Who will be the president of Nepal? No any political party leaders in Nepal can say exactly. Neither Prachand nor other party leaders are sure about the new president.
Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sahana Pradhan, Subhash Nemwang, Padma Ratna Tuladhar and Devendra Raj Pandey are some of the names mentioned as the probable candidates for the post, however, political pundits do not think so to happen. Nothing will happen if there is no consensus among the major political parties.
Some political analysts believe the president will be the Indian choice. That may be true, but it is clear that that is not the solution of the present day crisis of the country. That will create serious problem as there will be political polarisation in the country and the new constitution will not be promulgated in time.
Maoists' stubborn nature and Congress party's firm determination in their stand about the integration of the Maoists combatant is the main hurdle before the formation of the government. Other parties including the CPN,UML seem to be flexible to give a way out to the present political deadlock.
Maoists are moving ahead with a clear strategy, said Surya Bahadur Thapa. But that strategy is not for the welfare of the country and people but to establish an authoritarian regime, he alleged. Many people support his views - if not all political parties.
The present political bickering is good news for Gyanendra and the regressive elements that are said to be gathering to make new strategies to plunge the country into the mire of instability though there is no immediate possibility of comeback of monarchy at least for Gyanendra and his son Paras.
Writing new democratic constitution acceptable for all, integrating of Maoists combatant, return of seized property, consolidating democracy and forwarding the pace of development are the major challenges at present.
Whatever the parties are doing is not acceptable to the people. Neither the Maoists nor the other parties are right.
The political situation of Nepal seems to be completely uncertain even after the abolition of monarchy, which was considered to be the centre of conspiracy plot in Nepal.
The southern neighbour has come in the scene openly dictating the Nepali leaders, who are lust for power and do not like the existence of opponents, even at this time of critical phase of Nepal's history.
The stubborn nature of Maoists not to accept president from the Nepali Congress and firm stand of the Congress for the post of president seem to be the immediate problem of government formation, however, the reality is completely different.
Who do you think is the suitable candidate for the post of first president of Nepal?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
GYANENDRA'S CO-OPERATION TO ABOLISH MONARCHY?
From glorious days to humiliation
“All glory, grandeur, fame, luminary in the helm
the proud and icon stood erect from bottom
crowd stood behind with words of acclaim
crumbled like melting ice and all came to dust.”
This poem reflects the life of deposed king Gyanendra. It was like coming down to the dust from the glory and fame to Gyanendra Shah. “His Majesty King Bir Bikram” sounds so strong powerful, authority and dominance. There was everything until he was the king. There were crowds to praise his words and actions. There was glory and praise. He was in the helm of power. Proud and pompous. Egoistic ruler. Everything was at his disposal. The rules and regulations were his words. He was like a revered figure of incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Everywhere praise- at least in front of him. Long line of sycophants from dawn to dusk. Everywhere the positive words, Gyanendra heard until he had complete control of the country. The quiet peaceful voice of his humble populace was far from the palace gate until he controlled the nation with iron fist. All toady supporters were busy to crush the real voice of the meek folks.
“Time and tide wait for no men”, is the reality and came to be right for him. Only the middle path- the path of Buddha is the best path came to be true not only to the Maoists but even to Gyanendra – both were proud in the extreme line, which not only took away crown from his head but ended the 240 year old dynasty rule of Shah King. The brave work of unification by Prithvi Narayan Shah and the contributions of some other Shah kings also went out of memory of the people. The role of Gyanendra will be recorded in the history as the last King, who at least helped abolish monarchy and establish republic in Nepal. Gyanendra is brave as he accepted the decision of the people and paved way for the peaceful transfer of power.
Whatever he did in the past, my human heart felt pity when I saw Gyanendra Shah speaking in a press conference at the former royal palace. The gloomy face. The unnatural smile. The faded glory. The unorganised gathering. I have been to the palace so many times in course of news reporting in the past . The palace was so well managed. Everything was pre-planned and rehearsed. All the events to be seen in the public used to be rehearsed. Even the visits of the head of the state used to be rehearsed from the Tribhuvan International Airport to the Palace before the visit. But the last conference of Gyanendra was was unorganised. After watching the live press conference of Gyanendra, I felt pity at the sad state of the palace. The old glory was non existent. How that glory of the palace was gone? My heart went down seeing his sad face. It was really sad.
