OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

'Our Young Leaders Are Impatient'

-- GIRIJA PRASAD KOIRALA

Nepali Congress President and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala declared that he will step down from both positions within three years. Disclosing this, Koirala asked all his colleagues to bury their differences. Excerpts from his encounter with the press:

When do you plan to quit the prime ministership and party presidentship?

I will quit as prime minister and party president soon. I have already made my mind clear on that. As you know, I am getting old.

Then why are party colleagues like Sher Bahadur Deuba attacking you?

There is a struggle in the party to establish leadership as Kishunji and I myself are on the verge of handing over the reins to a new generation. Frankly speaking, our second-generation leaders have not shown any patience and courage.

Are you serious?

Look. Kishunji and I do not have any differences now. We are not fighting for any post. It is the second-generation leaders who have driven us to this position.

How do you see the upcoming general convention of the party?

The elections during the convention will introduce collective leadership in the party as more than 50 percent of central committee members will be elected by the general convention.

Single Living, High Thinking

Bhattarai : Blissfully alone

It seems former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai is proud of having decided to stay a bachelor. Wherever he goes, he makes it a point to explain why he never got married. Attending a meeting organized to felicitate Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala and singer Udit Narayan Jha last week, Bhattarai advised Manisha to adopt spinsterhood and continue her work to bring wide recognition to the country. The reason? Citing his own example, Bhattarai explained that bachelors have much less to worry about in life than their married counterparts.

Dinner Diplomacy

Whether Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala knows it or not, his one-time protege Sher Bahadur Deuba is no longer a child whose silence can be bought by a sweet. The former prime minister declared the other day that he is not someone who would be swept off his feet by a cup of tea. From a shy man from western Nepal, Deuba has lately grown out of the shadow of Koirala to challenge him. Angered by Koirala's attempt to console him by throwing a tea party, Deuba responded by hosting a dinner party. And by so doing, he tried to make the point that he is gaining maturity.

Old Is Not Green

When the government took the decision to evict vehicles older than 20 years from the valley, the transport entrepreneurs instantly cried foul. Complaining of discrimination, they said they would not take their vehicles out of valley until the government also decided to ban 20-year-old motorcycles, airplanes and other conveyance. When it comes to pleading their case, some people can come out with strange arguments.

Papa's Daughter

Sujata Koirala : Following her father

Sujata Koirala, the only daughter of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, is hogging the news frequently these days. Her Sushma Koirala Memorial Trust is seen organizing different programs to highlight the plight of Nepalese women. Sujata is one lucky lady, as her father is always present to grace the trust's programs. Papa Koirala, too, knows how to show that relations with his daughter take precedence over everything else.

Business In News

Few businessmen and industrialists used to be media-friendly. But lately, it seems our money-makers have realized the importance of being on the right side of the fourth estate. They are seen holding press conferences and disseminating information on everything from economic policy to national solidarity. Does this mean we will see more business in the news in the days ahead?