HELLO NEPAL

The Kathmandu Post 29 November 2011 At a time when the when the coalition government has been under attack from various circles for the jumbo-sized cabinet and its inclusion of persons who have been accused in grave crimes, it is frustrating to know that yet another person in the cabinet is under CIAA scanner (“Yadav under CIAA, PMO scanner” Nov.28, Page 1) . It is yet to be seen whether Yadav will really be punished for his immoral and irresponsible acts if found guilty. In fact, he should have been immediately suspended from his position and kept under surveillance until the scanning process is completed. The PMO’s and CIAA deserve appreciation for taking initiatives to probe Yadav’s case. But the time has come for the PM to show his guts by lawfully punishing Yadav, if necessary, once the probe is complete. Rai Biren Bangdel Maharjgunj, Kathmandu

  The Kathmandu Post 24 November 2009 It was encouraging to read you news report on the political parties coming together (“Taskforce to amend resolution motion” Nov.19, Page 1). Unless the   at political parties realize the core values of core values of the consensus politics in the present context of transitional phase, their political existence in the days ahead will be questionable. It is very urgent for the new task force as one without biasness and come up with an acceptable resolution motion in the House. Otherwise, the political deadlock will continue, in due course tarnishing the image of the Constitution Assembly (CA) and Parliamentary system. Both the ruling and opposition parties, as responsible people’s representatives, should not miss this golden opportunity to strengthen the CA and the House. Time has come for them to seek a “win-win” formula to end for the current political crisis. They should not cause people loose hope and belief in the parliamentary sy...

  The Kathmandu Post 14 May 2009 As soon as the PM Dahal resigned from his position, it was obvious that there would be a vicious circle that goes around the major political parties to form the new government since none of the parties have majority seats in the CA (“Political polarisation leads to constitutional crisis” 13 May, Page 1). It seemed like a pretty smart and calculative move on the Maoist part. However, if this political polarization continues to persist, the resulting constitutional crisis could invite politically disaster. None of the political parties will gain from it. In the name of peoples’ supremacy, the so-called manor political parties are creating a chaotic environment by instigating their sister organizations to come out in the streets and flex their muscles. Why do we engage in unnecessary and counterproductive confrontations? Can’t our political leaders be sensitive enough and resolve their political indifferences through the productive dialogue and mut...

The Kathmandu Post 28 August 2008 With Puspa Kamal Dahal becoming the new Prime Minister of federal republic Nepal we notice one remarkable change: his visit to China despite the opposition from India, braking the practice of visiting India right after holding PM’s chair. Besides, the child rights champions have appreciated Dahal for not engaging Panch-kanya at the airport. For the Maoist now, there are some pressing issues to be addressed immediately. The returning of the confiscated land to the rightful owners and allowing the internally displaced safe return to their home are topics of hot discussions. As it has always been, there are high expectations from all walks of life. Visibly, there are three different burning issues: first, people’s high hopes of lasting peace, second, integration of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into Neal Army and third, the proper integration of YCL into society. In this connection how the new government functions will be closely watched by all....

The Kathmandu Post Tuesday, June 17, 2008 The roles of self proclaimed Civil Society that evolved just a month before the beginning of Jana Andolan 2 has been quite confusing. No doubt, they played a crucial role during the April Movement by propping up the political parties in their fight against the autocratic regime. But of late, the civil society has been very indifferent toward the negligence of responsible political parties. It is visible that the major political parties are squabbling for the last two months for chairs thus spending valuable time for their own petty interests. This is a precious time when they are supposed to work day and night to give shape to the new constitution. The parties have been ignoring the implication of failing to implement the past agreements and act as per the schedule. The twelve point agreement that was signed between the then SPA and the Maoist has not been fully implemented. They have failed to unite for the common cause. As a result, ther...

The Himalayan Times 8 September 2010 The UML associated youth wing deserves appreciation for their plan to launch anti-corruption drive from September 17 to October 1 “UML youth to launch anti-corruption drive” (September 6, Page 2). Do they go after the political leaders and bureaucrats who have managed to earn huge amount of money through one or the other kinds of illegal acts? Are they bold enough to launch their campaign against big black marketers and vendors who have monopolized the market prices taking the advantage of artificial shortages and adulterations? People seem extremely frustrated and overburdened with the ongoing uncontrolled and haphazardly increased market prices of consumable goods. There is no any government mechanism that can regularly and effectively monitors the quality of and market prices of commodities. The members of the People’s Consumers Forum do not seem too much bothered with the common peoples’ plight of excessiveness of the corrupt vendors. and cor...

The Himalayan Times 19 April 2011   It was encouraging to read the news report “Bhattarai suggests NC inclusion in government” (THT, Apr.17, Page 6). However , i s it possible for them to come together at a time when the Nepali Congress has been continuously blaming the seven point deal that was made between Jhla Nath Khanal and Pushpa Kamal Dahal and repeatedly asking Maoists to fulfil all the promises and commitments they had made in the previous agreements? Why don’t they immediately sit together, thrash out all the political differences and start concentrating on statute drafting and peace process if they are sincere and trust each other? The deadline for drafting new statute and concluding peace process is approaching fast. Some of the senior leaders have even started publicly saying that the new statute will not be drafted by the dead line. Intra and inter- party friction is taking the toll. The PM has put himself in a hot soup by signing the 7-point deal with Maoist Ch...

The Himalayan Times 10 Mar.2011 It was indeed heart-breaking and painful day to bid adieu, as reported “Thousands bid adieu to democracy icon” (THT, 7 Mar, Page 1) to Krishna P. Bhattarai (KPB), one of the founding member of Nepali Congress. He always remained uncompromised to his value-based politics and committed to the betterment of Nepal and its people. He will always be remembered for his altruism, disciplined and productive politics. He was indeed a true statesman that Nepal ever had and may never have in the days to come and had made priceless contribution towards the democratization of Nepal ’s political system and always stood firmly for Nepal ’s sovereignty.   His own party had ignored and betrayed him for his firm statement, even after post II Jana Andolan, towards the need of constitutional monarchy and multiparty system in Nepal . He had once mentioned that Nepal had now slipped its political system out from its hand soon after CA had announced Nepal as a Republi...