I strongly opposed his rule. Campaigned to end his rule even living outside at the height of his reign. I always opposed his policy of undermining democratic values and norms. I always stood against his plan of suppressing freedom and his conspiracy to rule showing stick and carrot to the greedy political party leaders. However, that became the matter of the past. Gyanendra is no more the king nor does he have any role in the state affairs. He is sidelined. He was like an outcast. The departure – the last departure- from the palace where his past six years were spent was painful. After all it was the place where four generations of his ancestors had lived and ruled the country with great respect of the people. And now all gone to the dust like the folk tale. It must be very difficult for him. So I felt not as his supporter but as a human being with heart. I feel pity with the sufferer. Though Gyanendra may not be in the definition of sufferer but now, he is really in such state. Mistakes are corrected but he cannot correct his mistake. It is out of reach. He can do nothing except repent.
What the political party leaders and activists say is not my concern? I speak what I feel. My feeling was with him when he spoke in a very difficult circumstance. After all he is a human being. He can make mistakes. And the most important segment is that he helped to make Nepal a Democratic country with the abolition of monarchy initiated by his ancestor.
Despite his horrific ruling days, he has been able to gain some sympathy accepting the decision of the CA meeting of May 28 that declared the abolition of monarchy and turned Nepal into a Federal Democratic Republic country. Another positive side of his statement was that he wanted to live in Nepal and serve the “motherland.” If his words match action then it must be appreciated. If “serving the motherland” with the ill intention of creating trouble and plunge the country into the net of conflict then the sympathy and pity of people will fade forever.
Gyanendra seemed emotional when he tried to clarify that he and his family had no any role in the massacre of 9 family members including his brother Birendra. It can be true. Gyanendra was not present at the royal dinner party on the fateful Friday night of June 1, 2001. But there are many unanswerable questions of the massacre. People have accused him and his son Paras in connection to the massacre of the palace. The incident was not properly investigated when such heart breaking incident had taken place inside the high security royal palace. The rapid political development taking place in Nepal since he came to power also prove the accusation true. Removal of elected government, parliament dissolution, declaration of Maoists as terrorist organisation and launch of full-fledged war against Maoists came within a short span of his reign.
Prime Ministers became like the character of a play. “We are plaything in the hand of Lord” says one character in Shakespeare’s play. So were the prime ministers- Sher Bahadur Deuba, Lokendra Bahadur Chand and Surya Bahadur Thapa- of Gyanendra’s time. He elevated ineffective bunches of alleged criminal, bank defaulterers, extreme rightist and anti democratic nature people to the post of ministers, ambassadors and high level officials. Suppressed freedom with the barrel of gun. Party leaders were beaten and arrested. Media were under the starred generals. All lips shut. Was he alright? Life time regressive forces became the advocate of freedom and information. All hope swept up leaving no alternative “ either do or die.”
Despite this, we feel pity in his gloomy face. We provide him a grand palace of Nagarjun. His step mother and even the concubine of his grandfather get palaces. The security, the vehicles and the facilities are still there for Gyanendra Shah and his family members. He must be indebted to the people of his glorious motherland. “ Either killed or exiled” is the account of such rulers. Now the story of Gyanendra Shah became the matter of the past.
Time and tide wait for no men. Stream water cannot change its course to the opposite direction naturally. So is the rule of dictators. To be content with the present state without being eager to set a plot of recoup at the stimulation of the regressive people and help move the peace process to a logical conclusion and consolidate democracy is the best way to repent the past for Gyanendra Shah. Life is no more than a play. We all are here to play our part and go after performing our role. More than 6 billion people of the world are happy even without being a king then why should be worried? We Nepali are true religious- though Gyanendra destroyed our rich tradition linking his drunken royals with Hinduism. Nepalese let off your past. The flowing stanza of consolation is clear to describe the lost glory.
“My black face fades,
hiding inside the black granite.
I said I wouldn’t,
dammit: No tears.”
Our former ruler Gyanendra, can be cheerful and enjoy life in our new democracy! There is freedom even to the regressive people in the new Federal Democratic Nepal.
