September 4, 2008 (Courtesy - The Kathmandu Post)
Quo Vadis- which way- is the Nepali Congress moving? It looks odd that it has chosen to remain outside the government.
Girija Koirala is known to be a master in breaking a government- any government including his own- to perpetuate his rule- his dynastic rule- no matter what happens to the nation, to the party, to the ideology of his party, to the devoted cadres of his party and to the people at large.
Ever since the CPN-Maoist were returned as the largest party in the constituent assembly election, the NC has found it extremely difficult to adjust. Prime Minister Girija stuck to his seat until all alibis were exhausted to prevent the Maoists from leading the government. He insisted until the last moment that the only desired course was the course of consensus. But at the final stroke, he led his party in the opposition bench. With what intent?
It is obvious that the NC failed to accept that they were rejected by the people as the leading party at the present juncture. History will acknowledge that the NC led the movement for democracy ever since they fought against the formidable rule of the Ranas before their removal in 1950. The removal of the Ranas and the restoration of the full power of the monarch, particularly under king Mahendra, gave the NC no less trouble. After a brief spell of democratic governance, the NC was thrown out of power by king Mahendra and most of the NC leaders were either jailed or exiled for decades. The NC kept the burner of the democratic movement alight and led the movement or the restoration of democracy in 1990. Until that juncture, the NC had nurtured an image of the champion of the people.
However, the NC became power hungry after that watershed. The people voted the NC into power, but the party did not remain the champion of the people any longer. The central leadership of the NC wove a cobweb of power, pampering a few dishonest characters with constant pouring of ministerial berths irrespective of their corrupt image in the public. The first act of dissolution of the parliament by Girija turned out to be disastrous, resulting in a hung parliament. In stead of learning from the disaster and rebuilding its image, he started breaking the government one after another. The series resulted in the weakening of the democratic set-up and the king played his autocratic card. King Gyanendra not only disregarded the constitution, but also swallowed the constitutional parties in one morsel.
Restraining the autocratic monarch was so mountainous that the parliamentary parties had to take out the rally of the Maoists from the jungle. Disarming the Maoists and bringing them into the mainstream politics was initiated by the UML but it was joined by the NC in the final act of signing the 12 point agreement which became the successful plank to push the king out. The interim period under the leadership of Girija as the PM has had its successes, culminating in the election for the CA. But the result did not go as the NC and their leader Girija wanted. It proved to be a bone in the throat of the NC. The positions of the President and a VP were created in the Interim Constitution and a role for the opposition was created to assuage the NC. The interim period was successful on account of the consensus approach in the national politics. But the NC chose to break the successful tradition of consensus and went to the opposition bench.
The role of an opposition would be a healthy development during the normal course of a nation's democratic governance. But this is not yet a normal course of federal, democratic republic of Nepal. The IC has talked of restructuring of the state, but nothing has changed except the nomenclature of the head of the state. The federal components have not even been identified. There are several other aspects of state restructuring which cannot be successfully accomplished by the government alone unless it is a consensus government. Every bit of the restructuring will require the consensus of the people because the people have wanted the changes. This needs deep probing into, and strong articulation of, the nation's best interest by each stake holder. And there is no doubt that the NC is a strong stake holder.
The CA has two facets: the constitution maker and the nation's interim legislature. Constitution making is the main function of the CA: nay, it is the main function of the state. The CA has a short tenure of two years out of which almost half a year has already been wasted. The legislative function will have to be kept only within the indispensable minimum of day to day governance. By all reasoning, there can be no room for opposition in the constitution making part of the CA. So, the utmost role that an opposition can play is in the small hours of the legislative functioning of the CA. The NC in opposition can try to restrain the government in the day to day function. But its impact will be limited because the NC will be crushed by the sheer numbers. Because the NC did not take any comrades-in-arm in choosing to be in the opposition, they are going to remain in an absolute minority.
