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OFF THE RECORD |
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OFF THE RECORD |
Deciphering Deuba Largely ignored by most mainstream parties
since his dismissal on October 4, Nepali Congress (Democratic) president and former prime
minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced that he would launch his own peaceful agitation
to preserve the gains of the people's movement. Suddenly the alliance of four major
political parties took notice. They tacitly supported the first Nepal bandh called by the
student organisation affiliated with Deuba's party. Few understand why Deuba announced his
peaceful agitation. Equally enigmatic is the circuitous support the other parties chose to
give him. At a recent central working committee meeting, Deuba challenged leaders of other
political parties to prove their commitment to the democratic process. Deuba's anger was
understandable since nobody spoke a word when he was unceremoniously removed as premier.
Maybe the mainstream parties' oblique support for his bandh was intended as a belated
apology. Red Compromises Unlike other political forces, communists
tend to start their wars with a bang only to make quiet compromises. Nepalese communist
leaders, who have a history of splits and mergers, are used to speaking out against one
another in the most degrading manner. After their failed bid to "democratize"
the UML at the seventh general convention and the marginalization of colleagues, foes turn
friends K.P. Sharma Oli and Bam Dev Gautam joined hands to challenge general secretary
Madhav Kumar Nepal. At a recent central committee meeting, Nepal was able to patch up
differences, at least for now. The characters and content will provide the color for the
next episode. Discipline Deficit The CPN-UML is known as a party of
punctuality, but it is fast losing that distinction. Although the top leaders still
maintain decorum, others seem have forgotten what program they are supposed to manage. As
all other communist parties, the UML announced a program to mark the 48th anniversary of
the establishment of Nepal Communist party. Interestingly, chief guest and general
secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal was at the venue on time. He could not find anyone and
returned after waiting for half an hour. Discipline deficit, shall we say?
Ageless Energy Nepali Congress president and former prime
minister Girija Prasad Koirala has proved that age is no bar in politics. When most
second-generation leaders, including Ram Chandra Poudel and Shailaja Acharya, have
disappeared from the scene, octogenarian Koirala is addressing several meetings a day. At
a time when second-generation leaders in the Congress are demanding the transfer of
leadership, Koirala is showing that there is no one to rival his stamina. In the last
three months, Koirala has addressed more than three dozen mass meetings in 60 of the
country's 75 districts. Anyone ready to beat that? Premier Pursuits Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand seems
to be happier with his spiritual and family pursuits than with his political performance.
Within his own Rastriya Prajatantra Party, few leaders trust him as a reliable partner. In
the cabinet, no one has seen him play an effective role. Nominated by the King, Chand does
not have to worry about how the people feel. If the past few months' action is any
indication, Chand is happy promoting his sons' business, playing with his grandson and
spending time in puja. As long as God favors him, no student or political agitation can
make any difference. |
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