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VOL. 27, NO. 10, November 02, 2007 (Kartik 16 2064 B.S.)
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“National Reconciliation Can Be The Basis For Resolving Current Problems”
Govinda Raj Joshi
Despite so many ups and downs, former minister and member of Nepali Congress Central Committee GOVINDA RAJ JOSHI is still known as a strongman in Congress. Joshi who was criticized for his moderate views spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues of current political developments. Excerpts:
What is the solution of present political crisis?
Holding the elections for the Constituent Assembly is the only solution for the present political crisis.
Do you think the present special session of Legislative Parliament will find the solution?
The special session of the parliament has nothing to do with the political solution as it was summoned to block the holding of the elections for CA. After the postponement of the election, the utility of special session has ended.
If it has no sense, why are you taking part in the session?
All parties want to exploit parliamentary session to prove that they are sincere to CA polls.
How do you see the possibility of elections on the next date – by mid-March as
proposed by prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala?
Nepal's situation is more complicated now. If leaders of seven parties fail to understand the crisis generated by ground reality of the country, I don't think we can hold the elections for CA.
How do you see the suggestions of United Nations, western countries and Nepal's two neighbors about the need to hold the elections as early as possible?
That is their good will and good wishes towards Nepal. But, as long as the leaders of country's major political parties are not prepared to translate their words in deeds, I don't think there will be elections. At a time when our political leaders are more concerned about their own personal and party interests rather than national interest, holding elections is no body's priority. Elections are needed only by the people who want to choose their own representatives to safeguard national interest and democracy.
Who will benefit from the prolonging political instability in Nepal?
Nobody will benefit from prolonging political instability in the country. But, I have not seen the realization of consequences on the part of leadership regarding chaos and instability.
Since prime minister says he wants to announce new election date, does that not reflect his effort to end the present transition?
Announcement of new election date is not the solution at all. Our efforts now must be centered on how to make conducive environment for the elections. I do not see sincere efforts on the part of leaders regarding holding of the elections. As long as we cannot identify the reason behind the postponement of previous elections, we will not be successful to hold the elections in future also.
If elections cannot be held, what would be the consequences?
It will bring about very unmanageable situation.
Prime minister Koirala has reiterated that he will hold the elections at any cost within mid March or before 2065. How do you look at it?
It is prime minister's good wish as he has inner commitment to restore the peace by bringing Maoists in the peace process. He wanted to conclude the peace process. Unfortunately, his hands are tied and surrounding environment is not supportive to his commitment.
Is prime minister Koirala aware about the situation?
He is aware about the present political situation.
If he cannot hold the elections, why does prime minister want to announce new election date?
It is his political compulsion to reiterate commitments towards the elections. If the election is not announced, that may generate many legal and legitimacy questions. It will again be premature if we fail to diagnose the reason behind the postponement of elections twice in the past. Announcement of election date alone will not fulfill the political objective.
Despite postponing the CA elections several times, why are all political parties still talking about it?
We cannot solve the present political crisis without holding the elections for CA. This is the political reality.
Don't you think that suspension of polls has shattered the hopes of people?
Initially, all the people had inner trust that elections will be held as CA was the determined agenda of all. However, it is now a hypothetical issue. Nobody can give the reason why it was not held a year ago or in June or in November. The present politics is like a hypothetical exercise where there is always possibility of failure.
In your own opinion, why was the elections for CA hot held in the past?
It was because of political immaturity. We have completely deviated from our
commitment towards the CA polls. Had the CA poll been main objective of Seven
Political Parties, they would have announced the elections date last November itself – soon after reinstatement of previous parliament. We missed the best opportunity after taking all kinds of unnecessary decisions like proclamation of parliament and pronouncement of new interim constitution and nationalization of property of King and so on. If there had been genuine commitment on CA polls and republic state; we would have concentrated all our efforts to hold the polls at the earliest instead of going for such nonsense.
Do you believe that CA polls are political solution?
I have reservation over whether CA will bring absolute political solution or not and whether we have raised the issues knowing them fully well or not. Irrespective of what I
think, CA is now a political reality for Nepal. More the date for election is postponed, more the problems the country will face. The problems like Janjatis, Madhesis, Dalits and Muslims are coming up and CA elections is getting low profile.
How will we find the solution, then?
Political unity among all the political forces particularly seven party alliance is the way out. However, it is not easy. At a time when we are unable to control our own student unions that are waging struggle against our government's decision to raise the price of petroleum products, how can we unite heterogeneous political interest? As long as we cannot stand for reality of the situation, I don't see any political solution.
Do you mean you are incompetent to deal with the situation?
Whether one likes it or not, it is the fact that all internal political forces are incapable and inept to deal with the present situation.
Recently, reactions are coming from our neighbors regarding the growing instability in the country. How do you look at it?
I think the time has come for the leaders of seven parties to give up their petty and party interest keeping in mind the interest of nation, nationality, national integrity and democracy, which includes sovereignty in the people. It is unfortunate to say that we have not been debating on issues like nation, nationality, national integrity and democracy.
At a time when Nepal's' internal political forces are bitterly divided, what do you suggest to make broader alliance and understanding?
We don't have to borrow views from outside. Our leader B.P. Koirala's proposal of national reconciliation, which he proposed while returning to Nepal after eight years long political exile from India, can be the basis for unity among all patriotic and democratic forces. Instead of going for revenge and bitterness, this is time for broader reconciliation between patriotic and democratic forces. If we are able to forge alliance between democratic forces and patriotic forces, then only we can overcome the present political crisis. For this, we have to give up hatred against institutions and individuals.
At present, do you see any leader to have such a broad vision?
Yes, Girijababu is the only leader now with such guts and capability. If he can gamble his political career to bring Maoists to the mainstream, Koirala can do the same to forge alliance with other patriotic and democratic forces.
But he seems to be completely sidelining country's major traditional force?
If you want to save the country, you must take this initiative. Even prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala has to realize this reality by taking the lead role to unite country's all political forces.
