OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

"UML Is Trying To Destroy My Political Base"

- Mohammad Aftab Alam

Former Minister of State for Forest and Soil Conservation Mohammed Aftab Alam was manhandled by members of main opposition party CPN-UML when he was speaking in the House of Representatives about his resignation on Tuesday, August 1. Alam spoke to SPOTLIGHT on the incident. Excerpts:

Who were responsible for manhandling you?
They were the MPs of main opposition part CPN-UML. They suddenly attacked me when I was stating my reasons regarding my resignation over the incident of Rautahat. I was describing the role of CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal over the incident.

What was the reason behind the incident?
It was an intentional move of CPN-UML leader particularly its General Secretary Nepal to keep my mouth shut and prevent me from revealing the reality. As you know, CPN-UML leader Nepal is making every effort to destroy my political base. Nobody can do so as I am the indigenous inhabitant of Rautahat district. I have a sense of belonging with the district.

How did you see the incident?
As an MP it is my privilege to express my opinion in the Parliament. I must be allowed to put my views before the House members. It was gross injustice, I lost my house and property and was also punished for. Furthermore, I was not even allowed to present my views.

What is the response of the Speaker of House of Representatives?
He has given his ruling saying that every MP has right to express his opinion. The incident exposed the role of CPN-UML. When they can stop me in the Parliament, what will they do to me outside.

Ideological Campuses

Like in politics, there are various choices for the students of higher secondary schools. For the students, they have to choose what they want: UML college, Congress college or RPP college. After destroying Tribhuwan University campuses, politically labelled teachers are now running towards private campuses. If you are follower of certain ideology, identify the campus of your choice to send your kids.

Deuba Kidnapped!

The news spread like wild fire in Kathmandu on Tuesday (July 31) that former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was kidnapped. Deuba residence's phone rang incessantly asking for Deuba's whereabouts. When this scribe phoned Deuba's residence, nobody responded. Rumor was so intensified that some even said Deuba was taken hostage by Maoists and taken to an unknown place. Finally it was revealed that Deuba was neither abducted nor was missing. Rather, he was on a trip to B.P. Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur to treat his nephew. It was a classic story of lost and found.

Garbage Politics

Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel has proudly announced that he would search permanent land-fill site within a month. But, no one believes him as he had made similar commitment five years ago when he held the portfolio of Ministry of Local Development. As long as land-fill site is playground for politicians, one cannot except solution in near future. Poudel may enjoy playing the game in the name of land-fill.

Bhattarai's Horoscope

One does not have to go abroad to meet a politician who decides his actions according to his horoscope. Go and meet former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai who has claimed to be a true believer in astrology. He recently revealed that he would become Prime Minister for the third time as his horoscope indicated that. Bhattarai, a true believer in astrology, always plays his political game according to the stars' position. In 1991 and 1994 when he lost the elections, Bhattarai was satisfied because his horoscope had indicated bad sign. He even did not contest the election of 1995. Last year, when his horoscope showed good sign, he contested the election and also became Prime Minister.

Don't Criticize Our Comrade

When former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and main opposition party leader Madhav Kumar Nepal were sharing same dais to praise the works of communist leader Tulsi Lal, MPs of Congress and UML were fighting with each other and disrupting the House proceedings. Such are the members of the main opposition party that do not allow anybody to criticize their party leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. If anybody dares to do so, he may face the situation like that faced by MP and former state minister Mohammad Aftab Alam. Main opposition party leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, according to his fellow comrades, should be above criticism. This is the code of the UML's Janatako Bahudaliya Janabad (People's Multiparty Democracy). Communist leaders are free to say anything against anyone but others should not do that. Right comrade Nepal.