Upendra Yadav slams govt policy as ‘ritual without purpose’

KATHMANDU: Chair of the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), Nepal, Upendra Yadav has sharply criticized the government’s newly announced policy and programme for the upcoming fiscal year, calling it a “ritualistic exercise” devoid of real purpose or direction.

Speaking during Tuesday’s session of the House of Representatives, Yadav questioned the relevance of the policy document, arguing that it has become more of a ceremonial tradition than a tool for guiding national development.

“The policy and programme have no substantial purpose except to maintain a ceremonial practice passed down from the days of monarchs, which communist leaders have also continued. At best, it’s about distributing booklets and exchanging comments—what else does it really achieve?” Yadav remarked.

Yadav noted a contradiction in the document, pointing out that although it mentions a “socialism-oriented” approach, its overall direction aligns with neoliberal ideology. “Socialism and neoliberalism are fundamentally opposed to each other,” he asserted.

“If the government were genuinely committed to socialism, its policies would be centered around the interests of the consumer class, the poor, farmers, workers, the proletariat, Madhesi communities, indigenous nationalities, minorities, Dalits, women, and the marginalized. But that has not been the case,” Yadav said.

He emphasized that policies should reflect clear objectives that prioritize social justice and equity. However, in its current form, he argued, the programme lacks coherence, vision, and a pro-people approach.