OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Bhattarai’s Politics

The moods and musings of former prime minister and Congress leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai undergo drastic change in almost no time. This was the reason why everybody turned suspicious when Bhattarai decided to organize a New Year’s reception at his Bhainsepati residence. Just a few weeks ago, Bhattarai was in the news for demanding Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s resignation in the presence of major opposition leaders at the same venue. However, Bhattarai took a different approach at the New Year’s party. He backed Koirala’s refusal to step down, describing the opposition’s demand as irrational. It is clear that Nepalese politics defies reason. With Bhattarai, the intensity of the defiance gets stronger and stronger.

Study Abroad

It seems that some student unions in the country are working as promoters of schools in foreign countries. This was demonstrated when different outfits of left students declared their program to shut down private schools for a month. Coincidentally, the announcement came at a time when the admissions process at foreign schools begins. Because of the uncertainty posed by the call of the students group, many parents have already started looking for schools in India. In the name of the poor children of Nepal, are the student leaders actually working as promoters of foreign educational institutions?

Comradely Doublespeak

Like all communist leaders, CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli does not fail to show his dual personality. Democratic principles are worthy of adherence as long as they suit his interest. Whenever Oli meets a western diplomat or scholar, the deputy leader of the CPN-UML expounds on the ideals and principles of democracy and his party’s commitment to them. Strangely, when he addresses his fellow communists, Oli sounds sound every bit of a hard-line comrade. His real obstructionist character was exposed when he declared he would lead a blockade of all entry points to Singha Durbar in the UML’s bid to force Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala out of office.

Gachchedar’s Theory

Acharya : Dived we stand

Former minister and powerful Nepali Congress rebel Bijaya Kumar Gacchedar revealed that part-time politicians are responsible for creating havoc in Congress politics. Addressing last week’s Congress parliamentary party meeting, Gachchedar cited dozens of such politicians who were giving the Congress a bad name. Pointing a finger at Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Gachchedar went to the extent of questioning his commitment to politics. If Gachchedar’s conclusions are true, what would be the future the dozens of Ph.D.s and professionals that are making much more than a living by their association with the governing party?

Gachachedar : Loyal or disloyal?

Endurance Test

In Nepal, few partnerships last more than a year. Madan Krishna Shrestha and Haribansha Acharya have remained an enduring exception to that rule by having joined hands in the humor-satire business for more than 15 years. However, it appears that the duo have come to the end of their joint action. It is rumoured that the two are in the process of divvying up their enterprise. If the rumor is true, it would be another confirmation that no partnership is eternally enduring.