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OFF THE RECORD |
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OFF THE RECORD |
Consensus Leader The river returns to its original course
every 12 years, goes a popular Nepalese proverb. This applies well to the politics of
Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Surya Bahadur Thapa, who has suddenly emerged as
Nepal’s consensus leader. Leaders of political parties who prevented him from
visiting his constituency in Dhankuta until a decade ago are now dependent on his advice.
In 1990, many RPP leaders faced threats to their lives and limbs from followers of
revolutionary leaders. When Thapa went to UML headquarters in Balkhu last week, many of
the same workers and leaders gave him a red-carpet welcome. In politics, too, time is a
great healer.
Hospitalized Nepal The hospitalization of CPN-UML general
secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal on the eve of the all-party meeting carried reverberations
across the political spectrum. The meeting, convened by Nepal, concluded without his
signature in the final statement. Nepal, who suffers from high blood pressure, was
convalescing at Everest Nursing Home while other leaders were locked in two-hour
discussions on various contemporary issues. However, no resolution was passed wishing
Nepal a speedy recovery.
Koirala Or Ghost? When Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad
Koirala appeared at the all-party meeting, many political leaders were taken aback. Some
shook hands with the Nepali Congress octogenarian to confirm his presence. Such curiosity
was understandable, since Koirala had left Kathmandu a few days earlier vowing he would
not return unless the Election Commission gave him the party symbol. More ominous was
Koirala’s threat to launch another revolution against the commission. By attending
the Balkhu conclave, nevertheless, Koirala demonstrated his belief in the need to build a
consensus. Right Observation A leading Nepalese movie star recently gave
voice to the people’s mind. In a recent television interview, Rajesh Hamal said he
did not know the names of most political leaders. Not that democracy requires everyone to
memorize the names and faces of politicians of all persuasions. Moreover, our leaders have
hardly done much in the last 12 years for the people. At a time when the country is
burning and the people are dying, political leaders are busy advancing their own petty
interests. Some may criticize Hamal for his ignorance and bitter observation, but he did
represent the views of millions of Nepalese. Birds of A Feather Nepalese political parties do not have any
ideological base when it comes to subverting the political process. Foreigners might be
baffled to see political groups ranging from radicals to rightists getting together and
speaking in one voice. But people like Madhav Kumar Nepal, Surya Bahadur Thapa, Girija
Prasad Koirala, Narayan Man Bijukche and Lilamani Pokharel regularly share the platform.
When it comes to ganging up against the government, regardless of who is the prime
minister, one must add, it is not unusual for those out of power to unite. |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
