Uneasy Alliance
Nepal 's political forces are surviving in an uneasy alliance. If this anomaly can be corrected, the politics can operate smoothly
By KESHAB POUDEL
"I believe that the national reconciliation propounded by B.P. Koirala is still valid in the present context. Unlike in the past, now there is a need for reconciliation among three forces monarchy, political parties and the Maoist. My whole efforts are directed towards that end," said former prime minister and Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala in his recent interaction with media. Koirala is championing the cause of national reconciliation even as he makes loose alliance with the violent insurgents.
Similar voice is echoing from the King's side. "The government wants unity and reconciliation with constitutional forces to overcome present political crisis," said home minister Kamal Thapa, whose cabinet consists of many rightist extremists who have been enjoying power amid chaotic and confrontational political course.
Whatever Koirala and Thapa expressed, both of them are not in a position to break their uneasy alliance with extremists. By announcing four days general strike (total closer) from April 6-9 with the moral support of Maoist insurgent group, seven parties have charted a course of confrontation choosing the insurgents as their new ally.
By pursuing a wrong political strategy of confrontation against the King and unity with destructive forces instead of having the parliament reinstated, they have helped reinstate persons like first vice chairman Dr. Tulsi Giri, who was in oblivion for two decades.
Parties are launching the program to the extent of violence and chaos and some of the ministers in the King-chaired cabinet like Minister for Local Development Tanka Dhakal, Minister for General Administration Badri Prasad Mandal and State Minister of Communication Sirish Sumser Rana are talking against parties cementing the alliances of extremists alliances.
For common people and Nepal 's western friends, they are in a dilemma whom to support. As both the sides consist of bunch of extremists, the possibility of revival of democratic process appears a distant.
Instead of choosing the way to explain the problems of democracy to the people, leaders of seven political parties dominated by communists opted for general strike and total closure to press the regime for political change. Despite appeals of political parties, common people in the street have yet to show any enthusiasm to such programs.
"If that is going to bring democracy, why people are apathetic to that? Do the people also factor as something that shape the politics in the country? Or is it merely dependent upon unseen and mysterious agencies of unfriendly centers?" asked a political analyst.
Political leaders are confident that the forthcoming general strike is going to be final. "Believe me, this last round of political battle will end the autocratic rule in the country," said CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli.
In this backdrop, the country will certainly face a major confrontation, which will neither benefit the monarchy nor the political parties. Instead, such moves will fulfill the interest of a center, which has been encouraging the political destabilization in Nepal .
Three and a half years after King Gyanendra took over absolute constitutional power by dismissing elected prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, a major showdown between seven political parties is on the way. Four-day general strike called by seven parties with moral support of CPN-Maoist will inevitably bring more hardships to the country.
For the people and Nepal 's friends, the dilemma is whom to support amid the uneasy alliances of political forces. This kind of uneasy alliances will help prolong present political situation preventing revival of parliament through elections or reinstatement for temporary arrangement.