As there will be not much to do in the opposition, the fertile brain of Girija may contrive innovative ways of destabilizing the government. It was imminent from the last hour consultation Girija did before finally surrendering power to the Maoists that he was not happy to see the Maoists in the saddle of the government. He and his pampered ex-ministers will have ample time to flirt with the parties and CA members who are not happy at the composition of the cabinet and the selection of the present ministers, and try to win them over in bringing down the government. But it is unlikely that it will be successful this time. No government can work with the Maoists outside it. And, with the UML out, it cannot work out even a simple majority.
The role in the constitution making part of the CA will also not be easy for the NC. Their decision to remain in the opposition will create a conceptual rift with the government and it will deter the process of consensus in serious issues. The provision of the two/thirds majority to legitimize the constitution will keep the NC in a weak position in bargaining and they cannot check the unwanted parts of the new constitution from being carried out in the CA. Thus, they will be ineffective both in the legislative part and the constitution making part of the CA functions.
The NC can use this new-found role of not being responsible for running the country in a number of areas. First they can leisurely evaluate the various reasons why the CA election did not go in their favor. They have been blaming the intimidating tactics of the Maoists as the main reason of their defeat. But they have fared the same fate where the Maoists have the least influence. Secondly, they can evaluate the role of the leadership. Much has been said in this respect in the political market. They can do some introspection. Third, they can discuss internal democracy inside the party itself. Probably they can find a lot of home work in here.
Finally, they can re-establish public contact, particularly in areas where the NC base has been broken during the last election. If these things are seriously done, they may regain some of the lost ground in the next election. That may turn out to be the boon in disguise for remaining in the opposition.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Koiralas gone with the wind!
TGW - Not for nothing late Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala - a legendary Nepali Congress leader is remembered by the Nepali Congress cadres at this point of time.
Merely have two months and three days passed after Nepal was declared a Democratic Republic but more importantly the winds of change have also swayed away the Nepali Congress more so the Koirala legacy in Nepali politics along with the 240 years old institution of monarchy.
Late B.P. Koirala is remembered more at this point of time for his remarks wherein he had said that the existence of Nepali Congress in Nepali politics is linked to the existence of the Institution of Monarchy. “Our necks [Monarchy and Nepali Congress] are tied with each other”, B.P is quoted as saying by his followers even to date.
After 26 years of the death of late BP, his disliked brother and the incumbent Prime Minister G.P Koirala remained instrumental in dethroning the monarchy, and in reducing the glorious Nepali Congress into a meagre force.
Be that as it may, today, Friday August 15, 2008, Nepal’s octogenarian Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is quitting Nepal’s Prime Minister’s official residence who, if every thing goes as per the general expectations, will be replaced by none other than the man who through a bloody communist revolt not only uprooted the institution of monarchy but also ensured that the marginalized sections of Nepali society are guaranteed their inherent rights, in the process sacrificing more than thirteen thousand precious lives.
G.P Koirala will be staying at the personal house of Dr. Sashank Koirala some where in Kathmandu. Dr. Koirala is the son of late B.P.
As per some media reports, at a family gathering recently held at the PM’s official residence, Nepal’s care-taker prime minister Koirala accepted that the Koirala legacy in Nepali Politics has thus ended in a disastrous manner. In saying so, Koirala who will always be remembered for his love for power and power alone blamed some NC party leaders for the shameful ouster of “Koiralas” from Nepali politics.
Nevertheless, Sujata Koirala-the illustrious daughter of G.P was quick to comment on her father’s remarks. “You have always supported worthless men in Nepali politics”, told Sujata to her elderly father.
“I will stay at Sashank’s house…I have lived there before…I will feel more comfortable there”, Koirala said.
“You have never listened to me”, Sujata lamented.
Is this the end of Koiralas from Nepali politics? Yes perhaps!
With Sher Bahadur Deuba and Ram Chandra Poudel and many more opportunist leaders in the Nepali Congress camp competing for the party top position, the party will also face possibly several splits if something unusual happens, conclude analysts.
