OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

Atanka Bhat

By brandishing those guns on TV, Taranath Ranabhat has firmly established himself as an entertainer. But there may be other facets of the man that might explain why he was so happy with those triggers. The name Ranabhat chose for his son might help to analyze the behavior of speaker. Although names like Bom (explosives), Shanti (peace), Pragati (progress) and Bikas (development) are common in Nepal, Atank (terror) is very rare. But, then, how many people get to become speaker of the House of Representatives?

Party of Disunity

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has a long history of love-hate relations among its leaders. Divided between the lobbies of former prime ministers Lokendra Bahadur Chand and Surya Bahadur Thapa, the RPP is often described as a party that has more leaders than followers. It was born as twins and split twice. The party often unites without reason. The RPP was on the verge of another split last month over the nomination of candidates for the upper house elections. Although it has a fair chance to emerge as a more dominant force in Nepalese politics, RPP leaders seem to be more worried about their individual futures.

Mum Bhattarai

Former prime minister and Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai seems to have adopted a vow of silence. What else could have kept the witty and garrulous septuagenarian quiet even after the beginning of the new parliament session? Whatever the reason, Bhattarai seems to be in no mood to speak about his party and country. Is this the lull before the storm?

Nepal’s Magic

After pushing the ruling Nepali Congress into a corner, CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal seems to have gained much-needed strength in the party. Although Nepali Congress president and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is yet to announce the date of his resignation, Nepal has wasted no time in bragging about his strength in front of workers. Even other members of parliament, including RPP leader and veteran pancha politician Surya Bahadur Thapa, are following in Nepal’s footsteps. What kind of magic wand does Nepal wield that he has been able to charm the wily Thapa?

Lonely Mainali

When half a dozen former followers of CPN-ML leader C.P. Mainali returned to their mother party, the CPN-UML, leader himself was said to be considering whether to follow suit. This may explain why Mainali is nowadays trying to hobnob with UML leaders wherever he sees them. When UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal arrived at a recent public meeting, Mainali was first to greet him. With most of his friends returning to the UML, Mainali must be getting very lonely. Should the front door at Balkhu Durbar widen a bit, Mainali may just decide to get back in.