Identity Politics is Nepal’s Permanent Agenda: Purna Basnet

Purna Basnet, the Head of the Publicity Department of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, has stated that identity politics is a permanent agenda of the country. Expressing his views on the issue, he emphasized that identity-based politics remains one of the nation’s primary and enduring agendas.

He remarked, “National unity can only be strengthened by resolving identity-related issues. Only with strong national unity can the country move forward on the path to prosperity. The identity movement may appear in strong or dormant forms at different times, and its shape and structure may change. However, it will continue to persist in the country.”

Basnet expressed concern that corruption, conspiracies, and populism have recently plagued Nepal’s political landscape, and the rise of opportunism and deviation from core issues have weakened identity-based politics.

He also criticized seasonal identity advocates and those using identity politics to promote ethnic extremism, saying their influence has harmed the identity movement.

Labeling the CPN-UML as the main anti-identity political force, Basnet accused some leaders who once led the identity movement of now hiding under the umbrella of the UML. He further criticized them, saying, “Those who once tied headbands and led movements for the rights of oppressed communities are now proudly calling themselves party loyalists (‘jhole’).”