Merely have two months and three days passed after Nepal was declared a Democratic Republic but more importantly the winds of change have also swayed away the Nepali Congress more so the Koirala legacy in Nepali politics along with the 240 years old institution of monarchy.
Late B.P. Koirala is remembered more at this point of time for his remarks wherein he had said that the existence of Nepali Congress in Nepali politics is linked to the existence of the Institution of Monarchy. “Our necks [Monarchy and Nepali Congress] are tied with each other”, B.P is quoted as saying by his followers even to date.
After 26 years of the death of late BP, his disliked brother and the incumbent Prime Minister G.P Koirala remained instrumental in dethroning the monarchy, and in reducing the glorious Nepali Congress into a meagre force.
Be that as it may, today, Friday August 15, 2008, Nepal’s octogenarian Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is quitting Nepal’s Prime Minister’s official residence who, if every thing goes as per the general expectations, will be replaced by none other than the man who through a bloody communist revolt not only uprooted the institution of monarchy but also ensured that the marginalized sections of Nepali society are guaranteed their inherent rights, in the process sacrificing more than thirteen thousand precious lives.
G.P Koirala will be staying at the personal house of Dr. Sashank Koirala some where in Kathmandu. Dr. Koirala is the son of late B.P.
As per some media reports, at a family gathering recently held at the PM’s official residence, Nepal’s care-taker prime minister Koirala accepted that the Koirala legacy in Nepali Politics has thus ended in a disastrous manner. In saying so, Koirala who will always be remembered for his love for power and power alone blamed some NC party leaders for the shameful ouster of “Koiralas” from Nepali politics.
Nevertheless, Sujata Koirala-the illustrious daughter of G.P was quick to comment on her father’s remarks. “You have always supported worthless men in Nepali politics”, told Sujata to her elderly father.
“I will stay at Sashank’s house…I have lived there before…I will feel more comfortable there”, Koirala said.
“You have never listened to me”, Sujata lamented.
Is this the end of Koiralas from Nepali politics? Yes perhaps!
With Sher Bahadur Deuba and Ram Chandra Poudel and many more opportunist leaders in the Nepali Congress camp competing for the party top position, the party will also face possibly several splits if something unusual happens, conclude analysts.
Interview: Girija Prasad Koirala, Ex-Prime Minister
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
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
Inherit thoughts of BP, NC Cadres told
DAMAULI, Sept. 9: Acting President of Nepali Congress (NC) Sushil Koirala has said the existence of NC would be no more in the day when BP’s thoughts and socialism were ignored.
At a party members meet organized here today by NC, Tanahun on the occasion of 95the birth anniversary of people’s leader BP Koirala, he highlighted BP’s ideals and principles in the current context.
The Nepali politics has not yet been stable due to frequent attacks on democracy in one way or another, he added.
Acting President Koirala also urged party cadres to work together for the protection of peace and democracy.
Similarly in Lalitpur, Vice-president of Nepali Congress (NC) Ram Chandra Poudel said the army of a particular party could not protect the country and country people so that Maoist army should not be integrated into Nepal Army (NA).
At a garland-offering function organized by the NC on the occasion of 95th birth anniversary of people’s leader BP Koirala at party central office at Sanepa, he claimed the nation would go towards civil war if Maoist army was integrated into NA.
Stating that neither of any agreements from 12-point understanding so far hs not stated about the integration of Maoist combatants into NA, former Minister Poudel accused Maoist of breaching consensus-based politics and showing their authoritarian tendency.
He said they are not in favour of bringing down the Maoist-led government and made it clear that they would play the role of strong opposition.
We would show the role model of opposition in democracy, he added.
NC founder people’s leader BP Koirala was the great leader endowed with genius to bring about epoch-making political changes in the country, Poudel said, adding, he would never forget BP’s substantial role in socialism movement.
Poudel officially opened the campaign of distributing general membership of the party kicked off from today.
At the programme, Vice-president Poudel including other leaders and cadres offered garland to the portrait of BP Koirala.
Meanwhile the US government has been awaiting the to-be-publicised programme and policies on personal freedom, democratic norms and values and human rights by the Government of Nepal, said Nepal Congress leader Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat.
