SUSPICIOUS DEATH
The Kathmandu Post
14
February 2016
SUSPICIOUS DEATH
It was disappointing and a bit shocking news
to read that Sushil Koirala’s illness was hidden from the public (“Was
Koirala’s illness “kept in dark “for political expediency”? 10 February Page 3)
at a time when the Nepali Congress (NC) is preparing for its general
assembly in the second week of March. Did the party establishment really hide his
illness for their political interests and benefits keeping the upcoming general
convention in mind as claimed by the Deuba faction? If so, then the so- called
Koirala’s aides, made a gross mistake of not providing him proper treatment
when he was greatly in need of it. And, if there was any foul play on the part
of the concerned leaders, it should be properly investigated by independent
body and the facts brought out to the public.
Was he not completely cured from cancer as
claimed by his personal doctor and relatives? Was it mere propaganda that he
had defeated cancer so that he could hold the power within the party
establishment in the upcoming general convention? Whatever the facts, questions
can still be raised as to why he was not taken to the hospital when he was
critically ill. This is entirely internal politics of NC. However, Koirala’s
right to receive life saving treatment, when he was critically ill, has been
grossly violated by his aides. The issue has become the talk of the town.
The sudden and unexpected death of Sushil
Koirala ahead of NC’s 13th General Convention has left the NC in
crisis at such a time when the party is sharply divided and in need of its next
leader (“Leadership void feared” 10 February, Page 3). It seems now that
the dynastic politics limited around the Koirala family may get derailed.
However, time has come for the second generation leaders to act wisely and
sensibly to keep the largest party intact. If not, the party, which is known as
the oldest democratic party, may weaken, if not disintegrate, due to its
factional politics.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2016-02-14/suspicious-death.html
