OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Premier & The Press

Deuba : Media friendly

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is known as a "media friendly" politician. Wherever he may be on his career graph, Deuba has always responded to journalists' queries. After the imposition of the state of emergency, Deuba has organized a couple of press conferences for Nepalese and foreign reporters. Interestingly, he made similar statements in all of his meetings. The prime minister seems to be cautious about the red lines he must not cross and knows when he has to keep things between the lines. This may be a lesson Deuba learned from his previous mistakes.

Tea-Party Meet

Nepal

With the restoration of democracy, political leaders have memorized the mantra of all-party meetings. Whenever there is a national crisis or any serious political problem, our leaders know that the first thing they have to convene all-party meetings. Following the imposition of the state of emergency, the main opposition CPN-UML called an all-party meeting to discuss the emerging scenario. From CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal to Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Pashupati Sumshere Rana, leaders of all hues were in attendance. During the two-hour meeting, the leaders drank about a hundred cups of tea before finally agreeing to monitor the state of emergency.

Singh's Affirmation

Nepal Sadbhavana Party leader Gajendra Narayan Singh has publicly declared that he would not contest the forthcoming elections in the party. This is not the first time the leader of the Terai-based party has made such an announcement. Four years ago, he voiced similar words but suddenly withdrew them, stating he was under pressure from party workers. If a hundred workers make a similar display of loyalty this time, what do you think his response would be? Keep your fingers crossed.

Identity Crisis

Among the problems Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's jumbo cabinet has presented is the challenge members face in making personal introductions. With the council of ministers packed with so many faces, it is hard to keep track of who represents which ministry. From the minister of without portfolio to the three ministers some ministries have, Deuba's lieutenants are compelled spend time in public gatherings reminding the audience of their names and titles. Giving the fluidity of the political climate, who knows how many ministers may have to leave office without getting a real opportunity to introduce themselves?

Relief & Anxiety

After the announcement of additional security measures at the entrances to the Singh Durbar secretariat, ministers and their aides have finally breathed a sigh of relief. When the secretariat gates were flung open to all, the offices inside resembled the premises of the ruling party. Although the rush of party workers in the ministries has slowed for the time being, few are confident that it would remain that way.

SAARC Scenery

Kathmandu had seen some dramatic changes when it hosted the third summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation in 1987. This time, too, the organizers want to bring some more changes in the capital's face. With less than a month remaining for the grand gathering, the organizing committee seems to be preparing a massive program to build a fitting monument to the 11th SAARC summit. The government has announced a plan to develop a park and widen some streets in Kathmandu. No matter how impatient Kathmanduites may be to find out the details, they will have to wait.