http://telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=4048
Tell our readers Mr. Koirala how you are passing your days?
GPK: From the early morning, I am totally engaged in holding political meetings and discussions. Friends from various political parties, heads of various diplomatic missions and people from various walks of life visit me. Even friends from within the Nepali Congress party come to see me and we talk on general politics and the role NC should play in the days ahead.
What are the general views of the visitors who come to see you?
GPK: Generally they have lot of criticisms and also some logical suggestions. After the Maoists leading the government, they complain that the nation has lost its way and they look more concerned on the future of democracy in Nepal. Generally, they all suspect that whether the Federal Democratic setup will be weakened in the days ahead? If the Maoists will take the country to the one party totalitarian regime, this is the general belief, I have encountered so far. Some even say that now it is the responsibility of the Nepali Congress to come strongly forward in preserving the democratic setup.
What say you Mr. Koirala regarding the functioning of the incumbent government?
GPK: I believe that it is not the right time to make any comments be it positive or negative on the issue of the functioning of this government.
We are in fact in a mood to wait and see.
It is too early to comment on this issue, less than a month has passed after the formation of this government.
We will nevertheless at an opportune moment comment on this topic.
Prime Minister Dahal has alleged that you have already made up your mind to take steps towards breaking this government. Is that true Mr. Koirala?
GPK: What Prachanda ji says, he knows it better…as far as I am concerned, I am against breaking this government now. If the government continues preserving the foundations of a democratic setup we will have nothing say. However any attack on the foundation of democracy, peoples’ inherent rights and the rule of law…I will not remain quiet.
I had told Prachanda ji to provide continuity to the politics of consensus however, he is the one who ignored it blatantly.
I am more concerned now a days on rebuilding foundation of our party, make some internal reforms in the Nepali Congress and also about unity among the political parties, peace process and drafting of the new constitution.
I am not thinking to break the government led by Prachanda ji.
Who ignored the politics of consensus?
GPK: I have been saying uninterruptedly that the politics of consensus should be accorded top priority. After the restoration of democracy and even after the election to the CA, I spoke in favor of consensus politics.
I still believe that it should have been given priority for at least ten more years to come. However the Maoists ignored it after the election to the CA. To lead the government and more importantly to alienate the Nepali Congress, they rejected the idea of consensus.
I still tell Prachanda ji that there is no alternative to consensus. To bring the peace process to a logical end and to draft the new constitution, it is compulsory.
Inner strife in the Nepali Congress, what say you Mr. Koirala?
GPK: It is totally wrong that we have differences over major issues in our party. The NC is united and will always remain one.
What about the differences regarding electing the leader of the parliamentary party delegation?
GPK: These are just half truths propagated by the Nepali media. We are a democratic party and we will elect our leader democratically. Our mentors are B.P. Koirala, Subarna Sumsher Rana and Ganesh Man who have taught us democratic norms and values. There is no difference in our party and I have told my friends that I do not want to listen to any dissenting voices.
What role will NC play in opposition?
GPK: We will play constructive role in the opposition. We will not burn tiers and halt traffic. We will set an example as the main opposition party.
(Courtesy: Ghatna Ra Bichar Weekly, Dated: Sepetmber 10, 2008)2008-09-10 20:59:26
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