Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

“I am neither disappointed nor happy.”

Girija Prasad Koirala, president of Nepali Congress and the leader of the five party alliance, after his audience with the King.

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“Now the whole street will be ours, as the five parties are ready to get the premiership at any cost even by deserting their own 18- point demands.”

Sher Bahadur Deuba, president of Nepali Congress (Democratic), responding to the joint royal audience to the leaders of five parties, in Rajdhani.

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“The five parties represent the majority of the people’s opinion.”

Bharat Bimal Yadav, general secretary of the Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP-Anandidevi), in Deshantar.

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“No government can give a solution without bringing the Maoists to the mainstream.”

Shailendra Kumar Upadhyaya, former foreign minister, speaking at an interaction program.

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“The time to become a ruler by pleasing someone is over. Therefore, the parties should show their guts for progressive solution.”

Rajendra Rai, president of All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) – a student wing affiliated to the UML, in reaction to the series of royal audiences by the party leaders.

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“The five parties are more concerned about restoring power in their hands than restoring the people’s rights.”

Daman Nath Dungana, former speaker of the House of Representatives, in Rajdhani.

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“There is no reason to speculate that the elections cannot be held due to insecurity. If ordered, we are ready to provide security.”

Brigadier General Rajendra Thapa, chief spokesperson of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA), addressing media persons.

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“We are even ready to stop our businesses for months if leaders can convince us that such closure will restore peace, law and order and progress the nation. Otherwise, they should refrain from engaging in activities that affect the tourism industry.”

Narendra Bajracharya, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), in reaction to the frequent strikes called by the political parties demanding restoration of democracy, in Bimarsha.

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