With reference to the political conflict between Nepal and Bolivia, which of the following statements are correct? I. The movement in Nepal was for the establishment of democracy, while in Bolivia the struggle involved claims over an elected, democratic government. II. The Nepal struggle was successful while the Bolivian struggle was unsuccessful.
With reference to the political conflict between Nepal and Bolivia, which of the following statements are correct? I. The movement in Nepal was for the establishment of democracy, while in Bolivia the struggle involved claims over an elected, democratic government. II. The Nepal struggle was successful while the Bolivian struggle was unsuccessful. Correct Answer Only I
- The story of Bolivia and Nepal apply to the struggle for establishing or restoring democracy.
- Both the cases demonstrate the power of people in a democracy.
- The movement in Nepal was to establish democracy, while the struggle in Bolivia involved claims on an elected, democratic government. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The popular struggle in Bolivia was about one specific policy, while the struggle in Nepal was about the foundations of the country’s politics.
- Both these struggles were successful but their impact was at different levels. Hence, statement 2nd is not correct.
Key Points
Movement for democracy in Nepal
- Nepal witnessed an extraordinary popular movement in April 2006. The movement was aimed at restoring democracy.
- Although the king formally remained the head of the state, the real power was exercised by popularly elected representatives.
- King Birendra, who has accepted this transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, was killed in a mysterious massacre of the royal family in 2001.
- King Gyanendra, the new king of Nepal, was not prepared to accept democratic rule and dissolved the popularly elected Parliament.
- The movement of April 2006 was aimed at regaining popular control over the government from the king.
Bolivia’s Water War
- Bolivia is a poor country in Latin America. The World Bank pressurised the government to give up its control of municipal water supply.
- The government sold these rights for the city of Cochabamba to a multi-national company (MNC). The company immediately increased the price of water by four times.
- Many people received monthly water bill of Rs 1000 in a country where average income is around Rs 5000 a month.
- This led to a spontaneous popular protest. In January 2000, a new alliance of labour, human rights and community leaders organised a successful four-day general strike in the city. The government agreed to negotiate and the strike was called off. Yet nothing happened.
- The police resorted to brutal repression when the agitation was started again in February. Another strike followed in April and the government imposed martial law.
- But the power of the people forced the officials of the MNC to flee the city and made the government concede to all the demands of the protesters.
- The contract with the MNC was cancelled and water supply was restored to the municipality at old rates. This came to be known as Bolivia’s water war.
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Feb 20, 2025