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The eight point agreement signed between the CPN (Maoists) and the Seven Party Alliance seems to have developed some cracks. It was not unexpected. That it was a temporary marriage of unavoidable compulsions on the part of both the signatories and would not last long, unless one party was willing to make heavy compromises, was not very difficult to assume. If one party is driven by the zeal of extreme ideology, devoid of any practical knowledges and experiences, the bigger constituents of the other are impelled by the lure of power and pelf. If the credentials of one are yet to be tested, the bigger parties of the SPA have exposed themselves, quite a few times, for the common man to get disillusioned. It seems quite strange why the smaller constituents of the SPA are not grudging to share the ignominy of the bigger parties. No ghost need come from hell to tell us that, had it not been for the Maoists, neither the King’s authority would have been cut down, nor the House would have been restored and nor the SPA would be sitting in the government now. Since it has become crystal clear that the Maoists have emerged as the dominating political force in Nepali national politics, they have to renounce their pre-revolution concept and behavior and start acclimatizing themselves with the poor country’s most pressing priorities. Except the urban areas, most of the rural Nepal is under their control and Nepal government has been turned into a helpless spectator. The overwhelming poor people of Nepal , who have been oppressed and exploited up till now, are looking up to them for redress. Whether the Maoists will come up to the expectations of poor Nepalis and safeguard their dignity and pride by avoiding the remote control that has become the bane of politicians in the poor country has become the most burning issue at the moment. As per the established tradition of all revolutions in the world, the Maoists too should have grabbed power and authority in Nepal . But, they have exhibited great statesmanship by restraining themselves which otherwise, might have embroiled the country in senseless and devastating civil war. But the sinister developments of recent past have only generated misgivings and apprehensions that the SPA government is dragging its feet in implementing the eight point agreement in real earnest. They seem to have taken the cue from their mentors. They have started taking shelter behind the art of rhetorics. Now, they are trying to put the blame on regressive and traditional parties and people but they refuse to acknowledge that their own bigger partners are still stinking from their unforgivable and unforgettable crimes against the nation committed by them when in power. They keep on overlooking the simple truth that there are innumerable honest and patriotic men and women who can become strong pillars of their nation. The discredited politicians can never be trusted to work honestly and patriotically for the country. Isn’t it a simple farce that they want the members of the restored House of Representatives to take oath after such a long time? Are they willing to accept that all the activities of the restored House have become invalid since the members had not taken their oath? If not, why this oath taking drama at this juncture? This must serve as a simple clue to read their mind - what are they thinking and planning. The Maoists, if they want to keep their slate clean all the time, instead of exerting themselves in meeting and talking with men with borrowed minds, they must initiate meeting Nepali intelligentsia who have not been defiled yet. This will not only help them understand what the country wants urgently, but also provide genuine base and material to formulate their future policies. Since the undercurrents in Nepali politics are becoming stronger every passing day, the Maoists must not fail to read them if they want their sacrifices to bear fruit. They also must be able to see the specter of isolationism that is lurking on the horizon. Since the country cannot wait for long, they must not delay bringing the needed reforms that only can rejuvenate the nation to fruition. And this demands liberal and broad minded thinking, vision and imagination and tolerance. These are very tall demands. Can the Maoists meet them?
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