Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Koirala-Joshi Bhai Bhai

Nepali Congress leader Sushil Koirala is intent on projecting an image of honesty and integrity at a time when such attributes are in short supply. Wherever he addresses mass meetings, Koirala's first targets are the corrupt and unhealthy practices in his party. Since the appointment of Govinda Raj Joshi, who is known as one of the "four bad guys" in the Nepali Congress, as his subordinate, however, Koirala has changed his rhetoric. The general secretary is now more concerned with the future of the democratic system. Incidentally, this is also Joshi's refrain. For the time being, at least, Koirala and Joshi have become bhai bhai in a party mired in enmity.

Mouthpiece K.C.

Following the dissolution of the House of Representatives, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala has stopped speaking directly to the press. Wherever he goes, Koirala seems to be dependent on his spokesman, Arjun Narsingh K.C. Admittedly, Koirala knows how to avoid a crucial situation. Instead of signing the petition filed in the Supreme Court seeking the reinstatement of the lower house, Koirala asked his henchmen to follow his prescription. But when journalists seek to raise the issue of the party's internal conflicts directly with Koirala, K.C. steps in with an answer.

Oli's Remark

CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli is busy trying to project his party as the savior of democracy. Until a few months back, Oli used to speak in a different tone. He didn't hesitate to use the most undemocratic language and concepts. He demanded an all-party national government to hold the elections. Following the dissolution of the House of Representatives, Oli has been spending most of his time defending the democratic process. How long will Oli stick to this position?

Kharel's Switch

As they say, there are no permanent friends or foes in the politics. Former minister Rajendra Kharel, a staunch loyalist of former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, has become the latest example of political mobility. A few months ago, the Nepali Congress had sought an explanation from Kharel on his comments against party president Girija Prasad Koirala. What prompted Kharel to bolt to the other side? Moreover, at a time when a majority of the members of the pro-Koirala camp are saying and doing things that undermine the party president, what role does Kharel intend to play?

Elections Or Selections?

After extensive discussions, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and the Nepal Sadbhvana Party (NSP) finally have decided to contest the elections. Although the RPP's decision came late, it is in the right direction. Like the communist leaders, the RPP and the NSP leader seem a lot more interested in using the elections to burnish their democratic credentials. But if the statements given by RPP leader Pashupati Sumsher Rana and NSP leader Hridayesh Tripathy any indication, the self-professed liberal democratic parties have proved to be anti-people. Instead of going to the court to avert an election few believe can be held, the RPP, NSP and the UML have shown an undemocratic streak. A lot depends on how you view things.

Football Interruption

I would like to thank Nepal TV for providing live telecasts of the World Cup football tournament. But there are regular disturbances in the broadcasts. For instance, whenever an exciting moment appears, NTV often chooses to run advertisements. Although the commercial breaks are short, we miss a lot of interesting moments, including goals. During the recent match between England and Argentina, NTV panned to the news bulletin when the ball was in the D-area.Those of us in the cities can watch the games on other channels, too. But what about soccer fans who live in villages? I would like to request NTV authorities to ensure uninterrupted viewing of the games.