The dismissal of the Lokendra Bahadur Chand government and
the appointment of Surya Bahadur Thapa as the new Prime minister, who has yet to announce
his cabinet, basically do not seem to be making any fundamental difference. Even though
King Gyanendra wants Thapa to form a broad based government embracing as many political
parties as possible, Thapa, it seems, is not finding it easy to lure men of his choice to
his government. Even at the time of this note going to the press, almost a week after his
appointment, Thapa has not been able to offer a clear picture of his ensuing cabinet. It
is rumored apart from a few of the old guards of his not so savory party, none very
respectable and reliable is being inducted in the first lot. Since we are still in the
dark about the real identity of those who will be fortunate to adorn the Thapa cabinet, it
might be quite premature for us to comment on the new government. As far Thapa is
concerned, he is no comparison to his dismissed colleague. He has a reputation as a
strongman bent on having his own way as long as he can. Thapa is, indeed, an all round
man. How will he fit in the square holes the country is in need of at the moment, time
only will show. Since he is the prime minister conferred upon with all the authority
stipulated in the constitution, he should not fail like his predecessor, to produce
concrete results. Moreover, he has got blessings from various quarters and has already
received very warm congratulations from his good friends, which should, indeed, serve as
added inducements for better performance. As an ordinary but patriotic citizen of the
country, we had dared to offer our humble advice to King Gyanendra not to give in to any
internal or external pressures in making historic decisions. No wonder, in the face of
wiser counsels from his loyal, selfless and dedicated advisers, our voice turned out to be
a cry in the wilderness. Since it is our firm belief that as a genuine Nepali we can also
lay claims on the king's eyes and ears, we will not tire but keep on persistently offering
our unsolicited advice for the overall good of the country. What is Thapa's mandate as
Prime minister to rule the country at this critical juncture we are not aware. And whether
Thapa is uncontroversially qualified to conduct the general elections, which is the prime
need of the hour, we cannot say for sure. But one thing we can resolutely affirm without a
ray of doubt or misgiving is that a government with a fresh mandate from the people only
can give proper direction to the troubled country. As such, the country must go to the
polls without undue delay. And in this pious task all Nepalis, irrespective of their
political affiliations if they have any, have to join hands. And this is equally
applicable to the Maoists. As we have been emphasizing the Maoists leaders have no option
but to join the mainstream of our national politics and drive all the corrupt and
anti-national politicians out of the arena. They are not that naive not to understand that
their empty rhetorics cannot make any effective impression on the politically conscious
masses. It is being reported that there is great disgruntlement even in their cadres.
Their obduracy not to come to practical understanding with the government would only spell
unimaginable disaster for the country and the poor countrymen. Since the country is in
dire need of honest and patriotic politicians, the Maoists can fill in the void and prove
that all politicians in the country are not quislings. Our country is most expectantly
waiting to welcome politicians who can stand up as patriotic Nepalis to all kinds of
challenges, internal or external. And, again this calls for our King's role. Even as a
constitutional monarch, Nepalese King does still play a very vitally assertive in our
lives and no one should try to denigrate his role or personality. It will be bad for the
health of the country. Indeed, he has to make timely adaptations in the changed
circumstances. As for the new Prime minister Thapa, we do wish him good luck and hope he
will be able to project himself in a new form — an asset to the country. |