Chiranjibi Paudyal
“All glory, grandeur, fame, luminary in the helm
the proud and icon stood erect from bottom
crowd stood behind with words of acclaim
crumbled like melting ice and all came to dust.”
This poem reflects the life of deposed king Gyanendra. It was like coming down to the dust from the glory and fame to Gyanendra Shah. “His Majesty King Bir Bikram” sounds so strong powerful, authority and dominance. There was everything until he was the king. There were crowds to praise his words and actions. There was glory and praise. He was in the helm of power. Proud and pompous. Egoistic ruler. Everything was at his disposal. The rules and regulations were his words. He was like a revered figure of incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Everywhere praise- at least in front of him. Long line of sycophants from dawn to dusk. Everywhere the positive words, Gyanendra heard until he had complete control of the country. The quiet peaceful voice of his humble populace was far from the palace gate until he controlled the nation with iron fist. All toady supporters were busy to crush the real voice of the meek folks.
“Time and tide wait for no men”, is the reality and came to be right for him. Only the middle path- the path of Buddha is the best path came to be true not only to the Maoists but even to Gyanendra – both were proud in the extreme line, which not only took away crown from his head but ended the 240 year old dynasty rule of Shah King. The brave work of unification by Prithvi Narayan Shah and the contributions of some other Shah kings also went out of memory of the people. The role of Gyanendra will be recorded in the history as the last King, who at least helped abolish monarchy and establish republic in Nepal. Gyanendra is brave as he accepted the decision of the people and paved way for the peaceful transfer of power.
Whatever he did in the past, my human heart felt pity when I saw Gyanendra Shah speaking in a press conference at the former royal palace. The gloomy face. The unnatural smile. The faded glory. The unorganised gathering. I have been to the palace so many times in course of news reporting in the past . The palace was so well managed. Everything was pre-planned and rehearsed. All the events to be seen in the public used to be rehearsed. Even the visits of the head of the state used to be rehearsed from the Tribhuvan International Airport to the Palace before the visit. But the last conference of Gyanendra was was unorganised. After watching the live press conference of Gyanendra, I felt pity at the sad state of the palace. The old glory was non existent. How that glory of the palace was gone? My heart went down seeing his sad face. It was really sad.
I strongly opposed his rule. Campaigned to end his rule even living outside at the height of his reign. I always opposed his policy of undermining democratic values and norms. I always stood against his plan of suppressing freedom and his conspiracy to rule showing stick and carrot to the greedy political party leaders. However, that became the matter of the past. Gyanendra is no more the king nor does he have any role in the state affairs. He is sidelined. He was like an outcast. The departure – the last departure- from the palace where his past six years were spent was painful. After all it was the place where four generations of his ancestors had lived and ruled the country with great respect of the people. And now all gone to the dust like the folk tale. It must be very difficult for him. So I felt not as his supporter but as a human being with heart. I feel pity with the sufferer. Though Gyanendra may not be in the definition of sufferer but now, he is really in such state. Mistakes are corrected but he cannot correct his mistake. It is out of reach. He can do nothing except repent.
What the political party leaders and activists say is not my concern? I speak what I feel. My feeling was with him when he spoke in a very difficult circumstance. After all he is a human being. He can make mistakes. And the most important segment is that he helped to make Nepal a Democratic country with the abolition of monarchy initiated by his ancestor.
Despite his horrific ruling days, he has been able to gain some sympathy accepting the decision of the CA meeting of May 28 that declared the abolition of monarchy and turned Nepal into a Federal Democratic Republic country. Another positive side of his statement was that he wanted to live in Nepal and serve the “motherland.” If his words match action then it must be appreciated. If “serving the motherland” with the ill intention of creating trouble and plunge the country into the net of conflict then the sympathy and pity of people will fade forever.
Gyanendra seemed emotional when he tried to clarify that he and his family had no any role in the massacre of 9 family members including his brother Birendra. It can be true. Gyanendra was not present at the royal dinner party on the fateful Friday night of June 1, 2001. But there are many unanswerable questions of the massacre. People have accused him and his son Paras in connection to the massacre of the palace. The incident was not properly investigated when such heart breaking incident had taken place inside the high security royal palace. The rapid political development taking place in Nepal since he came to power also prove the accusation true. Removal of elected government, parliament dissolution, declaration of Maoists as terrorist organisation and launch of full-fledged war against Maoists came within a short span of his reign.
