Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Gupta's Scheme

Minister for Information and Communication Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta has developed his own way of doing things. A one-time loyalist of former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Gupta is now plotting to hit back at Koirala for expelling him from the primary membership of the Nepali Congress. Gupta tried using the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, where he presented files on the granting of a license to Space-Time Network. As the PAC members did not find enough material to subpoena the Congress supremo, Gupta is said to be searching for another way.

Ranabhat Impressed

House of Representatives Speaker Taranath Ranabhat's zeal for foreign travel kept him away from the concluding session of the 21st session of parliament. While ruling and opposition parties were evaluating the session, Ranabhat was away on visit to China and North Korea. Our speaker seemed to be particularly impressed by the way the North Korean legislature was run. Striking as that remark might sound coming from the head of an all-powerful multiparty legislature, Ranabhat had good reason to be touched. He was able to see first-hand how communist legislators maintain discipline. That must have been both enlightening and inspiring a time when comrades in his own chamber are giving him such a hard time.

Right To Marriage

Everyone talks about the need to protect human rights whenever someone calls a bandh. Although there are many interest groups lobbying for the protection of various aspects of human rights, nobody seems to be worried about the rights of those planning their wedding. Many lads and lasses had to postpone their marriage ceremonies because of the five-day Nepal bandh. Others had to reschedule their parties. Who is going to stand up against this infringement of human rights?

Bandh Lesson

When Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba called on the business community to open their establishments over Radio Nepal, shopkeepers and service providers were a little wary on the first two days. After all, the success of past bandhs is partly attributed to the endless statements the government comes out with. Whether the anti-bandh momentum seen last week will become an enduring feature remains to be seen. But the government must have learned that only appeals backed by action can galvanize the people.

Political Culture

Barring India and Bangladesh, Nepal is perhaps the only country where political parties take pride in calling general strikes. Everybody except the organizers describes the bandh as being against the people. But organizers thank the same people for their cooperation in making the shutdown a success. Obviously, the success or failure of the bandh depends on who is doing the talking. What do the people say?

Airport Improvement

Following the imposition of the state of emergency, the situation at the Tribhuvan International Airport has drastically improved. Until a few month months back, tourists had to face many difficulties as soon as they reached the arrivals gate. From taxi drivers to hotel representatives, tourists had to face harassment from a bevy of people. The situation has changed at a time when fewer tourists are visiting the country. In any case, the TIA authorities need to maintain such order throughout the year.