OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

‘My Candidature is Against Nepotism in the Party’

—SHER BAHADUR DEUBA

A day after Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala told reporters he was seeking re-election as Congress president, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba announced his bid for the party leadership in Janakpur, 200 km east of Kathmandu. Deuba was flanked by Bimlendra Nidhi and other party workers when he mounted his challenge to Koirala.

Why have you decided to contest the elections?

My bid for the presidency of the Congress is against nepotism, slavery and "Koiralization" of the party. Fortunately, I am contesting the elections against senior party leaders.

How assess your prospects?

We will fight teeth and nail to defeat Girija Prasad Koirala and his team.

Do you think party workers will support your bid?

As you know, a large number of workers are tired of the way the Koirala family is dominating the party. I think they will elect me to provide a new momentum to the party. I have visited more than half a dozen districts where I have found very encouraging support.

Chaudhari's Collections

Industrialist Binod Chaudhari also has an artistic personality. Apart from being a successful and eloquent business leader, Chaudhari is a good singer. At a time when a large number of new singers are competing with each other to capture the market, however, Chaudhari might face a hard time winning the hearts of the people. Moreover, his songs, recorded 25 years ago, may seem ancient history to some. For Chaudhari himself, the numbers can help him recall his younger days.

Sibling Rivalry

The political wrestling between Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Poudel and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has moved to very dangerous ground - the Maoist insurgency. Poudel showed his fury over Deuba's report on resolving the crisis barely 24 hours after it was handed over to the prime minister. In a press conference, Poudel, who had led the now-stalled unofficial talks with the Maoists, charged Deuba with preparing the report without consulting others. When two ambitious politicians of the same generation compete for national attention, sparks are bound to fly.

Basanti Celebrates

Director Neer Shaha maintains his film Basanti, based on a historical novel, impressed people. In a program organized to mark the completion of the 50th day of screening, Shaha gave a detailed rundown of audience figures and cash inflow to disprove reports that described the film as a fiasco. Before closing his remarks, however, Shaha laid down a new standard for his industry, saying that Basanti was not a commercial movie and did not hope to attract common viewers.

Missing Opportunity

Politicians of all ideological hues got the opportunity to express their views on the 10th Constitution Day last week. But there was at least one notable absentee. The organizers of the public programs seem to have forgotten to invite the fire-brand CPM (M-L) leader Bam Dev Gautam. At a time when leaders consistently opposed to the present constitution were invited to offer their thoughts, the absence of a former deputy prime minister was felt by many.