepali, gave me the membership of the Nepali Congress in 1936 BS. My father Chankhvir Vishwakarma and he did politics together. He also took my father with him in the politics of the Congress.
Govardhan Sir could not see the eyes, Krishnachandra Sir had introduced me. He told me, 'I have to follow the path of my father, change happens, the rights of Dalits are ensured. It is in the interest of women, oppressed areas, caste, and class, rights are obtained, 'he reminded.
Ever since I was 15-16 years old, my father used to tell me to fight for democracy and walk the path of politics. Later, at the age of 20-22, I came to understand and got involved in politics.
There have been many ups and downs in political life. I have been digesting everything. I have got into the habit of getting drunk and panicking that I never got the post. In the year 054 BS, there was an incident of social abuse. In Tanahu, I went to the Mahayagya worn by a person named Narayan Poudel. In that process, I was greatly insulted.
There was a fundraising event, I helped financially but was insulted. A representative of the organizing committee said that they would be honored at 12 noon after providing financial assistance. I asked, 'Why do it at 12 o'clock in the afternoon?' He said, "At 12 o'clock, all the old people go out to eat rice and the pavilion is empty. I will respect you on that occasion." Then I refused. Then I walked away saying 'I don't need respect, I am preparing for the movement'. At that time, there was a big movement under my leadership. Later, the chairman of the organizing committee Narayan Poudel, the representative, and others apologized saying that it was a mistake.
What is your current position at the party? I became a delegate to the General Convention for two terms. After the establishment of the Dalit Association in 1954 BS, I became the district president for three terms. I am still a central member. I am a delegate to the General Convention. From 049 to 059, I was a ward member of the municipality for ten years. In the meantime, I also became a board member of the Dalit Development Committee. I was a member of the National Dalit Commission from 2006 to 2007. I have been a member of the state assembly since the 2014 election.
When was the issue of making a minister of the state government discussed within the party? The talk came from our party after Krishnachandra Pokhrel became the Chief Minister. It was recommended by our party's senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel. Leaders Shankar Bhandari and Pradip Poudel, who were home alone, were all supportive. Personally, I did not hurt anyone. I also said, 'Give me a chance, I will work for the people.'
Chief Minister Pokharel had also assured. "Govardhan Sharma's son Krishnachandra Pokhrel Nepali is the chief minister of this state while Chankhvir Vishwakarma's son is not in the cabinet," he said. I had returned home alone from Pokhara on Thursday evening. I got a call from the Chief Minister's daughter at around 7 in the morning saying, 'Please come for the oath soon, we are talking.' Then I was going to Pokhara with preparations. On the way, news came that another person had taken an oath.
Who provided the information? I have come to know this from the media more honestly. When I reached Dagangauda, the Chief Minister's daughter called and said, 'Uncle is coming, something is wrong.' However, another was sworn in without saying a word. So far no leader has been able to give me a clear answer on this issue. Some reasons have not been disclosed. I had all the information on the list of ministers. The Chief Minister was giving assurance. As recommended by senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel and has a family-like relationship, there could be no other basis for trusting Krishnachandra Pokhrel after he became the Chief Minister. I had also asked all the leaders of the Center to 'bless'. However, it could not happen.
Didn't you ask the leaders anything after such a decision of the party? When I stopped suddenly, I did not tell many, I informed senior leader Poudel. He ‘committed this great crime, sinned. This also happens somewhere, 'he said. He also said that the decision should be made in the afternoon. But, he could not stop or do not know what happened. I also asked Chief Minister Pokharel. He said, "I could not make one minister at all. Pressure came from the party leadership." Not much happened after that. He also got busy.
Which party leader came under such pressure lately and prevented you from becoming a minister of the oppressed class? I don't have the answer to this, only Chief Minister Pokharel and the main leaders of the party will know. It's not good for you to ask people who are in pain, just ask them. There may be many internal issues of the party, I do not blame anyone. My morality does not allow me to criticize. Here are some suggestions. But, I'm not saying that Flanna did this, did that. For me, this is a matter of great humiliation, but no matter how much it is a matter of humiliation, I have to bear it as it is an internal matter of the party. However, I would like to thank the country and the media for their interest in the oppressed community, women, and the marginalized.
What do you say about the party's decision? This is not to say that it prevented me from becoming a minister, but that the way the Council of Ministers has been formed is an insult to the current constitution and democracy, and the constitutional order. I feel that the provision in the constitution has been insulted more than my personal life. I am not a person, but the constitution has ensured proportional and inclusive participation. Arrangements have been made for the participation of all classes and communities. However, the question raised by the expansion of the Council of Ministers is whether the rights enshrined in the constitution have been achieved or not. Asti, until a few days ago, we were raising the voice that KP Oli had violated the constitution. Now everyone understands how justified it is to 'judge' a person who can represent a backward backward class and community, who can endure any pain.
How do you proceed now?
