NATIONAL 5 (Spotlight Weekly)]

"The Option Of Dissolving The House Is Open Before PM"

- Dr. Gangadhar Lamsal

Minister of State for Land Reforms Dr. GANGADHAR LAMSAL is one of the close aides of the Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. Dr. Lamsal spoke to SPOTLIGHT about the ongoing dispute in Nepali Congress. Excerpts:

How do you view the present signature campaign against PM Bhattarai?

This is a very unfortunate event in our party as it has only eroded the image of our party. Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai who has sacrificed his whole life in a struggle to restore democracy should be respected at par with his stature. Bhattarai was elected PM after Congress party fought and won last year's general election projecting him as next PM. At a time when Bhattarai had been making every efforts to deliver good governance and maintain law and order, the present dispute has shattered the hope.

If MPs continue to put pressures on him, what will be the position of Bhattarai?

Our party has a long history of respecting senior leaders and no party worker can ever think of violating the order of senior party leaders. Congress workers treat their leaders like father. I don't think our party workers will take steps that will harm the image of Prime Minister Bhattarai. If we destroy the image of our party leaders, we will have to suffer in the end.

Will the PM go for dissolution of the House of Representatives?

The option of dissolving House of Representatives remains open to him as it is the prerogative of the prime minister. It is among many options Prime Minister has in hand. He may recommend the dissolution of parliament and opt to face people. He has every right to take a drastic decision. So far as I knew, as a person with long political sacrifice, he will always take decision in the interest of the country and the party. The past experiences have shown that Bhattarai is a man of honesty and integrity and he will not take such a harsh decision.

It is accused that Prime Minister Bhattarai is physically unfit to rule the country. What do you say?

The doctors have already said that he is physically fit to rule the country. Amidst lack of unity in the party, even a physically strong person cannot run the government effectively. If there is a strong unity in the party, the government can function effectively. No decisions that humiliate leaders like Bhattarai and Koirala will benefit the party.

What do you suggest to end the present dispute in the party?

The dispute in the party should be settled through mutual understanding between two senior leaders. As you know, the decision taken through the mutual understanding will always have long lasting effect on our party. If we take decision in a hurry, we may ultimately lose. All of our party workers and leaders must understand this.

But rebel MPs want the decision to be taken on the basis of election. How would you insist them to follow the consensus approach?

I am not opposing the internal elections but it is better to go for consensus to sort out differences between the party's two seniormost and respected leaders.

How do you evaluate the role of Prime Minister Bhattarai?

Prime Minister Bhattarai has played very important role in Nepalese politics as he has sacrificed all his life to restore democracy in the country. As a founding member of the party, he must be treated

with respect. Bhattarai has time and again expressed his desire to handover the power peacefully. In such a situation, humiliating him is no more than a plot to destroy democracy.

How do you see the future of Congress party which is perennially mired by controversies?

Our future depends upon the unity within the party. As long as we are united, no one can defeat us. Our party colleagues must realize this before making any decision. If we are united and determined, we can sort out all problems on our own.

It is said that the present dispute appeared following the continuous violation of the agreement reached between PM Bhattarai and Koirala. Is it true?

There is no question of violating the agreement by PM Bhattarai. He is totally committed to the agreement.

Rebel MPs accuse that the government has been unable to carry out the day to day administration smoothly. Is it true?

In the last nine months tenure of this government, we have taken some concrete steps. The government has formed a high level committee to settle Maoist problem. At a time when the government has been making steady progress, we have been thrown back by internal dispute.

Will the present political dispute have any impact in the long term stability of the country?

Yes, after this episode, the country's stability is once again under threat. It shows the vulnerability of the political stability which was gradually being established.

"Our Objective Is To Change The Leadership"

- Gopal Rai

GOPAL RAI is one of the Nepali Congress MPs who had lodged protest against the leadership of Krishna Prasad Bhattarai as soon as he became the Prime Minister. He is also a signatory to the recent no confidence motion registered against Bhattarai. Rai spoke to SPOTLIGHT on different issues of present Congress politics. Excerpts:

Do you believe that your signature campaign against Bhattarai will succeed?

Definitely, when majority of MPs have signed the document seeking resignation of Prime Minister Bhattarai, how can he remain as the PM. We NC members of House of Representatives chose him as the leader of parliamentary party and now we want him to resign. If Krishna Prasad Bhattarai believes in democratic norms, he must resign to pave the way for other leaders.

What is the reason behind the anger against Bhattarai?

Our grudge is not personal but based on issues. We are worried about the inefficient administration of Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai's government which has failed to maintain law and order. Our demand is just the efficient administration and good governance. Corruption is rampant and there is virtually an anarchy in the country.

It is said that PM has not been given adequate time to defend his case. What do you say?

It is totally a false charge against us. We have given him adequate time as PM to improve his performance. Unfortunately, he did not take our suggestions seriously. Had the government improved its functioning, the situation would have been different.

What is your objective?

Our objective is to change the leadership of the parliamentary party. Health of Prime Minister Bhattarai has already deteriorated as he cannot walk by himself. How can a man run the country when he is physically and mentally unfit. He is too old to be Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Bhattarai has already hinted that he will not participate in the meeting of the parliamentary party if his suggestion is not heard? How do you look at it?

As an elected leader of the parliamentary party, he must attend it when majority of MPs want him to.

If he does not attend what will you do?

