Ubiquity Of Power Brokers Imperils Democracy

Power brokers or bichaulias are those individuals or groups who deliberately influence the distribution of political and economic resources in society by wielding unwarranted pressure tactics or behind the scene manoeuvre. Nepali leaders know that a disjuncture exists between them and public opinion. These power brokers are: special interest groups of society, rent-seeking bureaucrats, unethical businessmen, clients, commission agents, political spoilers, thieves of state, fake contractors, free-riders and a variety of middle men acting as comprador class. They often mount spirited steps beneficial to them at the costs of ordinary Nepalis, the true stakeholders of democracy aspiring good governance. Power brokers coordinate the interest of law, politics, administration and disciplinary institutions against people beyond the value of public morality.