The historic decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss all the writ petitions
against the dissolution of the House of Representatives by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur
Deuba has not only entrenched democracy in the country but also established, beyond a ray
of doubt, that Nepalese judiciary is independent and above all kinds of ugly party
politics. The eminent judges of the Supreme Court under the able leadership of Chief
Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhya have set an example for all future judges how to rise above
partisan interests and conduct themselves only to safeguard truth and justice. If they
have set to rest for all time to come, all the rumors about the integrity of the judges,
they have, by their laudable behavior, vindicated the role of their predecessors who might
not have been able to conduct themselves in the same commendable manner. All those who
have been directly or indirectly involved in the pronouncement of this momentous decision
which has raised the stature of the Supreme Court to the pedestal it deserves are worthy
of highest appreciation and commendation. The nation is also ingratiated to them for
exposing the true faces of the pseudo followers of democracy who change their colors like
a chameleon whenever it suits their vile interests. This extraordinary decision of the
Supreme Court, however, should, in no way, be interpreted as enhancing the stature of
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. It must not be ever forgotten that Sher Bahadur Deuba
has greatness thrust upon him. We do still remember his unsavory conduct in his previous
stint as Prime Minister. Even this dissolution of the House was not prompted by the noble
objectives of serving the peoples or the nation. The one and only motive that had urged
him to dissolve the House at the he dead of might was his vulgar self interest to stay in
power which is fully corroborated by his jumbo cabinet of men of most dubious character
whose sole intention is to get rich quick at the cost of the poor country at a time when
the whole country is virtually reeling under the destructive depression in its history. On
top of that, it is being frequently reported that Sher Bahadur Deuba does not tire
bragging about the support he thinks the international community is giving him. One can
only pity poor Deuba's naivette. Perhaps, he is totally unaware of the manner
international politics always works.
We would like to remind our readers that we had stated in our last issue that
we would come out with our humble suggestions after the verdict of the Supreme Court. And
we had also opined that the key role, at this juncture, belongs to King Gyanendra. King
Gyanendra himself has asserted unequivocally, time and again, that he will always work in
the interest of the people and the hopes and aspirations of the people will ever guide
him. Now, the verdict of the Supreme Court must have silenced all the unscrupulous
politicians for their unjustified criticisms about the behavior of the monarchy. Since his
enthronement last year that was the only major decision taken by King Gyanendra. And it
was totally in consonance with his role as the constitutional monarch. After the verdict
of the Supreme Court King Gyanendra faces many juggernantic challenges. Even though many
politicians might consign top priority to the elections, the speedy end of the civil war
must come at the top of King Gyanendra's agenda. Because, no election will be possible as
long the country is plagued with violence and lawless ness. To make the elections free and
fair the country has to return to normalcy. And Sher Bahadur Deuba and coterie do not want
to dialogue with the Maoists, as their only condition of laying down the arms cannot be
acceptable to the Maoists as it would be tantamount to total surrender. As such, the
country needs a leader who is more pragmatic and can command respect from the Maoists and
the countrymen as well. Since all those politicians who have held office have branded
themselves as corrupt, inefficient and servile, King Gyanendra has to find persons with
clean images, strong character and total dedication to the country to run the show before
and during the elections. Moreover, to let one party conduct the elections is sure to
invite greater disaster. Solution of the Maoist terrorism in Nepal is directly, linked
with our open border with India and India's attitude towards the Nepalese Maoists. This
demands a government of proud and patriotic Nepalese who can firmly stand up to India's
eye washing. protestations and who will not give in to Indian pressures and temptations.
If the Nepalese authorities can take up the issue with their Indian counterpart in the
right perspective, India will have no option but to abide by her commitment to fight
global terrorism and thus help Nepal solve her most vexing problem. Since this is not
possible without a change in the government in Nepal, King Gyanendra's role assumes
greatest importance and responsibility. Except a handful of self oriented politicians, the
twenty-three million people are looking up to him with great hopes and expectations. Their
frustrations and disillusionments with the political leadership have made them pin their
whole faith on their new King. And King Gyanendra cannot afford to disappoint them. Since,
it is his ultimate responsibility to defend the unity and sovereignty of the nation and
since he has no axe to grind, it makes little difference to him whether it is a Deuba, a
Koirala, a Nepal, A Thapa or a Sharma as prime minister. His prime concern must be a man
who can deliver. Since those who have already been tried and failed should no more be in
contention, King Gyanendra has to find a suitable alternative. Many unscrupulous voices of
greedy and corrupt politicians will definitely be heard. But for a man who is preordained
to defend the sovereignty of his country no opposition is strong enough to deter him from
the course of rightful action. Politicians are expendable, political parties are
expendable, constitutions are expendable, any political philosophy is expendable but the
country is not. Moreover, a King is nobody's man. He belongs to all his countrymen and all
the countrymen have equal right with him. His only concern must be his people and his
country. No individual's interest can sway him in any manner. As such the exigency of the
situation demands that King Gyanendra should immediately dismiss the Deuba government
which is a blot on Nepal's fair image and appoint a caretaker government of honest
and patriotic people, picked from all political parties and varied social strata who would
negotiate with the Maoists, bring them to the main stream of Nepal's political life and
conduct a free and fair elections. That is the only way we can safeguard our hard won
democracy. That's the only way we can safeguard Nepal's constitutional monarchy. |
