"The
Maoists are a bigger problem than the King," says Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Prime
Minister of Nepal. (See Asia Times July 15,2004). That kind of statement coming from a
person who was appointed Prime Minister by the King a few days ago, has astounded all the
Nepalis. Even though not bigger than the Maoists, why should King Gyanendra have, at all,
become a problem to Sher Bahadur Deuba is totally beyond a common Nepali's comprehension.
One of Deuba's close associates, when approached by this scribe, said, on condition of
anonymity, "Perhaps, it was the sudden expression of his rage against King Gyanendra
for the damaging remarks he made when Deuba was dismissed nearly two years ago."
Deuba is Prime Minsiter not because that it was his right as the leader of the House or
the choice of the majority of Nepalis. He is there because King Gyanendra wanted him
there. Instead of expressing his gratitude towards the King, Deuba has not only exposed
his incompetence, once again, but has manifested the extent of loyalty and veneration he
bears towards the Head of the State of his country. All those admirers of Deuba who might
have recommended him should not fail to take note of the fact. As a matter of fact, by
appointing Deuba to lead the country at such a critical time, King Gyanendra has not only
falsified all the prognostications of the political pundits of Nepal but has also taken a
big gamble. If the events that have followed the formation of the Deuba government are any
indications, there is absolutely no room for any optimism. People have started getting
panicky even in the heart of the capital itself. If the sphere of government's authority
keeps on shrinking, the day will come soon when it might be limited with in the four walls
of Singh Darbar. The worsening of the situation has to be arrested without any delay and
the confidence of the people kept intact if not fully restored. All this can be possible
if peace process with the Maoists starts on a promising note. But, the most recent
statement of the Maoist supremo has only contributed to dampen our spirit. This very
clearly demonstrates the esteem and the attitude of the Maoists towards the Deuba
government. If we fail to take that into account and persist to nurse our frivolities, we
will, indeed, be inviting greater troubles. Since it has become almost crystal clear that
the Maoists want to deal with a government that is effective and one they can trust, it
has become imperative for King Gyanendra to take necessary steps, howsoever hard or
difficult. We have, all the time, been trying to impress upon the Maoists too to get wiser
and stop hurting their own people and their own country. Wrong means can never lead any
body to the right end. As such, any more dilly dallying will only aggravate the miseries
of the people, the monarchy and even of the Maoists themselves. Since to err is human, all
of us, must pluck the courage to realize and confess our errors and failings. Because only
great men can admit their mistakes they committed and take all necessary steps to rectify
them as early as possible. |
