OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Strength Of Leaders

Political leaders have one common characteristic. Whether they are national-level bigwigs or local party office bosses, all politicians tend to prove their supremacy. They feel they can make or break anything. Living in capital, one only sees and hears the activities and noises made by the central leaders. If one wants to know about the behavior of leaders of lower echelon, one has to move to the districts. There the small fishes are in command and they can do what they want. That was exactly what happened in Biratnagar last week when a flight had to be delayed for half an hour thanks to the pressures from a local leader.

Unity In Diversity

Nepali Congress leaders Girija Prasad Koirala and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai declared that they want unity in the party and urged their workers to unite again. Although Prime Minister Koirala and former PM Bhattarai used different forums of two rival factions of Trade Union Congress to drum up their latest cause, they were not tired of using words like friendship and harmony. Addressing at two different places and dealing with two different groups is a part of Congress national unity behavior.

Double Talking

CPN-UML leaders know many tricks on how to fool the common people. They always use the words which have double meaning. This is the reason when Madhav Kumar Nepal termed privatization and globalization as great enemies at the opening of national conference of the Federation of Nepalese Laborers, he said it is, however, their compulsion to accept it. Nepal also pointed out the need for protecting workers while urging the workers to work efficiently in order to be able to compete with global market. Nepal's love to use vague words is understandable as they help him to strike balance. UML leaders know what words impress their workers and which words are sweet to the donors' ears.

Together Again?

CPN-ML leader Bamdev Gautam and C.P. Mainali for the first time in the last five months held their hands tightly together to show that they are still united. This time they were not holding their hands to strengthen the party but to strengthen the nine leftists brand. The CPN-ML workers are happy that finally their two leaders stood side by side for the same cause.

"Local Bodies Are More Capable Than Center Itself"

— Manoj Kumar Myangbo

MANOJ KUMAR MYANGBO is the mayor of Dharan Municipality. Myangbo is not fully satisfied with the achievements he has made over the last three years of his tenure as mayor of the city. Myangbo spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues related to the development in Dharan. Excerpts:

As a mayor of the city, what are your challenges?

I have many challenges including to prove that Dharan is safe for all. Now Dharan is gradually recovering from its worst past.

How do you see yourself as a mayor of Dharan Municipality?

In one word, I have been unable to do what I was supposed to do. As soon as the party broke up, the pace of development here has come down.

Do you accept your failure?

Compared to other municipalities, I have been able to change the face of this city. But, this is not enough.

What do you want to do then?

If all parties support me, I will turn Dharan into one of the most beautiful cities in eastern Nepal.

Do you mean the city is not alright now?

I have to accept that there are still many things that need to be done here.

Do you find any change after the introduction of the decentralization act?

Not at all. It gave us certain autonomy. But much of the power is still with the center. We just got a small piece of the pie. We still have to run to Singhdurbar for some authority to work for the development of the city.

Do local bodies have the required capabilities to use the authority?

Definitely. They are more capable men than the center itself.

How cooperative your members in the municipality are?

All party preach that they want development but all opposed my new ideas. No one is objective. They are after personal or partisan interests..