NATIONAL12 [ (Spotlight Weelky)]

“Let's Forget The Past And Unite For The Future”

— GIRIJA PRASAD KOIRALA

Former prime minister GIRIJA PRASAD KOIRALA has built a reputation of an iron-willed politician. When he made his latest call for national consensus, it was bound to send ripples across the political waters. Koirala, president of the ruling Nepali Congress, spoke to BBC Nepali service on various issues, including his unity call. Excerpts:

It is said that you are proposing national unity simply to replace Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. How do you look at this allegation?

The talk of national unity is not new. I resigned as prime minister voluntarily. When I submitted the resignation, I proposed a 14-point program and had held talks with all political parties to implement it. The present situation of the country is very serious because of the violence unleashed by the Maoists. They have already been declared terrorists and a state of emergency has been imposed to quell the insurgency. In this situation, I realized the relevance of a broader national democratic alliance. If all democratic parties come under one umbrella, they could bring a major change in the country by increasing confidence among the people. It would also help to isolate the terrorists.

It is also reported that you have raised the possibility of a national government. What is this all about?

I have not said anything about the possibility of forming a national government. The confusion was the result of misquotes. What I said was that there is no provision in our constitution on forming a national government. Our government is a majority government. However, if the prime minister wishes to [broaden the base of his government], he can include people of other parties on an individual basis.

It is commonly said that Girija Prasad Koirala cannot remain outside the power. What do you say?

I have already told you that I quit the prime minister's post voluntarily. Let's not forget I resigned when I still had a majority in the parliamentary party. However, I resigned after assessing the country's situation. If people describe me as power hungry, it is a totally foolish charge.

You really believe MPs from different parties should be included in the government to tackle the existing problems?

I have not said the prime minister must include MPs of various parties on an individual basis. What I have said is that there is need for a national consensus on minimum common program. I believe the government should be run on the basis of such national consensus.

As you say, you have been stressing the urgency of national consensus for a long time. Why haven't political parties been able to develop such consensus?

The Nepali Congress has given this mandate to me and I have just begun my initiative.

You could not bring political parties on a common platform earlier. What makes you think you would succeed in forging a greater democratic alliance?

Nothing is impossible. The Nepali Congress has given me the mandate to form a greater national democratic alliance and I have already initiated efforts. I have met senior political leaders. All political parties know how the economy has been destroyed and how non-functional the country has become. I believe all political parties that care about the nation's problems will support me.

But opposition parties accuse the Nepali Congress, which has ruled the country for more than 10 out of the 12 years of democracy, for creating this mess. Some opposition leaders have even said no national consensus could be possible under the leadership of the Congress. Why are you insisting on the effort?

Much water has flow down the Bagmati River. I don't want to repeat things of the past. I don't want to comment on why parliament was not allowed to run for 57 days [during the winter session]. When I am talking about a broader national alliance, I don't want to talk about anything else. I am trying to develop a national consensus in order to safeguard the future of the country. I don't want to get involved in the past.

But opposition leaders have been saying that the Nepali Congress is incapable of governing and that Girija Prasad Koirala is using this proposal as a ladder to regain power. How do you see these allegations?

I urge all political parties not to dwell on the past, but to look at the future of the country.

You say you are working to bring all parties under a single umbrella, but what do you say about the disunity in the Nepali Congress? Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba himself has termed your proposal as "untimely music", hasn't he?

There is a big game going on to sow disunity in the Nepali Congress. Prime Minister Deuba's made an emotional reaction to my proposal. The statement of Deuba — like mine — was twisted to create misunderstanding in the party. This misunderstanding has been cleared after I talked with Prime Minister Deuba.

So the Nepali Congress does not plan to replace the prime minister?

There is no plan to change the government leadership. On the contrary, my proposal for a greater democratic alliance is aimed at strengthening the government.