Society is constantly moving forward. Time does not stand still, consciousness does not stop, and people's aspirations do not remain stagnant. Along with society, people's thinking, understanding, and desires also gradually evolve.

This is the inevitable result of natural-social development - political change. Therefore, it is not only natural, but inevitable for politics to change according to the wishes of society. The agenda of political parties should be in line with the times, policies and programs should be modified and most importantly, the leadership generation should also change. However, looking at Nepali politics, the question arises - have we really changed politics? Or have we only lived in the illusion that the face, name and slogan have changed?

The irony lies here. Society has entered the 21st century. Technology, education, information and contact with the world have changed the consciousness of Nepali society at a rapid pace. However, political parties and their leadership are still stuck in the thinking, culture and arrogance of the Treta Yuga - there is neither generational change in leadership, nor innovation in thinking. The party manifestos seem like a repetition of old commentaries. The political culture is also the same - power, self-interest and mere protection.

How much should we talk about the failures of the old political parties? The people endured for decades, gave them a chance, and believed in them. But what was the result? There was no political stability, no good governance, no social justice. Development was limited to slogans, democracy was limited to factions and factions, and republic was limited to speeches more than experiences for the common citizen.

But, despite all this, there is no self-criticism in the leadership of the old parties. There is no courage to admit mistakes. There is no serious attempt to transfer leadership. The same face, the same style, the same claim - the country cannot run without us. Today, Nepal's politics has become a living example of this proverb. The old parties and their old leaders have become obstacles to change. For them, politics is not a service, but a lifelong profession.

New political parties emerged from this land of despair. Change, reform, good governance, accountability – the new party that came with these words initially became the center of people’s hopes. The people who were tired of the old party considered the new party as an alternative – maybe something will change now. However, at this time, serious questions have started to arise – are these parties really new? Or just a new cover for the old mentality? The saying ‘old wine in a new bottle’ is still relevant.

The new party is pretending to show itself to be different from the old party. However, in practice, they are involved in the same collusion, the same division of power, the same bargaining for power. Power alliances that are tearing the constitution apart, positions are more important than principles, and chairs are more important than agendas – all these trends have started to be seen even in the so-called new parties.

Where is the agenda?

The most serious question is this – what is the agenda of the new political party? Where does it have a clear vision of building the country? Where is the long-term policy of economic development, employment, education, health, agriculture, industry, implementation of federalism, social justice? Or is politics just a strategy to defeat the old ones and come to power? The people have high hopes in the name of 'change'. But, does the new party really have a magic wand? As the saying goes, 'Khulja Simsim' will develop the country in a pinch? Is running the state so easy and superficial? But, politics is not run by slogans, but by policies - a country is built not by speeches, but by implementation.

Foreign policy and geopolitical reality

Nepal is in serious geopolitical turmoil. As a small country located between two superpowers, Nepal needs a balanced, prudent and far-sighted foreign policy. Diplomacy is not just a photo session and speeches - it is a question of strategy, continuity and national interest. Does the new party have a clear blueprint for this? Is expressing anger on social media and criticizing the old is politics? New parties should remember – you don’t become new by criticizing the old and politics is not a game of cheap popularity.

Today, politics has become a game of following ‘trends’, counting ‘views’ and ‘likes’ and gathering cheap support through emotional excitement. But, the country doesn’t run like this. If politics is only about division, what is the difference between the new and the old?

Here, we must also question the role of the media – who will ask serious questions of the new parties? Why is journalism limited to news about ‘who met with whom?’, ‘who met where?’? Isn’t it necessary to ask ‘what is the agenda of the new party?’? The media also has the responsibility to hold political parties accountable. And, without critical journalism, democracy becomes hollow.

Nepal does not need an old, rotten government, nor a hollow newness that only sells slogans. The country needs politics and leaders with a new vision, morality, ability and sense of responsibility. Leaders who prioritize policy over position and parties that stick to principles over power. Change should be seen in practice, not in speeches. Otherwise, the word 'new' will soon become another disappointment for the people.