OBSERVATION
Monday, May 31st, 1999 / Jestha 17, 2056 B.S.

Is PM Bhattarai strong and capable enough?

Today (Monday), we will see the official opening of the Nepali Congress government headed by Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. This will be the third time in the history of Nepal, that a majority Nepali Congress government will be taking over the reign of power.

If one looks back in history, then it can be seen that the reign of an NC government has not had a good track record. Back in 1960 the NC government was toppled by King Mahendra to establish the dictatorial Panchayat rule, then much later in 1994, the NC government was brought down by the party’s own MPs. It is recent history what happened in the four years after that period. The country saw the formation of no less than six governments. What such political instability did for the development efforts of the country, the people have kept in mind.

Now for a third time the Nepali Congress majority government is going to steer the nation’s destiny. However it not very reassuring that an aged person like Krishna Prasad Bhattarai is at the helms of this government. The challenges before the country are far greater than what it was in the 1950s and later in the beginning of the Nineties. But here we have as the Prime Minister, a person who was a top level leader of the party way back in 1959 too and he will be leading the nation into the next Century. The world has seen much changes since then and many great leaders have come and gone in that period.

Krishna Prasad Bhattarai does not have a good track record of being a decisive and strong man. Yes, he did head the government during the interim period after the re-ushering in of democracy in 1990 and it was during his tenure as Prime Minister that the present democratic Constitution of the Kingdom was promulgated. Also, the first General Election after the re-ushering in of democracy was held while he was in power.

But after that, Bhattarai was seen as a "retired" politician. Specially so, after he failed to win in a by-election for the second time after his defeat in 1991. Later, he could also be seen and heard saying things which were totally not befitting a leader of his status. The media had a field day highlighting the "irresponsible" remarks of Bhattarai and also speculating on his private life. The media reported of how Bhattarai, a bachelor in his seventies, was living with a woman half his age.

The nation is at a very difficult junction at present. The immoral activities of the political leaders in the last couple of years, can be blamed to a large extent for the problems faced by it. Had they shown more character and firmness, maybe the blatant corruption, breakdown of law and order, ruining of the economy, insurgency problems and such things may not have occurred as they have.

So at such a time, in spite of a party having a comfortable majority, perhaps a very strong man should have been in control. Is Krishna Prasad Bhattarai such a man? Forget his resolve and physical ability, though they are also very important, has he got the support of all the NC MPs, most of whom are faithful followers of Girija Prasad Koirala? Is he looked with respect by his party men and also the countrymen? These are crucial queries that have to be answered for a person to command respect and obedience.

Yet, all is still not lost. There are many young and determined leaders within the party, who can be mobilised to give ample support to Prime Minister Bhattarai. But of course, they will have to be inducted into the new government or be given important posts for them to be of help.

In this regard, the role of party president Girija Prasad Koirala’s will be very important. If one remembers, it was the power struggle between Koirala nd Bhattarai which led to the downfall of the majority NC government in 1994. Then again in the General Election held in November of that same year, its was the divided mentality of the leaders, which perpetrated the rout of the party. It was also alleged that Koirala himself engineered the defeat of Bhattarai in the by-election held in athmandu’s Constituency No: 1, when he feared a victory may mean him having to relinquish power.

But now, Koirala has impressed many, including his party MPs, by quietly handing over power to Bhattarai, as he had promised before the election. But will this "Gandhian" attitude of Koirala continue? Will he feel comfortable while standing on the sidelines and out of power, even as arch rival Bhattarai cruises around with all the trappings that comes with being the Prime Minister?

A few queries may be answered in the look of the government that Bhattarai will unveil today (Monday). It has been predicted that the cabinet will be a small one initially and more ministers will be inducted in the coming days. But who will be made ministers now and what portfolios will be given to whom will be important. This could make or break the Bhattarai government.

If PM Bhattarai is to have any success in solving the myriad problems of the country, first he will have to be able to unite his party MPs. No one should be allowed to complain and rebel against party decisions, including in the giving out of ministership and portfolios. If a tight lid is put on such things right in the beginning, then the problem will not get out of hand later. But if again there is rebellion in the party itself, then the nation can expect nothing from this third majority NC government as well.

AWAKE wishes Prime Minister Bhattarai and his cabinet colleagues all the best in their task of running the country.