Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

UML Fissures

Whether divided or united, the CPN-UML has maintained a long record of internal squabbling. The latest episode of leg pulling started as soon as UML leaders returned from their seventh convention in Janakpurdham. This time differences widened as the party's central committee sought a clarification from former deputy prime minister Bam Dev Gautam on his recent statements expressing the party's readiness for constituent assembly elections. UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal's followers, still rankled by Gautam's decision to split the party five years ago, considered this a good opportunity to embarrass the man, although he returned to the fold with contrition several months ago. Nobody knows who would end up embarrassing whom, but it is certain that a new wave of internal squabbling has begun in the UML.

RPP's Dilemma

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leaders are in a dilemma over what course they should follow. Since Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand is a senior leader of the party, the RPP cannot openly challenge him. But party leaders are in no position to defend other ministers who are not their own men. In a recent statement, the RPP exhibited clear signs of playing a half-ruling and half-opposition role. If RPP leaders feel the opposition is strong, they are in a mood to oppose the government. As an initial step, the RPP has submitted a memorandum to Chand.

Film Fortune

With the announcement of the government-Maoist cease-fire, all sectors have breathed a sigh of relief. The film industry seems to be happier than the rest. After the truce, dozens of districts have lifted late-night curfews, which means theaters can stay open longer. Among producers and actors, Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansa Acharya seem to be the happiest. And they have good reason, as their latest venture, "Je Bhayo Ramrai Bhayo", has recently been released. This goes on to show that if you are lucky, nothing can stop your projectors. Until two months ago, many producers faced enormous difficulty in exhibited their films. When the Shrestha-Acharya duo's turn came, the sky is clear again.

Survival Strategy

Nepali Congress spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC, who is known as a media-friendly politician, seems to have decided to remain mum. In the last one month, K.C has not spoken any word to the press. Other Congress leaders are talking on behalf of the party. In a country where media-friendly politicians have to face controversies, KC seems to be clever enough to avoid the scenario. Whether one likes it or not, KC's strategy is clear and concise: no talk, no controversy. After all, his predecessor, Narahari Acharya, who also is media-friendly, was replaced following his controversial remarks on the election of the constituent assembly. In the Nepali Congress, only the clever can survive.

Trading Tirades

At a time when his political guru, Girija Prasad Koirala, was recovering from a fever, former prime minister and president of Nepali Congress (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba was addressing mass meetings in the far-western region. As Deuba and Koirala, who are divided on the personal grounds, don't have any theoretical basis to defend their cause, both are accusing each other as being anti-democratic and regressive. Since the jury is still out on who best fits that description, the slinging match can be expected to continue for a while.