Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Gautam : Changed behavior

Obedient Amid Disobedience

Although the CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam took part in a protest program organized to disobey the government’s rule, he and his party colleagues, however, showed how to be obedient. As soon as police asked them to enter the vehicles, these leaders went to the bus without any debate. In the last 12 years, police had to use different kinds of persuasive method to disperse political agitations and arrest leaders/cadres. This was for the first time when political leaders who were taking part in the civil disobedience obeyed the orders of the police so politely. Interestingly, even fire brand communist leaders like Gautam showed he can be obedient if time demands.

Signal Please

Nepalese political leaders have their own way to gauge political situation and its outcome. Whether CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, RPP leader Lokendra Bahadur Chand, Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba or Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala, all of them employ unique methods and techniques. When Deuba’s government was dismissed a year ago, RPP leader Chand saw green signal in front of his home. Following the resignation of Chand, RPP leader Thapa saw green signal. As the country’s five major political parties were in the process of decisive agitation, the party leaders decided to revamp their program. Although CPN-UML leader Nepal declared that he has not seen any green signal, some of his other colleagues have seen it. Koirala publicly admitted he saw it. Whether one likes it or not, there seems to be a mysterious green signal appearing in front of these leaders.

A Trick Or Two

RPP leaders know a trick or two to turn a political course. Minister for Information and Communication Kamal Thapa, who is regarded as a sober politician, has always taken middle path in the political course but he recently made a strong statement. In his outburst against the leaders of mainstream political parties. Thapa termed them as nothing but opportunist. Minister Thapa who is also known to have used some opportunist tricks in the past, finally sees opportunism in other leaders. Thapa, who was appointed as a minister following the pressure created by five major parties, sees creating political pressure against him is also an opportunist character.

chand : Nursing his wounds

Chand Chagrined

Known as a poet and gentlemen politician, RPP leader Lokendra Chand is a unique politician. Former prime minister Chand was appointed prime minister four times in the past without his any contribution. When King Gyanendra dismissed the elected prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba a year ago, the gentleman Chand won the race riding the dark horse. After maintaining silence for months, RPP leader Chand opened his mouth last week accusing his party colleague Thapa for his failure to bring the normalcy in the country. Whether there is any reason behind it or not, the sudden outburst of former prime minister Chand might signal something.

Deuba Dilemma

These days each and every political leaders have their own set of demands. When the country’s five major political parties are demanding the restoration of House of Representatives or formation of all party government, former prime minister and president of Nepali Congress (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba’s is busy drumming up support for his own demand. Deuba holds the view that the restoration of his government is a pre-requisite to correct the constitutional process.