Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Chand : Less than assertive

Ministers Of Contradictions

As Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand runs from temple to shrine for inspiration, his cabinet colleagues are enjoying unprecedented freedom of speech. Home Minister Dharma Bahadur Thapa has his own way of letting out words, and then taking them back. Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Gore Bahadur Khapangi has a folksy take on even the gravest subjects. The first 50 days of the Chand government has been characterized by an inconsistency that can come only with full executive autonomy. Since being sworn in as prime minister, Chand definitely has done a lot to accumulate blessings. While he's at it, his ministers can expect to enjoy another 50 days of freedom to complete their honeymoon period by setting a new record of contradictions.

Thapa's Demand

As politicians of other parties are busy organizing mass meetings against the palace, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leaders are preparing for their general convention. RPP leader Surya Bahadur Thapa, who has been at the helm of the party for a decade, is stepping down. The RPP constitution does not allow a person to serve a third term at the top. Despite this constitutional clarity, Thapa seems to be the first choice in a house divided among Rabindra Nath Sharma, Pashupati Sumsher JB Rana and Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani. A shrewd politician, Thapa may come out the winner in the name of consensus.

Oli : Blowing hot and cold

UML's Way

The CPN-UML has its own methods of forging compromise. At a time when some of its leaders are pressing the need for a conciliatory approach to resolve the current political stalemate, its student wing is busy harping on confrontational slogans. The public has recognized the UML for what it is. When it pleads for compromise, it's ready for confrontation. When comrades talk of confrontation, they are close to dark-room deals. Point out this contradiction any UML leader and you get a one-word answer: pragmatism.

Marriage of Opportunism

These days, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala is locked in an embrace with CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. It seems the one-time iron-willed man has forgotten how Nepal and his gang helped to destabilize his government. Koirala was prime minister for more than seven of the last 12 years. The UML played the leading role in destabilize the country. From disrupting parliament for 64 days to smashing windows and from burning effigies of Koirala to calling numerous bandh, UML leaders have used every possible tool to weaken Nepalese politics. Shouldn't Koirala have secured at least some public apology from the comrades? The new alliance is no more than an alliance of opportunism. But, then, as long as Koirala and Nepal are happy, should others worry?

Deuba's Cause

While other leaders are scrambling to sell dreams, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has had a rude awakening. Most of his party colleagues are in a race to re-enter the mother party. Despite his efforts to hold them together, Nepali Congress (Democratic) workers are gradually deserting the man from Dadeldhura. Deuba claims to be the second B.P. Koirala, ousted from power through "undemocratic" means. As long as he has that defence, he can expect to be a step ahead of his rivals.