Off The Record (Spotlight Weekly)

Disruptive Rallies

Whenever political parties want to disrupt the life of common people, they will organize a mass rally in front of Ghantaghar-Ratnapark area - the main street of the capital. At a time when four political parties led by prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is trying to overcome differences over the appointment of governor, other four agitating parties seem to have found the time appropriate to block the traffic at the main street making life difficult for the common people. From Congress leader Sushil Koirala to Narayan Man Bijukchhe and others, all are busy disrupting the traffic. As few people attend political rallies these days, blocking their road seems to be the best way to grab the public attention.

Shaky Relations

For the first time in the last two years, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and prime minister Sher Bahdur Deuba shook their hands at a public place. Although Deuba went to Koirala's residence several times to meet him during the period, it was during the National Day of Myanmar that the two leaders were publicly seen exchanging hand shakes. When there have been efforts to unite the two Congress, Deuba's meeting with Koirala could be significant to both the parties as they have very little ideological differences. If the leaders of both the parties can meet for several rounds, one cannot rule out the possibility of unification of the Congress.

UML's Feathers Ruffled

Following the public hand shaking between Koirala and Deuba, CPN-UML - which is enjoying all the benefits of the Congress disunity - called a meeting of four parties of the ruling coalition. As prime minister Deuba and deputy prime minister Bharat Mohan Adhkiary are yet to decide on the name of governor, Deuba's photo-op with Koirala seems to have made the UML try to woo Deuba. As soon as Nepali Congress unites, CPN-UML will have no option other than to go to the streets to destroy public properties. The sudden meeting called by the CPN-UML was very significant. Whether one likes it or not, CPN-UML seems to have realized the importance of prime minister Deuba.

Chand's Assertions

Following the split in the party, former prime minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand seems to be making efforts to become a key player in the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). After recent central committee meeting, Chand came more assertive than before. Following the break up of the party by Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chand does not have any rival in the party. Few years ago when Chand tried to get elected as party president, Thapa had blocked his efforts. In revenge, Chand even opened a new party in the name of RPP-Chand. This time Chand's wish to become party president seems closer to reality. This might be the reason why the soft-spoken Chand is getting more assertive by the day.

Thapa Is Empty Handed

Despite the declaration of former prime minister Surya Bahdur Thapa, he is yet to lure any leaders of mainstream political parties into his broader democratic alliance. There seem to be division even within the leaders of the breakaway RPP. As many leaders denounced Thapa's moves, he seems to have no option other than to invite the same old RPP leaders into his broader democratic alliance. It seems that Thapa's move is going to be an alliance of all former Panchas including the former RPP leaders.