Prime Ministers became like the character of a play. “We are plaything in the hand of Lord” says one character in Shakespeare’s play. So were the prime ministers- Sher Bahadur Deuba, Lokendra Bahadur Chand and Surya Bahadur Thapa- of Gyanendra’s time. He elevated ineffective bunches of alleged criminal, bank defaulterers, extreme rightist and anti democratic nature people to the post of ministers, ambassadors and high level officials. Suppressed freedom with the barrel of gun. Party leaders were beaten and arrested. Media were under the starred generals. All lips shut. Was he alright? Life time regressive forces became the advocate of freedom and information. All hope swept up leaving no alternative “ either do or die.”
Despite this, we feel pity in his gloomy face. We provide him a grand palace of Nagarjun. His step mother and even the concubine of his grandfather get palaces. The security, the vehicles and the facilities are still there for Gyanendra Shah and his family members. He must be indebted to the people of his glorious motherland. “ Either killed or exiled” is the account of such rulers. Now the story of Gyanendra Shah became the matter of the past.
Time and tide wait for no men. Stream water cannot change its course to the opposite direction naturally. So is the rule of dictators. To be content with the present state without being eager to set a plot of recoup at the stimulation of the regressive people and help move the peace process to a logical conclusion and consolidate democracy is the best way to repent the past for Gyanendra Shah. Life is no more than a play. We all are here to play our part and go after performing our role. More than 6 billion people of the world are happy even without being a king then why should be worried? We Nepali are true religious- though Gyanendra destroyed our rich tradition linking his drunken royals with Hinduism. Nepalese let off your past. The flowing stanza of consolation is clear to describe the lost glory.
“My black face fades,
hiding inside the black granite.
I said I wouldn’t,
dammit: No tears.”
Our former ruler Gyanendra, can be cheerful and enjoy life in our new democracy! There is freedom even to the regressive people in the new Federal Democratic Nepal.
Chiranjibi Paudyal
INTERACTION WITH TULADHAR
Senior human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar has said peace process is in the right direction.
Senior human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar has said despite the draw backs of the political party leaders, Nepal’s peace process is moving to positive direction since the major parties signed a 12 point agreement with the Maoists in New Delhi nearly 3 years ago.
Speaking at an Interaction programme organised by Centre for Nepal Studies in Reading, UK, on 21st June, he said: Nepal’s transition to democracy is exemplary and well appreciated by the international communities.
Mr Tuladhar said that the abolition of 240 years old monarchy and establishment of federal democratic republic system in a peaceful manner in Nepal was a grand achievement.
This was applauded by the international community’s worldwide, though celebrations of such achievements in Nepal was not at the level as it was expected, he said, adding this was due to our political parties' slow move and gaps in working together.
Tuladhar said our party leader have developed unique attitude and they come to a decision only at 11:59 hrs not even at 11:00 hrs of popular saying in Nepal.
Shedding light on the role played by the human rights activists and civil society in Nepal’s democratic movement, he said we played unique role to bring down the dictatorial rule of Gyanendra which is appreciated internationally.
We facilitated Maoists and other parties in a negotiation table, helped them draft several joint commitment and agreements in writing, he said.
“However, I am sad to say that the signed agreements were neither followed nor implemented fully in several occasions, in order to keep pressure on political parties we, activists had to play mediators' role, he added.
Psychological aspect is also there in the present political deadlock, Tuladhar said, adding that before the completion of election results, the UML ministers resigned from the government, Nepali Congress accepted the defeat and the foreign ambassadors started to be in queue to congratulate Prachand when Maoists secured only 100 seats.
Anyone knows there is the need of 301 seats to get simple majority but Maoists was presented as the victor and other parties accepted the defeat, he said.
Maoists cannot think of their short of majority even today with only 220 seats in the 601 assembly because of that psychology, Tuladhar said. Because of this psychology they are not ready to share power with other parties.
Dwelling on the debates about the appointment of president, Tuladhar said Maoists had agreed in the name of Girija Prasad Koirala for the first president, but now they have changed their stand.
