The Nepali Congress, the party standing at the forefront of Nepal's oldest and democratic movement, has today stood at the most sensitive stage of its existence. In its history of more than seven decades, it has a glorious story of fighting against autocracy, establishing democracy, advancing the agenda of social justice and inclusion. But, the irony is that this party is now moving away from the faith of the common people due to its own internal strife, factionalism, ideological deviation and leadership crisis.

In the eyes of the people, Congress is more focused on power equation than ideology. Confusion has arisen among the general public due to the different public statements of the leaders regarding the party's official approach. People's trust in Congress is falling as the tendency to emphasize power sharing rather than long-term debate and policy-making is becoming dominant.

The recent Bagmati province government formation process has openly exposed the internal disagreements within the Congress. As various factions within the party were playing the game of power, pressure and alliance until the last moment to make their people as ministers, the newly appointed Chief Minister had to get the support of the opposition party to sustain the government . However, the crisis was averted after all Congress MPs gave a vote of confidence.

Even after one year of the joint alliance of Congress and UML, they have not been able to confirm the justification . Due to political competition and mutual distrust between the two old parties, the coalition government has not achieved much. Instead, there is constant confusion in government operations and delays in the decision-making process. Due to factional interests and balance of power within the alliance, the expected speed and transparency in the service flow has not been maintained . It is clear that the morale is weak because the people, especially civil servants and local level employees are not given due priority in the expected justice and service delivery.

With the implementation of federalism in Nepal, the controversy over the civil service bill brought to reform the civil service has caused more political complications. Deep differences have been seen within the Congress regarding the 'cooling off period' of the bill and the differentiation between the employees. The absence of a clear policy to keep the morale of the union, state and local level employees is dividing the employee class . This has not only reduced the enthusiasm in service delivery from the employees but also created obstacles in the direction of establishing good governance . It is necessary for the Congress to publicize its clear opinion about the employees seriously. Congress should not delay to properly address the issues raised by teachers. 

Congress's internal leadership selection process is being influenced by extreme factionalism, personal proximity and financial power. This has weakened the internal democracy of the party and reduced the transparency in the decision-making process. When the leadership from the center to the local level gives more priority to personal loyalty in the appointment, distribution of tickets and giving opportunities, it has become a situation where factions become stronger than party strength and long-term strategy becomes weaker . When the voice of the new generation of leaders is neglected, the organization lacks innovation and energy . Because of this, the expected attraction of the new generation towards the Congress is not seen .

After the implementation of the constitution created by the Constituent Assembly, the people and the party all expected that federalism, stable government and economic development will lead the country to prosperity. But in the last 10 years, these expectations have largely turned into disappointment. The news of corruption and abuse of power has hurt public confidence in the Congress. Disappointment towards the Congress has risen due to the increase in migration of young people abroad, failure to create expected jobs, failure to fulfill election promises, etc. In such a situation, it is necessary for the Congress leadership to adopt a concept with strict reforms and accountability. The main basis of public trust in parties is speedy public service delivery . 

During the implementation of federalism, the problems in personnel management and civil bill disputes have added more challenges to the federal structure of Nepal. Inequality and discrimination among employees has a negative impact on the working environment. There is a need to adopt a clear and inclusive approach as a policy to keep the morale of union, state and local level employees high . Congress should play a leading role in this matter and take initiatives to create an environment of fast and quality service delivery in accordance with federalism. Likewise, the party's activation is necessary to establish the working class as the ambassadors of the people .

It is necessary to take initiative by the leadership to strengthen the parliamentary democracy, to maintain the balance between the legislature and the executive and to make the policy-making process and the cabinet formation process effective in the constitution. The system that has been established in the constitution of Nepal to make MPs as ministers has been proved to be unscientific. The government can become efficient and effective only if the prime minister can establish a system of selecting ministers from experienced experts. Corruption can be minimized . Opaque spending and corruption in elections can end . It is necessary for the Congress to deliberate and publicize its point of view on this matter. If the constitutional system of choosing ministers from MPs can be abolished, the unhealthy competition in elections will also end . People can be assured of good governance.

The role of Congress is still important for the prosperity of the country while maintaining the democratic governance system and maintaining political stability. But for that, the leadership has to take a tough decision . It is important to maintain theoretical clarity, transparency, accountability and internal democracy. Foreign policy, economic development, education, health and employment should not be delayed to make a long-term plan.

It seems that a decision-making system based on merit and efficiency should be implemented while maintaining transparency in leadership selection and ending extreme factionalism. The balance of power within the party should be ensured legally and politically. The credibility of the party will be maintained only if strict action is taken against corruption and strict moral standards are adopted .

Congress is now in a decisive mode to save its existence . Congress can regain public confidence only if doctrinal clarity, internal democracy, end of extreme factionalism and transparency can be established. It should be established that politics is not just a means of gaining power, it is the basis of the country's prosperity. If the path of reform is chosen, then the Congress will re-establish its identity as a 'people's party', otherwise the democratic system of government will surely be in crisis.

Congress, which is leading the democratic movement, while advocating freedom of speech, it is time to think ruthlessly to control the confusing and chaotic activities created mainly by the misuse of social media.