OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Koirala-Bhattarai Bhai Bhai

Bhattarai (left) and Koirala : Last minute compromise

People have long lost interest in reading or hearing about meetings between the two septuagenarian leaders of the Nepali Congress, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and his predecessor Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. They have set a record in fighting and compromising over the last 10 years. In keeping with that tradition, Koirala and Bhattarai agreed last week to set up a committee to settle their latest feud in front of some of the prominent second-generation leaders. Koirala and Bhattarai had reached a similar deal in Godavari three years ago, where they agreed to abide by certain conditions. Then came the compromise over who would be prime minister after the elections. Now the Bhainsepati agreement is making headlines. How long will this agreement last? Now, that is something many Nepalis would be following.

Tit For Tat

Nepalese political parties seem to be competing with one another to get higher commissions while leasing aircraft for Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation. At a time when the main opposition CPN-UML is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala over his alleged involvement in irregularities in the Lauda Air deal, ruling party MPs have brought out a skeleton from the opposition’s closet: reported wrongdoing in the process of leasing the China South-West aircraft. Is this a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

Chakka Jam

If you want to pressure the government, just declare a chakka jam for a couple of days. The recent government decision on granting students 30-35 percent concession in public transport has shown that bandhs are, after all, an effective way of pressuring the powerful. But take a closer look at what might happen if the government starts to yield on an issue just because someone is blocking the streets? Won’t that be construed as an open invitation to obstructionists of all sizes and forms?

Kollywood Wives

Nepalese film actors seem to have set a record when it comes to polygamy. Although it was a ceremony organized to distribute awards to artistes of ‘Tan Ta Saraini Bigris Badri’, Rajaram Poudel, a prominent actor, revealed the reality of the real life of some of the actors who have two wives. When Poudel started to name the actors, a question instantly sprung up: Is there a direct relationship between film-industry professionals and polygamy?

Ranabhat : Good House-keeping

Housekeeping Skills

Although they represent different political thoughts, House of Representatives Speaker Taranath Ranabhat and National Assembly Chairman Mohammed Mohsin share many characteristics. One was on display during the recently prorogued 19th session of parliament. Both demonstrated their special skills in adjourning their respective chambers a few minutes after the sessions convened. Good housekeeping, as they might say.