Dr Mahat, who returned home leading a team of Nepali delegation after a week-long America visit, said the US has been eagerly watching the ongoing peace process and activities of the government in Nepal.
During the visit, the Nepali delegation met US Foreign Ministry officials, former US ambassadors and diplomats to Nepal, intellectual and civil society leaders and donor agencies and dwelt on the latest political developments in Nepal. The team had been to the country on the invitation of US University of Center for Peace.
He said a separate discussion was held with the USAID officials and ways to extend possible support to Nepal in the coming days dominated the talks. Nepal’s donor agencies were curious to know what was going on in Nepal, he added.
Constituent Assembly members Kiran Gautam and Mohammad Siddhiqui and some civil society representatives were in the delegation.
At a party members meet organized here today by NC, Tanahun on the occasion of 95the birth anniversary of people’s leader BP Koirala, he highlighted BP’s ideals and principles in the current context.
The Nepali politics has not yet been stable due to frequent attacks on democracy in one way or another, he added.
Acting President Koirala also urged party cadres to work together for the protection of peace and democracy.
Similarly in Lalitpur, Vice-president of Nepali Congress (NC) Ram Chandra Poudel said the army of a particular party could not protect the country and country people so that Maoist army should not be integrated into Nepal Army (NA).
At a garland-offering function organized by the NC on the occasion of 95th birth anniversary of people’s leader BP Koirala at party central office at Sanepa, he claimed the nation would go towards civil war if Maoist army was integrated into NA.
Stating that neither of any agreements from 12-point understanding so far hs not stated about the integration of Maoist combatants into NA, former Minister Poudel accused Maoist of breaching consensus-based politics and showing their authoritarian tendency.
He said they are not in favour of bringing down the Maoist-led government and made it clear that they would play the role of strong opposition.
We would show the role model of opposition in democracy, he added.
NC founder people’s leader BP Koirala was the great leader endowed with genius to bring about epoch-making political changes in the country, Poudel said, adding, he would never forget BP’s substantial role in socialism movement.
Poudel officially opened the campaign of distributing general membership of the party kicked off from today.
At the programme, Vice-president Poudel including other leaders and cadres offered garland to the portrait of BP Koirala.
Meanwhile the US government has been awaiting the to-be-publicised programme and policies on personal freedom, democratic norms and values and human rights by the Government of Nepal, said Nepal Congress leader Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat.
Dr Mahat, who returned home leading a team of Nepali delegation after a week-long America visit, said the US has been eagerly watching the ongoing peace process and activities of the government in Nepal.
During the visit, the Nepali delegation met US Foreign Ministry officials, former US ambassadors and diplomats to Nepal, intellectual and civil society leaders and donor agencies and dwelt on the latest political developments in Nepal. The team had been to the country on the invitation of US University of Center for Peace.
He said a separate discussion was held with the USAID officials and ways to extend possible support to Nepal in the coming days dominated the talks. Nepal’s donor agencies were curious to know what was going on in Nepal, he added.
Constituent Assembly members Kiran Gautam and Mohammad Siddhiqui and some civil society representatives were in the delegation.
Gyanendra discusses political situation with loyalists
Kathmandu, Aug 21: Deposed King Gyanendra held "political consultations" with his loyalists to discuss current political developments in Nepal at his residence here.
The ex-King had arranged a separate place at Nirmal Niwas to facilitate consultations about present political situation in the country with his loyalists, came to attend 81st birth day party of ex-Queen mother Ratna Shah yesterday, a national daily reported.
Gyanendra had serious talks with members of the erstwhile royal cabinet, his loyalists and former security chiefs, including former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa and former army chief Pyarjung Thapa.
The former King, who is currently staying at government-owned Nagarjuna holiday home, also expressed concern about their residence and facilities after the Maoists government was formed, the daily stated.
