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OFF THE RECORD |
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OFF THE RECORD |
Deuba's Consistency Like most politicians, Prime Minister Sher
Bahadur Deuba has personality traits that distinguish him from the rest of the pack. One
such attribute is the prime minister's fixation with three-page written speeches.
Regardless of the nature of the function Deuba addresses, he rarely departs from the
prepared text. It seems the prime minister's spin masters don't want to land him in
controversies by allowing him deliver long speeches or make impromptu remarks. Deuba
doesn't seem to have a problem with that tack, either. That's why it's safe to expect the
prime minister to stick to his three pages be it a national seminar on the state of
politics or the annual gathering of industrialists.
Chand Reappears After a long gap, former prime minister and
Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Lokendra Bahadur Chand appeared in public last week. The
occasion was the anniversary of the People's Movement of 1990. While the day holds special
importance for all Nepalis, it is of personal significance for Chand. As the last prime
minister of the Panchayat system, it was Chand who invited political leaders from the
Nepali Congress and United Left Front to the palace for that late-night deal with King
Birendra. Twelve years ago, Chand was under great stress as the country was full of
turmoil. Today Chand is a relaxed man, even as the country remains in turmoil. House-Full Show The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is known for its efficiency in organizing events. This
feeling is borne out by, among other things, the turnout at functions organized by the
country's leading private-sector umbrella organisation. Last week, however, that record
suffered a mild setback as the FNCCI observed the Third Industrial Day. There were more
invitees than the seats available at International Convention Center. Scores of
enthusiastic invitees had no choice but to stand in the corridors. One hopes the FNCCI
counts the number of seats available at the venue before it sends out it next invitations. Congress' Democracy Although the Nepali Congress claims to be
the country's oldest democratic party, its recent performance shows growing traces of
intolerance. As far as internal democracy is concerned, the ruling party has developed
standards that are applied on an individual basis. Party members enjoy freedom of speech
in direct proportion to their proximity to party president Girija Prasad Koirala.
Dissidents often discover they have no right to utter a single world. By suspending a
minister from the party's primary membership for a year, the Nepali Congress has shown
that it has no fixed definition of democratic norms and values.
Frank Gautam Whatever one may say about CPN-UML leader
Bam Dev Gautam, one cannot deny that he is frank and smart. At two recent programs, the
former general secretary of CPN-ML not only apologized for splitting the UML four years
ago but also acknowledged that the move promoted the Maoists and triggered other
disruptions in Nepal's communist movement. If Gautam were to be given more forums, he
would apologize for everything under the sun. At a time when politicians are thriving in
the midst of conspiracies of all sorts, Gautam has shown the honesty to confront the
bitter truth. |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
