Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Suddenly Friendly

The CPN-UML firebrand leader Bamdev Gautam seems to have changed his stand regarding the performance of the government. Till a few weeks back, Gautam was one of the fiercest critics of the performance of the government. But he appears to have significantly mellowed down his tone. At a time when even the general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal is critical of the government, former deputy prime minister Gautam has come as a rescuer to the government. Whether one likes it or not, Gautam's change of stand may boost the morale of the CPN-UML leaders including deputy prime minister Bharat Mohan Adhikay, who is struggling to maintain his influence. However, the reason behind the volte face by Gautam is still unknown.

Poudel's Plan

Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel is one of the shrewdest leaders of the party. In the last one decade, Poudel has successfully employed his tactics and retained his influence. Two years ago, former deputy prime minister Poudel provoked, incited and encouraged then prime minister Sher Bahdur Deuba to split the party. Interestingly, Poudel as soon as Deuba floated a new party, Poudel instantly dropped his previous assurances and refused to join the new party. Although Poudel continues to aspire for the post of party general secretary, he has been denied that honor. Till a few weeks back, Poudel was with the general secretary Sushil Koirala. When Koirala dissolved Nepal Student Union, Poudel emerged as one of the die-hard critics of the decision. Whether one likes it or not, Poudel is shifting from one position to another - clearly with the intention of consolidating his influence and authority within the party.

More Is Not Merrier

Security officers at the main gate of Singha Durbar are nowadays tired of checking the vehicles of the ministers. Previously, there used to be a fewer number of ministers and, hence, fewer tensions. After the current prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba appointed 31 ministers, they now have to inspect 31 cars. Particularly, during the rush hours, one can see a long queue of ministers outside the main gate waiting for the security officers to check their vehicles. To check the cars of the ministers, the security officials have to spend a lot of time as they have to take many things into consideration. For security people, more ministers are not necessarily merrier because they need to be more alert and busier attending to their calls and so on.

Jamming Protests

It seems to be a season of discord as different organizations have launched agitations to press the government. From taxi drivers to minibus owners and from teachers to conflict victims, all have adopted their own way to organize the protest. Strangely, however, whether the agitation is carried out by the country's largest party Nepali Congress or CPN-UML or Teachers' association or drivers' association, the end result is almost similar. Such agitations almost always lead to traffic jam in the congested city. Two weeks ago, the taxi drivers blocked the whole traffic movement for hours to put the pressure on the government making unreasonable demands. Taking a cue from the taxi drivers, recently, minibus drivers also called a two-hour jam at the street. Whether politicians or anyone else, creating traffic jam seems to be the most favored route to press demands.

Thapa Makes His Move

Former prime minister and the RPP leader Surya Bahadur Thapa seems to be playing a big game inside his party to pull down the strength of the present party president. During his tenure as a prime minister, Thapa had made every effort to tranquillize party president Pashupati Shumsher Rana but in vain. Although he is outside the power now, Thapa seems to be working seriously to rock the RPP boat. The big battle in the RPP is yet to start but all the factions are taking up their positions gunning for the rivals.