When contacted a staff of the former King confirmed about the birth day party but did not reveal the guest list. Ex-Queen Komal, her daughter-in-law Himani and other family members had also attended the party hosted by Rajiv Shahi, the son-in law of Gyanendra's younger brother and one of the survivors of June 2001 Royal Palace massacre, the daily said.
The former king had been living a quiet life after the abolition of monarchy in Nepal on May 28. Bureau Report http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=463579&sid=SAS
The ex-King had arranged a separate place at Nirmal Niwas to facilitate consultations about present political situation in the country with his loyalists, came to attend 81st birth day party of ex-Queen mother Ratna Shah yesterday, a national daily reported.
Gyanendra had serious talks with members of the erstwhile royal cabinet, his loyalists and former security chiefs, including former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa and former army chief Pyarjung Thapa.
The former King, who is currently staying at government-owned Nagarjuna holiday home, also expressed concern about their residence and facilities after the Maoists government was formed, the daily stated.
When contacted a staff of the former King confirmed about the birth day party but did not reveal the guest list. Ex-Queen Komal, her daughter-in-law Himani and other family members had also attended the party hosted by Rajiv Shahi, the son-in law of Gyanendra's younger brother and one of the survivors of June 2001 Royal Palace massacre, the daily said.
The former king had been living a quiet life after the abolition of monarchy in Nepal on May 28. Bureau Report http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=463579&sid=SAS
Why Indian Ambassador met Nepal's ex-monarch
TGW - A belated news report published in a weekly newspaper quoting sources at the Soaltee Crown Plaza Hotel in Kathmandu has it that Nepal’s ex-King Gyanendra and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Mr. Rakesh Sood had met some three weeks back.
The meetings in series took place at the most expensive suite of the Five Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
“Both the meetings took place in the evening”, writes Sanghu Vernacular Weekly dated September 8, 2008 quoting Hotel Staffers as saying.
“The first day of the meeting lasted merely fifteen minutes nevertheless the second day meeting lasted for well over two hours”.
What transpired between the two is yet a mystery? And why they met twice is also not less intriguing?
As per the report, the meeting between Ex-King Gyanendra and Ambassador Sood was arranged by none other that the director of Soaltee Hotel and a close friend of the ex-King himself, Mr. Prabhakar Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Mr. Rana is a business partner of the ex-King as well.
"The first meeting ended over a cup of tea, however, the second meeting continued for well over two hours with Whiskey and a lavish dinner served", writes Sanghu further.
Interestingly, Ambassador Sood who is constantly being snubbed by South-Block establishment in New Delhi for his erratic activities in Nepal has out of sheer frustration increased cigarette smoking, and ex-King Gyanendra too has reasons a plenty to get frustrated and thus smokes more than usual…both within the span of fifteen minutes smoked not less than ten cigarettes from the Pack of Surya Gold, writes the paper referring to the first meeting.
“Some carefully chosen Hotel staffers had served the two maverick politicians”.
Report adds Prabhakar Shumsher Rana was not present in the exclusive tête-à-tête between Nepal’s ex-ruler and the powerful Indian diplomat.
However, Mr. Rana, reports add, had met Rakesh Sood over a dinner few days earlier in order to arrange this exclusive meet between the two. 2008-09-08 07:30:21
The meetings in series took place at the most expensive suite of the Five Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
“Both the meetings took place in the evening”, writes Sanghu Vernacular Weekly dated September 8, 2008 quoting Hotel Staffers as saying.
“The first day of the meeting lasted merely fifteen minutes nevertheless the second day meeting lasted for well over two hours”.
What transpired between the two is yet a mystery? And why they met twice is also not less intriguing?
As per the report, the meeting between Ex-King Gyanendra and Ambassador Sood was arranged by none other that the director of Soaltee Hotel and a close friend of the ex-King himself, Mr. Prabhakar Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Mr. Rana is a business partner of the ex-King as well.
"The first meeting ended over a cup of tea, however, the second meeting continued for well over two hours with Whiskey and a lavish dinner served", writes Sanghu further.