We have already postponed the meeting of the parliamentary party for couple of days upon the recommendation of our colleagues. We are hopeful that Prime Minister will attend the next meeting and pave way for constitutional functioning of the party.

What will happen if Prime Minister dissolves the House of Representatives?

He cannot do that as the Supreme Court has already set conditions for the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The dispute in the Congress will be over as soon as Kishunji sends his resignation.

Why do you chose to rebel at this particular time?

Every one knows about the deteriorating law and order situation in the country as Maoists are on a rampage killing innocent people and policemen. Our Prime Minister, however, is taking bed rest at his residence.

If he does not attend the next meeting what will be your next move?

Democracy is a system of rules and regulations. One has to follow the rules and regulations. Prime Minister Bhattarai will attend the meeting and accept the verdict of the parliamentary party which chose him as the Prime Minister in first place.

Bhattarai loyalists argue that recent actions of majority of MPs has damaged the image of Nepali Congress. What do you say?

Some forces are still trying to protect the leadership of Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. If he continues in office for a couple of months more, the situation will further worsen. In this context, majority of congress MPs are demanding his resignation.

It is said that you have placed some signatures without verifying them. Is it true?

It is totally false. All the signatures (of 58 MPs) are genuine. Some of our party colleagues are trying to disinform the people by making false allegations against us. All of the signatories are totally committed to our cause and concern expressed in paper.

Do you think there will be a voting in the parliamentary party?

Definitely. As a democratic party, it should adhere with the spirit of the constitution. How can a democratic party disobey democratic principles?

But some of your second generation leaders are asking for consensus.....

In a democratic party, every party worker has the right to express their opinion. Elections should be the basis for taking decision. A party can be strong and united if all its members abide by democratic values and principles. Every political leaders have the right of expressing their views, I would not want to comment on that.

‘Leaders Have No Vision For Education’

— Dr. Tirtha Khaniya

Former Vice Chairman of Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB), Dr. Tirtha Khaniya proved himself a successful administrator during his tenure at the board. Dr. Khaniya also popularized the 10 plus 2 education among Nepalese mass by showing it as the most suitable system. Excerpts of a short interview with Dr. Khaniya:

How do you look at the current developments in HSEB?

It is very unfortunate to see infighting within HSEB. Due to some irresponsible actions by recently appointed HSEB Vice Chairman Kaushal Raj Regmi, the future of 74,000 students has become uncertain. If examinations do not take place on schedule, the future of HSEB itself will be endangered. When I was the Vice Chairman of the board, I worked closely with the member secretary appointed by the UML. We gave up our respective political ideologies in favor of the institution.

What will be the impact of present disputes within HSEB?

The future of students and the credibility of the institution will suffer. This is a very unfortunate incident for the country particularly the parents. Large number of Nepalese parents had started sending their children to higher secondary schools because of its timely results and examination. If HSEB, now, fails to meet the academic calender, these parents will be disillusioned and once again they will start sending their children to India for higher education. After regularizing the academic and exam calender, we were able to inject hope to Nepalese parents that Nepal can also offer good higher secondary education with timely examinations and results.

Then, why is nobody taking this issue seriously?

That is the question I am asking to myself. What are the schools and guardians doing at a time when the future of students has become uncertain.

What are the reasons behind the present dispute in the board?

It is due to unnecessary interference on the part of newly appointed Vice Chairman Kaushal Raj Regmi. His attempts to encroach upon the authority of the member-secretary is the reason behind this dispute.

What are the major challanges of HSEB at present?

One of the major challenges of HSEB is to maintain its credibility as an institution that provides timely and quality education. If we fail to fulfill aspirations of the guardians, it will be very disastrous for the nation. As long as quality of education in the country remains low, parents will continue to send their children abraod particularly to India. If such a large number of students go abroad for higher education, what will be the consequences to the national economy?

Is it still possible to maintain the credibility of the institution?

Yes, what is required is commitment and sentiment on part of the leadership. I don't think that the present Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, who often preaches for quality education, is serious about the issue. He seems to be taking the side of his one time party colleague Kaushal Raj Regmi. If things remain as they are, one of the country's newly established institutions will collapse. That means, large number of parents will once again start to send their children abroad for education.

If it is so serious and economically damaging, why is the Prime Minister who is also the Education Minister not doing anything to solve it?

It is clear that Prime Minister does not like to remove his nominee. He seems to be bent on protecting him. Prime Minister does not have any vision on education. It seems nobody's concern to look after the interest of the country.

As you said the situation is very serious, why are concerned officials, parents and schools not taking up the issue?

It is very surprising to see that nobody seems to be worried about the future of 74,000 students and the investments made by the parents. There is a parliament and parliamentary committees which are supposed to look after the education. If the examination does not start on schedule, students will miss chances to apply in medical colleges and other institutions. I think there is a lack of sincerity on part of parents as well as schools.

What is the future of the HSEB, then?

It has a good future but the question is: how the leaders will handle it. If political leaders try to use HSEB as a place to appoint their coteris, it will be ruined very soon. As an academic institution, it should be treated academecally. How can you guarantee the future of institutions by appointing political henchmen to the chair. There are many other institutions for making political appointments.

Do you think it is an intentional strategy to push HSEB back?

Certainly, otherwise, there is no reason to continue the deadlock. From the very beginning, newly appointed Vice Chairman has adopted confrontational attitude and tried to contain the rights of member secretary.