OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

‘Most Of My Colleagues Have Betrayed Me’— Bamdev Gautam

CPN-ML leader Bamdev Gautam revealed that his long time comrade C.P. Mainali may open a new party. Following Mainali's ouster from the high profile position of the Chief of Party Organization Department, the feud between Gautam and Mainali has taken a new turn. Gautam, one of the key figures to split CPN-UML and form the breakaway CPN-ML, spoke to SPOTLIGHT after the party's decision to remove Mainali. Excerpts:

So what do you say about the recent removal of Mainali from the party's Organizational Department?

The decision was taken by the party central committee after wide discussion regarding recent activities of C.P. Mainali who portrayed wrong message against the ideals of the party.

But it is said that you are responsible for his removal?

I told you that it is the central committee which endorsed my proposal. After hearing Mainali's viewpoint, we have not found sufficient ground to pardon him for his mistake.

After this decision, will Mainali still be in your party?

He is still a member of the party as we have given him two more weeks to confess his mistakes. If his confession satisfies us, he will be pardoned. It is up to Mainali now to choose his next step.

If he will not confess, what action will your party take, then?

It is again up to the central committee. Frankly speaking, majority of the CPN-ML leaders want strong action against him.

Will your party remain united?

C.P. Mainali may form another party saying that it is a breakaway CPN-ML but he will not find any supporters. Majority party workers are aware of his behavior.

Do you think you made a mistake in promoting Mainali?

I regret over my decision in promoting opportunists and conspirators in the leadership.

Are you indicating towards C.P. Mainali?

It is not a question of any particular individual but that of general trend. During my long career, most of my colleagues have betrayed me.

If Mainali is really a culprit, why are you giving him chances again and again?

I want to take all the party workers under the same roof.

Oli's Action

If the action of CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli is any indication, he is no more than a hooligan. On March 27 when UML workers were stoning the government vehicles at Lalitpur, former Home Minister and deputy parliamentary leader of CPN-UML Oli was busy breaking laws. In an aggressive mood, Oli even followed the police van like a teen-age rogue. Oli's action may encourage his party workers in future to follow more violent paths.

Krishna's New Avatar

Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai revealed that he does not want to be a Prime Minister again. Bhattarai's declaration is understandable as he can no longer participate in active politics. Then, what does he want to be? Former PM Bhattarai expressed his willingness to become a good writer. In the last leg of his political carrier, this may be the best choice for him but the question is when will he publish his book and who will read that?

Koirala Smokes

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala nowadays seems to be very serious on national problems. His seriousness worried none other than his own stock of advisors as he is seen chain smoking. Prime Minister Koirala has a habit of resorting to smoking at times of serious strains and troubles. Worries on the part of Koirala's advisors are understandable as any kind of health ailments will result in them getting unemployed.

Pradhan Is The Winner

In the ensuing battle between the general secretary Bamdev Gautam and party's organizational department head C. P. Mainali, the party chief of CPN-ML Sahana Pradhan seems to be the clear winner. After the removal of C.P. Mainali from the party's organizational department, Pradhan's role in the party has changed as she is now become the mentor.