The Bibeksheel Sajha Party: An Overview
The Bibeksheel Sajha Party (Nepali: विवेकशील साझा पार्टी) is a political entity in Nepal that emerged with a vision of providing an alternative to the traditional political forces of the country. Formed on July 26, 2017, from the merger of two relatively new political movements—Bibeksheel Nepali Dal and Sajha Party—it was seen as a ray of hope for many urban, educated, and younger voters. With an emphasis on good governance, political transparency, and a break from the entrenched political class, the party quickly gained traction in Nepalese cities, positioning itself as an advocate for clean and effective governance.
Despite its promising start, the party faced multiple challenges, including factionalism and ideological disputes, which eventually led to splits and a loss of momentum. Nevertheless, Bibeksheel Sajha continues to strive towards rejuvenating its standing as an alternative political force in Nepal.
Formation and Early Aspirations
The party was formed through the merger of Sajha Party, led by journalist-turned-politician Rabindra Mishra, and Bibeksheel Nepali, led by Ujwal Bahadur Thapa, a noted entrepreneur and social activist. Both factions had separately garnered significant attention during the 2017 local elections, advocating for policies that prioritized governance and delivery over traditional political movements. The unification of these two parties created the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, with a commitment to alternative politics focused on reform, good governance, and social justice.
The party adopted the scales as their electoral symbol, symbolizing fairness and justice, which resonated with their platform of anti-corruption and accountability in politics.
Electoral Performance and Challenges
2017 Elections: A Promising Start
In the 2017 legislative elections, the newly-formed Bibeksheel Sajha Party contested in 60 seats but failed to secure any victories under the first-past-the-post electoral system. Despite this setback, the party managed to secure 212,336 votes under the proportional representation system, finishing as the sixth-largest party in Nepal by the number of votes. Though this was an encouraging sign, the party did not meet the required 3% vote threshold to gain representation in the House of Representatives.
On a more regional level, the party fared slightly better. In the Bagmati Provincial Assembly, the party won three seats through proportional representation after receiving the fourth-highest vote count in the province with 124,442 votes. This indicated a growing support base, particularly among the urban and educated electorate.
2022 Elections: A Nightmare
By the time of the 2022 general election, the political landscape had changed drastically for the party. Internal disagreements, splits, and the departure of key leaders, including Rabindra Mishra, led to a much weaker performance. The once-promising party struggled to make an impact, and the electoral results were dismal compared to their early successes.
Internal Struggles and Splits
The Bibeksheel Sajha Party’s journey has been marked by internal tensions and factionalism, which have hindered its growth and stability. Shortly after its formation in 2017, cracks began to show. On January 11, 2019, the party experienced its first split when a faction led by Ujwal Thapa, including prominent leaders like Ranju Darshana and Milan Pandey, broke away to re-establish Bibeksheel Nepali Dal. The split was driven by disagreements over leadership style, with the Thapa faction accusing Mishra of running the party unilaterally.
Reunification and Second Split
In December 2020, the two factions once again merged, aiming to restore their collective influence. However, this unity was short-lived. Mishra, who had transitioned from journalism to politics, began advocating for more right-wing policies, including a referendum on secularism and the abolition of federalism, through his controversial document “Changing Course: Nation Above Notion.” This document sparked significant backlash from the youth wing of the party, who saw it as a betrayal of the party’s core values.
On July 26, 2021, Mishra proposed these changes during a party meeting, causing further rifts within the party. His rightward shift, including calls for the restoration of constitutional monarchy, led to his departure from the party and his eventual alignment with the far-right Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
Leadership and Vision Re-Alignment
Following Mishra’s departure, the Bibeksheel Sajha Party aimed to return to its original principles of reform and good governance. In February 2023, the party held its first general convention, electing Samikchya Baskota as the new chairperson, along with Milan Pandey and Prakash Chandra Pariyar as vice-chairpersons, and Rajnu Darshana as the general secretary.
The new leadership emphasized a renewed focus on alternative politics, grounded in democratic republicanism and secularism. They have disavowed Mishra’s controversial political proposals and have sought to rebuild the party’s reputation and influence, particularly among urban youth.
Bibeksheel Sajha’s Future Prospects
Despite setbacks, the Bibeksheel Sajha Party remains committed to proving itself as a legitimate alternative to Nepal’s traditional political forces. The party has acknowledged the challenges it faces, including factionalism, leadership disputes, and organizational weaknesses. The newly-elected leaders are working to expand the party’s presence across the country by holding provincial conventions and strengthening local-level party structures.
Political analysts have noted that the party’s survival depends on its ability to maintain ideological clarity and broaden its support base. The rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), another proponent of alternative politics, poses an additional challenge to Bibeksheel Sajha’s growth. However, party leaders like Prakash Chandra Pariyar believe that there is still significant space for a party that champions progressive politics and governance reform.
Conclusion
The Bibeksheel Sajha Party’s journey has been one of high expectations tempered by internal divisions and leadership changes. While the party initially garnered considerable support, particularly in urban areas, its internal struggles have limited its growth and electoral success. With a new leadership team in place, the party is working to reclaim its position as a champion of alternative politics in Nepal. Whether it can navigate the complex political landscape and rebuild its support remains to be seen, but its commitment to governance reform and youth engagement offers a potential path forward.
