Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Letter Travels

Although it was a reply of the prime minister and the RPP leader Surya Bahadur Thapa to his party, the letter drafted in the prime minister’s office traveled to many offices before reaching to the intended destination – the office of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Thapa’s reply letter was posted to different newspapers including government-owned ones. Minister for Information and Communication Kamal Thapa is the man who guided the routes of the letter. After waiting for more than two weeks, RPP leader Surya Bahadur Thapa has finally tabled his reply at his party. Known as a shrewd politician, prime minister Thapa has said nothing in his reply except hinting criticism at the present bunch of party leadership. However, despite its contents, the RPP leaders have heaved a sigh of relief after receiving the much sought after reply.

Flip Flop Stance

No one can gauge when or how the CPN-UML leaders unite or disperse since they appear like spineless creatures. CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and another fire brand UML leader Bam Dev Gautam had settled their internal differences just a few months back and joined their hands upholding similar stand. But both of them retained their differences in many issues. Interestingly, these two leaders seem to be coming closer in the last few weeks in their criticisms against the institution of monarchy. It is still confusing what is the stand of CPN-UML leadership regarding the present set up of political process. They even seem to be confused nowadays regarding the fundamental question of the constitution. The UML fire brand leader Gautam, who projected himself as a strong supporter of the institution of monarchy, has suddenly changed his stand. But one would like to know what exactly is the official viewpoint of the UML.

Happy Crusade

Former prime minister and leader of Nepali Congress Democratic, Sher Bahadur Deuba is leading a one-man crusade calling for the reinstatement of his government. At a time when other five parties are agitating to restore the democratic process, former prime minister Deuba still holds the view that there is no alternative to reinstating him as the prime minister to end the deadlock. Last week a big rally was organized in Patan, another major city in the valley, to woo public support for his demand. Although there was good turn-out of the people, only a handful of his supporters seemed to be serious. Even Deuba appeared in a happy and light mood.

Devkota Deals A Blow

Senior politician Rajeshwor Devkota never misses an opportunity to hit at his former rival and prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa for his inactions. Following the meeting with the King, senior politician and leader of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Nationalist) called for the resignation of Surya Bahadur Thapa to pave the way for political settlement. Devkota even urged him to take the major political parties into confidence before taking any decisions. Definitely, Devkota seems to be in no mood to falter the opportunities to take a swipe at his former rival.

Record Setting Minister

State Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, Renu Yadav, a pro-active leader of RPP, has set a record of sorts by not addressing any seminar or symposium. At a time when all of her colleagues are busy attending many inaugural and other programs, Yadav’s reluctance to attend such formal program have raised many eyebrows. It is surprising to find a minister who is reluctant to attend such public programs because in the past it has been the traditional practice for ministers to cut one ribbon here and another there. Some ministers even attend four to five seminars a day.