Despite the warning of Americans, Koirala made agreement with the Maoists in New Delhi to bring them to the political mainstream.
Maoists might have thought that if Koirala becomes president then there will be two power centres, he said. In view of Koirala’s role he deserved the first president post of Nepal, Tuladhar said.
Asked whether he was ready to be the president as proposed by Maoists, Tuladhar said that being in the field of human rights he has decided not to be in any government position but if the parties agree on the issue then he would be ready to serve in the interests of the people and nation.
Coordinator and Director of the Studies Dr Chandra Laksamba and Dr Govind Dahal shed light on army integration and census being taken in the UK.
Dr Krishna Prasad Adhikari facilitated the programme and summed up the speeches while Gopal Shivakoti gave a brief introduction of Mr Tuladhar.
A large number of Nepalese living in Reading, Farnborough, Southampton, London, Camberley and South East area participated in the interaction programme. Participants including Dr Ganga Ram Dahal, Dr Ganga Subedi, Krishna Neupane Hari Timalsina and Bed Limbu, inquired about political and human rights situation, parties’ role in drafting the new constitution and federalism in Nepal.
Senior human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar has said despite the draw backs of the political party leaders, Nepal’s peace process is moving to positive direction since the major parties signed a 12 point agreement with the Maoists in New Delhi nearly 3 years ago.
Speaking at an Interaction programme organised by Centre for Nepal Studies in Reading, UK, on 21st June, he said: Nepal’s transition to democracy is exemplary and well appreciated by the international communities.
Mr Tuladhar said that the abolition of 240 years old monarchy and establishment of federal democratic republic system in a peaceful manner in Nepal was a grand achievement.
This was applauded by the international community’s worldwide, though celebrations of such achievements in Nepal was not at the level as it was expected, he said, adding this was due to our political parties' slow move and gaps in working together.
Tuladhar said our party leader have developed unique attitude and they come to a decision only at 11:59 hrs not even at 11:00 hrs of popular saying in Nepal.
Shedding light on the role played by the human rights activists and civil society in Nepal’s democratic movement, he said we played unique role to bring down the dictatorial rule of Gyanendra which is appreciated internationally.
We facilitated Maoists and other parties in a negotiation table, helped them draft several joint commitment and agreements in writing, he said.
“However, I am sad to say that the signed agreements were neither followed nor implemented fully in several occasions, in order to keep pressure on political parties we, activists had to play mediators' role, he added.
Psychological aspect is also there in the present political deadlock, Tuladhar said, adding that before the completion of election results, the UML ministers resigned from the government, Nepali Congress accepted the defeat and the foreign ambassadors started to be in queue to congratulate Prachand when Maoists secured only 100 seats.
Anyone knows there is the need of 301 seats to get simple majority but Maoists was presented as the victor and other parties accepted the defeat, he said.
Maoists cannot think of their short of majority even today with only 220 seats in the 601 assembly because of that psychology, Tuladhar said. Because of this psychology they are not ready to share power with other parties.
Dwelling on the debates about the appointment of president, Tuladhar said Maoists had agreed in the name of Girija Prasad Koirala for the first president, but now they have changed their stand.
Despite the warning of Americans, Koirala made agreement with the Maoists in New Delhi to bring them to the political mainstream.
Maoists might have thought that if Koirala becomes president then there will be two power centres, he said. In view of Koirala’s role he deserved the first president post of Nepal, Tuladhar said.
Asked whether he was ready to be the president as proposed by Maoists, Tuladhar said that being in the field of human rights he has decided not to be in any government position but if the parties agree on the issue then he would be ready to serve in the interests of the people and nation.
Coordinator and Director of the Studies Dr Chandra Laksamba and Dr Govind Dahal shed light on army integration and census being taken in the UK.
Dr Krishna Prasad Adhikari facilitated the programme and summed up the speeches while Gopal Shivakoti gave a brief introduction of Mr Tuladhar.
A large number of Nepalese living in Reading, Farnborough, Southampton, London, Camberley and South East area participated in the interaction programme. Participants including Dr Ganga Ram Dahal, Dr Ganga Subedi, Krishna Neupane Hari Timalsina and Bed Limbu, inquired about political and human rights situation, parties’ role in drafting the new constitution and federalism in Nepal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)