Hidden Agenda

Though the five political parties summoned a session of the National Assembly at the heart of the city calling for the revival of the democratic system a few weeks ago, the process of tabling the resolution was in contradiction to their declared objectives. From beginning to the end, no member of parliament were informed what sort of proposals the acting chairman Ramprit Paswan would be proposing and they were in the dark how much time they would receive to debate. It exposed which type of democratic system they want to restore in the country. Surprisingly, even some of Girija Prasad Koirala's die-heart followers and members of National Assembly received the agenda at the last minute. Former prime minister Koirala who doesn't mind sharing problems with his colleagues, did not deem it necessary to reveal it to his loyalists. Taken aback by the cold attitude of their great leader, some of Girijababu's colleagues are now busy digging for the compulsions of their leader.

Confusions and Contradictions

Being the country's oldest democratic party with the sole objective to popularize the western causes like liberalism, Nepali Congress leaders enjoy global recognition. In reality, however, the party survives amid confusions and contradictions on its own principles. Whether in the case of holding internal elections or maintaining the external relations, Congress leaders have always compromised their principals. Surrounded by half-read party colleagues, Congress leader and former prime minister Girija Prasasd Koirala, despite his boldness and strong commitment to the liberal system, too, is not free of confusions and contradictions. Being a leader of the oldest democratic party, Congress leader Koirala has a edge over others. Unfortunately, the octagenarian leader has been walking on the path goaded by four communist parties whose single agenda is to destroy democratic institutions and democratic practices. From ideology to personal character, Congress party has a number of leaders with contradictory attitudes. In Congress circle, Koirala was regarded as an anti-communist when Ganeshman Singh was at the helm of the party affairs. No body understands the rationale behind the sudden change in Koirala's heart after he accepted an offer to be a leader of joint front a few months back. It seems that politics in Nepal flourishes in confusions and contradictions.

Hegemonies of Ruling Class

Adhikari : In the limelight

Some CPN-UML leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal, Bharat Mohan Adhikary and Jhalnath Khanal were busy attending the political meetings for the last two months. Despite their strong influence in the party, K.P. Sharma Oli and Bam Dev Gautam, however, are found  yawning either in the party office or in their residences taking turns are reading newspaper headlines and catching a quick nap. Although CPN-UML leaders always have stressed the need of a unity among party workers to make the present agitation successful, they don't seem to be worried about the need to accommodate rival factions in day to day activities. At a time when CPN-UML leaders are making desperate efforts to forge the alliance with other communist parties, it doesn't seem they are inclined to put their own house in order. Whether it is in the government or political parties, the ruling group always prefers hegemonic stand and leaders who drive CPN-UML are not an exception.

Film Festival

Following the imposition of state of emergency two years ago, large numbers of film halls in the valley discontinued night shows due to thin attendance of audiences. Thanks to the British Film festival, film halls have seen the possibility of revival of the olden days. The festival has proven that good quality of films can still lure audiences, as it was the case in the Gopi-Krishna film hall recently. For the distaste of the night shows, the audiences are not solely responsible but even hall owners have to share the blame. As the number of audiences has gone down, the theaters have started to bring cheaper and lower grade films. In the last few years, only a few super hit movies were screened in the capital city. How will film halls grasp the opportunity shown by the response to the British Film Festival remains to be seen?