Interestingly, Ambassador Sood who is constantly being snubbed by South-Block establishment in New Delhi for his erratic activities in Nepal has out of sheer frustration increased cigarette smoking, and ex-King Gyanendra too has reasons a plenty to get frustrated and thus smokes more than usual…both within the span of fifteen minutes smoked not less than ten cigarettes from the Pack of Surya Gold, writes the paper referring to the first meeting.
“Some carefully chosen Hotel staffers had served the two maverick politicians”.
Report adds Prabhakar Shumsher Rana was not present in the exclusive tête-à-tête between Nepal’s ex-ruler and the powerful Indian diplomat.
However, Mr. Rana, reports add, had met Rakesh Sood over a dinner few days earlier in order to arrange this exclusive meet between the two. 2008-09-08 07:30:21
Nepal’s ex-King between the liberals and radicals
TGW - Nepal’s Ex-Monarch Gyanendra Shah who all of a sudden has been hitting the media headlines in Nepal has decided finally to move out of the Nagarjun Palace.
The Nagarjun Palace is situated some eight kilometers North-West of Kathmandu.
The Janaastha Weekly dated September 10, 2008 reports that ex-King will move to his original residence Nirmal Niwas, which he decided to do so after the formation of the Maoists’ led government.
The newly formed Maoists’ led government had recently said that the Nagarjun Palace was given to the ex-monarch on a temporary basis.
“Currently the Nirmal Nivas is undergoing renovations” adds Janaaastha.
The ex-King who almost three weeks back met with the Indian ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood and later reportedly met with the Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal is on high demand from the Nepali Congress quarters as well.
A frustrated ex-Prime Minister Koirala who has concluded that he was cheated by the Maoists leadership time and again and that is why he has been, say sources, is in close contact with the former King.
Koirala concludes that the ex-king was still a force and could be counted to challenge the Maoists totalitarian attitude.
Interestingly, only a week back say media reports PM Dahal had a secret meeting with the ex-Monarch, where in the two decided to work in tandem to form a patriotic front.
PM Dahal perhaps also needs the ex-king’s substantial support to face the Koirala challenge.
Analysts remain puzzled as to how come so soon a defunct monarch would be a chum of both the liberals and the radicals?
The side King Gyanendra prefers to take will definitely be weightier than the other, if he really is a formidable force to reckon with?
However, staunch royalist suggest the King not to get carried away by the two opposing ideologies because it were the adherents of these two philosophies which dismantled the two hundred forty yeas long history of Nepali monarchy.
2008-09-10 10:23:45
The Nagarjun Palace is situated some eight kilometers North-West of Kathmandu.
The Janaastha Weekly dated September 10, 2008 reports that ex-King will move to his original residence Nirmal Niwas, which he decided to do so after the formation of the Maoists’ led government.
The newly formed Maoists’ led government had recently said that the Nagarjun Palace was given to the ex-monarch on a temporary basis.
“Currently the Nirmal Nivas is undergoing renovations” adds Janaaastha.
The ex-King who almost three weeks back met with the Indian ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood and later reportedly met with the Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal is on high demand from the Nepali Congress quarters as well.
A frustrated ex-Prime Minister Koirala who has concluded that he was cheated by the Maoists leadership time and again and that is why he has been, say sources, is in close contact with the former King.
Koirala concludes that the ex-king was still a force and could be counted to challenge the Maoists totalitarian attitude.
Interestingly, only a week back say media reports PM Dahal had a secret meeting with the ex-Monarch, where in the two decided to work in tandem to form a patriotic front.
PM Dahal perhaps also needs the ex-king’s substantial support to face the Koirala challenge.
Analysts remain puzzled as to how come so soon a defunct monarch would be a chum of both the liberals and the radicals?
The side King Gyanendra prefers to take will definitely be weightier than the other, if he really is a formidable force to reckon with?
However, staunch royalist suggest the King not to get carried away by the two opposing ideologies because it were the adherents of these two philosophies which dismantled the two hundred forty yeas long history of Nepali monarchy.
2008-09-10 10:23:45
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