Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Love-Hate Deuba

CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal seems to have lost his faith on prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Until a few days ago, general secretary Nepal was very optimistic about prime minister Deuba who, on the other hand, did not spare any time to consult him on day-to-day matters. For the last three weeks, defending prime minister Deuba was the prime job of general secretary Nepal. From defending the Deuba’s cabinet to his working style, Nepal did everything he could. Nepal even broke his relations with old ally Congress supremo Girija Prasad Koirala. But now it seems that Nepal has lost his faith. In the last twelve years, Nepal has shown a character of swift change in his stands. Whether one likes it or not, this is a typical style of Nepal.

Rocky Start

Following the decision of nominating former finance minister Bharat Mohan Adhikary to lead the CPN-UML team in the new coalition government, CPN-UML stalwarts like K.P. Sharma Oli and Bamdev Gautam have already declared that the new government will fall within a couple of months. Addressing a joint meeting with prime minister Deuba recently, UML leader Oli made it clear that the government is not working as per the spirit when it was constituted a month ago. PM Deuba was stunned by Oli’s statement and immediately assured comrade Oli that his government will follow the earlier course.

Bhattarai Is Back

After nearly a month long treatment in India, former prime minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai returned to the country. Addressing a press meet at the Tribhuwan International Airport, former prime minister Bhattarai openly rejected the idea to form all party government. Bhattarai’s remarks made prime minister Deuba uneasy. Deuba who considers Bhattarai as his mentor immediately tried to control the damage by saying that he is committed to all party government. Deuba’s comments assured the leaders of the CPN-UML.

RPP In A Fix

The RPP leaders have signed a common minimum program with the other three major parties including the Nepali Congress (Democratic), CPN-UML and Nepal Sadbhavana Party. When CPN-UML has already announced its leader who will lead its team in the cabinet early this week, the RPP was yet to announce anyone from its side. From former minister Jog Mehar Shrestha to Deepak Bohara and Roshan Karki to Balaram Gharti Magar, all want to be a minister. Interestingly, the party is yet to decide on the names. On the other hand, the former prime minister and RPP heavy weight, Surya Bahadur Thapa continues to maintain tight-lip over the decision, apparently waiting to pounce at the opportune time.

Busy Cabinet

The three-member cabinet of prime minister Deuba is so busy that they have to attend more than a couple of public programs every day. Minister for Works and Physical Planning Prakash Man Singh, however, is compelled to turn down invitations for a number of programs daily as he does not have much spare time. From the meeting of trade union workers to official meetings, Singh seems to have hectic time. In the meantime, Singh also has other duties, which includes pleasing the party workers who are dissatisfied with the prime minister.