OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Bhattarai's New Promise

When he filled nomination for elections to the House of Representatives from Parsa-1 constituency, Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had promised that he would change Parsa into a piece of gold. It was after listening to Bhattarai, voters rejoiced and elected Bhattarai as their representatives. Consequently, in good six months local voters have not seen Bhattarai doing anything for them. When he was in his constituency recently, Bhattarai once again promised that Parsa will really be turned into gold if he survived for another five years. This time, he had a different stategy: Bhattarai suggested his voters to pray at Maisthan (a local temple of goddess) for his successful five years term in power.

Black Flag

Prime Minister Bhattarai might never imagined that voters in Parsa may have become so angry with him. If only he knew that, he would have asked his advisors to ban growing black cotton in Parsa district. Whe he reached there, Prime Minister Bhattarai was welcomed by people waving black flag. Frustrated by the mood of people, Bhattarai asked his coterie if they could do anything to remove the black flag? In his public speech, Bhattarai urged voters that they must bring white cotton flag to fight against black ones.

Sharma's Wish

After serving long time in any profession, every individual has a right to decide his/her future. Our honorable Mohan Prasad Sharma has his own choice as he declared in a press meeting last week that he would spend his retired life with his wife. Chief Justice Sharma revealed that he has been tired of listening to arguments of lawyers and petitioners. Right choice. After all he knows that after his retirement he is not likely to see them again. "I have also some responsibility to fulfill at my home."

Basanti For Basanta

Historical events are dominating themes for Nepalese film industry. After successful completion of couple of historical films, renowned actor Nir Shaha is now producing yet another historical movie Basanti. Earlier Shaha - a man of true words -had announced that the film would be complete within four months of shooting. However, the production is yet to be released. Looks like Basanti is awaiting Basanta Ritu ( Spring Season).

Angry Oli

Shooting back at the comments of CPN-ML leader Bam Dev Gautam, angry CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli blasted that CPN-ML will collapse within a month. Sharma's outrage is understandable as CPN-ML leaders see him as the main enemy. Gautam disclosed last week that Oli is an opportunist. In the race to ruin each other, former die-hard comrades are now labelling each other as their sworn enemies.

Sujata's Strategy

Sujata Koirala is now a days busy to prove that she has charisma and talent to make successful entry into politics. This is the reason why the only daughter of former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala is leading campiagn for his cousin Prakash Koirala. Unlike in the past when Sujata was denied to share dias with Congress, she is very active this time to prove that she has something to boast about.

Invitation To Insult?

Beni Bahadur Karki former Chairman of the National Assembly of Nepal was formally decorated by the Japanese Ambassador Mitsuaki Kojima on behalf of the Japanese Emperor with a Japanese order last week. On that important occasion a large number of Nepalese elites were invited to witness the ceremony. Since the sitting arrangement was inadequate many dignitaries had to keep standing throughout the entire proceedings. This generated a very uneasy situation and lots of resentment amongst the invitees. One guest who was visibly upset was heard saying "they invited us to insult" while one blurted out "what can a beggar expect more?" While most of the invitees swallowed their insults and stayed back to sip the expensive Champagne, a few very senior and spirited journalists boycotted the reception and walked out.