Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Dissatisfied Cadres

When the CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal declared that the coalition government led by prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is heading towards wrong direction, his party cadres heaved a sigh of relief. As soon as Nepal completed the sentence, his party workers clapped without taking any rest. Encouraged by his party workers' response, Nepal thundered that he would ask his ministers to resign if prime minister Deuba did not listen to him. While he was speaking loudly, some of his party colleagues, however, had a dim face. After nearly five years out of power, the CPN-UML had got the chance to be a part of the government. Following the CPN-UML's participation in the government, the cadres, though they are dissatisfied, seem to be in a pleasant mood. It seems, share of resources is in their mind.

Deuba's Limit

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba remains quite and calm. Addressing a rally, Deuba declared that he would exhibit flexibility up to the elastic limit regarding the negotiations with the Maoists. Likewise, he said that whatever Madhavji (UML general secretary) says about him, he will continue to support him. Deuba seems to be happy because one of the colleagues of the ruling party is playing the role of opposition. Had the CPN-UML general secretary Nepal not raised the issue of large government, Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala would have championed the cause.

Oli On Slippery Ground

The CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli, who is said to be in the opposite camp of joining the government, is in trouble. When his party colleague and general secretary Nepal is raising the voice against the government, Oli seems to have lost the agenda. Few months ago when Nepal decided to join the government, Oli's strategy was to watch the performance of the government carefully and hit at the right moment. At a time when general secretary Nepal is himself leading the opposition camp, Oli and his like-minded colleague Bamdev Gautam have to remain tight-lipped. Nepal's strategy does not have any match within his party. From party workers to prime minister and other leaders, Nepal's anti-government voices have received all wide support.

Party Of DPMs

Deputy prime minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari is known as a person loyal to general secretary Nepal. Thanks to his long loyalty towards the general secretary, Adhikari was nominated to lead the government. Although nobody is certain about the length of the life of the government, Adhikari will be the third former deputy prime minister in the party once the government steps down. Although the CPN-UML does not have any former prime minister right now, it will be the first political party that has given three deputy prime ministers.

Mandal's Method

Following his appointment as the Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, Badri Prasad Mandal had to perform two important tasks. First, he had to cool down the temperament of his three colleagues and close associates who sided with him when the party had split. After two weeks long discussions with his party colleagues, Mandal seems to have won the heart of his critics. In the process of pleasing his colleagues who rebelled against him, Mandal is said to have assured them of appointment in different government positions.