Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Ways To Get Around Bandh

The residents of the valley have faced different kinds of bandhs (general strike). The Maoists have already called more than two dozens of general strikes. However, the people are beginning to devise their own unique ways to get around. In the past when motorbikes and taxi drivers used to cover their vehicle number plate by putting the sign of Press. This method, although still in use, is fast giving way to new ideas. Instead of Press, the number plates are now covered by words like Wedding, Doctors, Compulsion, Exam, Citizen, Emergency, Hospital, Honeymoon and so on. Although the organizers of Bandh do not mind attacking any kind of ‘bandh violators’, it seems the usage of such phrases provide psychological reassurance to people.

Bandh As Blessing

It is not necessary that all general strikes are bad. Sometimes they turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Thanks to the bandhs called by the Maoists, the newly appointed prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has heaved a sigh of relief. While petrol/diesel price at international market is hitting the roof, the state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation has saved millions of rupees a day because of non-use of vehicles during strikes. For Deuba more Bandhs mean more saving of oil – and less likelihood to increase its price. Whether one likes it or not, bandhs have given Deuba at least a couple of days to consider what to do with the rising prices of petroleum products products.

Pressed Lips

The first press meet of the newly appointed prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba turned into an interesting event. At first, Deuba seemed nervous to confront a large number of press people – some with microphones and others with cameras. Strangely, when a number of journalists began to pose him sharp questions on various issues, Deuba attempted to dismiss them by saying that he does not have much to say at this moment. Repeatedly, Deuba said that he did not have much to say except that this was the

moment of joy as his appointment marked the victory of people.

Lost Direction

The agitating political parties have landed in trouble following the appointment of Sher Bahadur Deuba as the prime minister. Unlike his two failed experiments appointing two prime ministers of Panchayat days, King Gyanendra this time had appointed Deuba, who was dismissed a year ago on the ground of inefficiency triggering the allegations of regression. Although some Congress leaders have already expressed that appointment of Deuba is a continuation of regression, they did not find it easy to oppose Deuba who has a strong backing of his party. Frustrated by the decision of five party alliances particularly Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN-UML is said to be seriously considering supporting Deuba. If the CPN-UML supports Deuba, whether from inside or outside, it will deal a major blow to five party agitation.

What Will Thapa Do?

After exiting from Singhdurbar gracefully, the outgoing prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa faces an uphill task in rebuilding his political career. Already isolated in the party, Thapa confronts a difficult challenge – more so as the age, too, is not on his side. Known as a shrewd politician, all agree that the former president of RPP Thapa will not take rest. However, what game plan he has up his sleeves to stage another comeback remains to be seen.