“Dr. Giri And Thapa Represent Two Dangerous Trends Of Present Rule”
-- PASHUPATI SJB RANA
RPP Chairman PASHUPATI SHUMSHER RANA has had a long innings in politics. Following the breakaway of his party a few months back by home minister Kamal Thapa, Rana is facing a crucial time to protect his party intact. Rana spoke to a group of reporters recently in a face to face program organized by Reporter’s Club. Excerpts:
On Reconciliation between Constitutional Forces:
Nepal ’s present crisis is crisis of confidence. For this to be resolved, there is a need for a genuine reconciliation between the King and the political parties. I have not seen such genuine efforts. When ministers are themselves spoiling the situation, there is very little hope for reconciliation. At a time when even Nepal ’s foreign friends are stressing the need for reconciliation between the King and the political parties, people like home minister Kamal Thapa are pushing the political parties to the extreme by threatening to treat them like Maoists.
On Government’s Initiative:
If the government sincerely wants negotiations with parties, it must seriously take initiatives. It is just hypocrisy to call the parties for talks while putting their leaders in prison without any charge. How can we believe in the sincerity of the government when some of its ministers are terming the political parties as terrorists? At a time when many countries of the world are pressing for reconciliation between constitutional forces, home minister Thapa is trying to break it.
On RPP’s Stand:
RPP believes that there requires dialogue and negotiation between the constitutional political forces to overcome the present political crisis. For this there require an all party government with mandate to hold the elections for the House of Representatives. This government will initiate the negotiations with the Maoists.
On 12-point Agenda:
I don’t think the 12-point agenda is enough to end the Maoist violence in the country. Our party supports the agenda, which expresses commitment to democracy and peace. But, we oppose the clause to put Royal Nepalese Army under international observation. We will welcome any step that will bring peace and stability in the country. The party and Maoists still have to do a lot of things to prove that their agenda will bring the peace. Maoists have to show that they are prepared to abandon the violence.
On Role of Kamal Thapa:
Persons like first vice chairman Dr. Tulsi Giri and Home minister Kamal Thapa do not want to see reconciliation between the King and the political parties. Dr. Giri has openly expressed his view opposing the exercise of multi party democracy. Kamal Thapa is more dangerous than him as Thapa speaks the words of democrats but his actions show otherwise. His recent irresponsible remarks will widen differences between the King and the political parties. I don’t think the ministers are genuinely concerned about the need for reconciliation. Persons like Kamal Thapa does not want to see a political solution and bring the country back in the track. Dr. Giri and Thapa represent two dangerous trends of present rule. The remarks of Dr. Tulsi Giri that the reconciliation between constitutional forces alone cannot solve the present political crisis is dangerous. Dr. Giri knows that the reconciliation between the King and the political parties will shorten his tenure. So he does not want to see reconciliation. Nobody wants to give up power and privilege.
On Madhav Nepal ’s Arrest:
I don’t see any rationale behind putting CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and other leaders in detention for such a long time. These actions will not create proper atmosphere for negotiations as well as reconciliation. The ministers of the present cabinet have nothing to do with the institution of monarchy and political process. They don’t have any stake. This is the reason they are working and speaking whatever they like. How can one hold the negotiation when such a large number of politicians are in detention. This will give a message to the world as an authoritarian regime.
On Performance of the Government:
The performance of the present government is totally unsatisfactory. Despite willingness of the King to improve the situation, ministers are unable to deliver the commitment expressed by him. There is anarchy-like situation in the country and ministers have been doing whatever they want.
On RPP-Thapa:
There is no question to recognize the faction led by Thapa. Home minister Thapa misused all state machinery to capture our party. Genuine RPP members are with us and only goons are with him. It is not a political party but a group of opportunists.
On The Way Out:
The only way out of the present political crisis is the reconciliation between the constitutional forces. I think it is still possible in our country. Those who are opposing the reconciliation are very few in numbers. Since the last four years, our party continues to demand the reconciliation and dialogue. We firmly believe that solutions of any nature should be found under the basis of constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy. Our party is wholeheartedly committed for constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy. Monarchy is Nepal ’s stability and unifying factor. We must defend this institution. We hope others, too, realize the importance of constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy.
