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The overwhelming majority of his countrymen had heartily acclaimed the action taken by King Gyanendra on February1, 2005. Except an insignificant minority consisting of the corrupt politicians and their henchmen, mercenary media and certain intellectuals under alien influence, rest of the Nepalis had heaved a sigh of relief. King Gyanendra had not only manifested his deep concern for his poor people but also his anxiety to defend the constitution and safeguard the nascent democratic institutions. But the induction of two Panchayat stalwarts into the cabinet as vice chairmen has given a new twist to the political developments in Nepal. Dr. Tulsi Giri, one of the two vice chairmen, has been a total recluse from Nepali politics for about two decades. Indeed, he is known as an astute politician. But, in the context of multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy, in what manner would a staunch supporter of partyless Panchayat system accommodate himself is yet to be seen. That he has generated a lot of heartburn in many a politician cannot be denied. His total rejection of negotiations with the Maoists has given a new dimension to the official thinking. It seems there is no unanimity or consensus in the government, which might hamper smooth functioning to a great extent. Moreover, the overwhelming conservative section of the Nepali society is finding it quite difficult to accept Dr. Giri's changed social status. Simple Nepalis seem to be in a quandary how to take Dr. Giri - as a troubleshooter or a troublemaker?
Since King Gyanendra has taken upon himself a very onerous responsibility of disciplining a nation that is not only weak and poor but has been misruled, misdirected and misled for a long time. Moreover, with a bureaucracy mostly politicized in diverse political ideologies and less acquainted with the virtue of integrity, it will not be easy to successfully implement all his pious schemes. And since witch-hunting is not the answer, only the right king of leadership can provide them an independent and faceless identity. And as long a nation does not possess a strong, efficient and honest bureaucracy it cannot achieve its goal. Even our foreign policy needs complete overhauling. In the face of malicious rumors relentlessly spread by the powerful media and publicity paraphernalia of the friendly neighboring country, our diplomatic must have been able to do their job well. But, we all are well aware of the handicaps our diplomats suffer from. And this needs to redressed without delay. The unfriendly stance taken by big and powerful countries has made it imperative for us to more intimately cultivate our good and dependable friends who are sincerely concerned at our predicament and willing to bail us out. As a matter of fact, had we done proper diplomatic exercise to educate our friendly countries about the abject failures of the elected governments, their reaction would not have been so severe. And, we think the big hue and cry started by our friends near and far was rather hasty. They should have exercised some patience and waited to see how subsequent events developed. However, if we have been able to learn a few lessons, their precipitate behavior must be taken as blessings in disguise Anyway, it is a time when we expressly need men of caliber who are above board and can rise up to the occasion. It is a time when personal prejudices must not be permitted to interfere. It is a time when the King is not only the Head of State but also the head of the government. Since we have implicit faith in the wisdom and sagacity of King Gyanendra, it becomes our bounden duty not only to expect the King to behave as the head of the government but also to dedicate ourself to the noble task of restoring peace and normalcy in the country by offering unstinted cooperation to his government.
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