 |
||
|
||
OFF THE RECORD |
|
||
|
||
OFF THE RECORD |
Divided Front
Even as his own house is bitterly
divided, Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala made a whirlwind nationwide tour to gain
public faith on his party. At a time when major factions within his party are yet to
reconcile with him, Koirala is leading a united front composed of three ideologically
different leftist parties and another regional-based party. If Koirala cannot convince his
old colleagues how can he succeed to bring the change leading a front comprising of such a
heterogeneous interest? Within his front, one radical communist group is supporting the
rebel demand of Constituent Assembly and other is supporting the amendment of
constitution. If Koirala does not accommodate his own protégé like Deuba how can he
tolerate others in the front? Right Person In Wrong Place
Congress leader Shailaja is called as
a right woman in wrong place. Tragedy of Shailaja is that her decision is contradictory to
her own stand. In 1990 when the country was in trouble Shailaja backed the united
agitation against Panchayat going against the spirit of reconciliation. Shailaja is in
right position now and her stand is perfectly alright but there is no one to listen to her
genuine concern. Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala is not listening her. It is
difficult right now to predict who controls Nepali Congress Central office. If it is
really under the control of genuine Congress leaders, Shailaja Acharya, one of the few
remaining Congress leaders who were engaged in long democratic struggle, would not have to
choose her home to perform the fasting. Known as a blunt leader, Shailaja has always
maintained certain distance from the party leadership. Maybe that is why she is paying the
price now. Oli's Style
Although CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma
Oli is not like Shailaja Acharya of Nepali Congress, he also has certain unique
characters. Although his party issues guidelines asking its leaders not to trespass the
official party line, powerful communist leader Oli does not fear speaking his mind.
Following his visit to the People’s Republic of China and Japan, young communist
leader Oli seems to have learnt a new dress code. In the two public meetings he appeared
after the visit, Oli emerged in heavily formal dress. At a time when other party
colleagues are undermining the dress code, Oli seems to be trying to prove that he is a
sober and modern leader. Shrestha Is Angry Former minister and RPP leader Jog Mehar
Shrestha is known as one of the diehard opponents of prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa.
Shrestha has maintained his distance from whatever position Thapa holds. As his rival is
heading the government, former minister Shrestha is in difficult situation. In his recent
party meeting, Shrestha declared that Thapa government would collapse within a few months.
At a time when five major political parties are launching nationwide agitation demanding
the resignation of prime minister Thapa, Shrestha seems to be striking a right cord with
the parties. Although multi party democracy was restored twelve years ago, it seems that
there is still a hangover in Shrestha's mind about the party-less politics. Despite
formation of political party, Shrestha does not mind to do politics on individual basis. Unlucky Industry Whether it is just a coincidence or
reality, Nepalese film industry is not lucky enough to taste the dividends of peace. When
the Maoists and government maintained ceasefire, the film halls did not find Nepalese
films thanks to the boycott called by Nepalese film producers. Now the producers ended
their strikes but the peace process is collapsing. Nepalese film industry seems to be
passing through unfortunate time. |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
