NATIONAL 2 (Spotlight Weekly)]

Bhattarai Speaks

Former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai reveals many interesting details of key moments in Nepal's political history

By KESHAB POUDEL

After the publication of B.P Koirala's "Atmabritanta" and "Jail Journal", Nepalese politicians have realized the need to bring out memoirs, autobiographies or biographies. In the last five years, many books highlighting personal insights into historical developments have come out, making their mark on readers.

With the help of young historian Dr. Rajesh Gautam, former prime minister and Congress leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has come out with a personal story of his political life and key events of Nepal's road to democracy.

Although it is in an interview format, Dr. Gautam's book "Karmayogi Rajnitigya Krishna Prasad Bhattarai" vividly describes events and perspectives of Nepalese society from 1981 B.S to 2040 B.S.

Dr. Gautam has used his probing skills to collect information on the contemporary history of Nepal. The title of the book, however, is inappropriate because it does not give the readers an opportunity to judge the performance of Bhattarai.

Born in Benaras, Bhattarai joined the Congress in his early school days and backed the struggle against the Rana regime along with the late B.P. Koirala. In his six-decade-long political career, Bhattarai has seen many ups and downs in the country's political development and reflects on them in the book.

In the first part of the book, Bhattarai speaks about the situation he confronted during his struggle. He mentions the roles of different characters and the consequences of the various twists and turns of history.

In keeping with his witty disposition, he makes some controversial remarks. Through his childhood, early days and role in the revolution of 2007 BS, Bhattarai has woven a saga of his life and times.

Highlights of Bhattarai's Revelations

Congress was genuinely involved in the tripartite agreement of 20007 BS. The handling was poor because India wanted some leverage. The Indian government did not allow us to meet King Tribhuvan. Bijaya Sumsher met the king but in presence of Indian government representatives. They just conveyed all the things. This was happening, this happened, this was going to be happen.

Finally, when we agreed on the points, Nehru invited us for lunch along with Keshar Sumsher Rana, Bijaya Sumsher. We were all present -- whether you call it a conference, agreement or whatever. From our side Subarna Sumsher, B.P. Koirala, Matrika Koirala, Mahabir Sumsher and myself...

I had some differences with BP but it was not like those with Surybababu. As China was emerging, there was no scope for an armed movement in Nepal. One of the essential parts of an armed movement is that one needs a country to flee to. You are fighting with a force that is hundred times stronger than yourself, you need other logistic support. You need a certain country as a shelter. You need a false border for armed struggle. India and China are there. Both were not prepared to provide that support. They never allowed us to do so.

British Ambassador Sir Leonard Crops met us after we had spent one and half years in prison and suggested B.P. Koirala to reconcile with the king. The date was 18 Jestha, 2019 B.S.

After our release from jail, Hridayaraj Bohara met the Indian ambassador who suggested that he meet king and asked us to write a letter. Hridayaraj informed B.P. and asked me to write the letter. But I refused to write.

From his long political struggle to his life in prison, Bhattarai frankly puts his experience in front of the people. His long experience in prison is interesting.

Oh, I was speaker of the first Advisory Council. Even BP was surprised. "What relationship do you have with the king?" I cannot say, it may be politics of king. But I had very good and cordial relations with King Tribhuvan also with King Mahendra. At that time there was no palace like today. At that time, if I phoned King Tribhuvan at 10 am and sought a meeting hurriedly, he would call me to come at 2 pm.

Regional cooperation is the idea of the Americans. You may know that US president Jimmy Carter mentioned regional cooperation when he visited India. There is a need for regional cooperation and there is no doubt about it.

India did not want China to establish an embassy in Nepal. India wanted the Chinese ambassador in India to look after Nepal.

It was a very bold step to have established diplomatic relations with Pakistan. Even Ganeshmanji at a public meeting in Lainchaur urged the king to join us to establish diplomatic ties with Pakistan to prove that the king was not with India.