"If I Discard Every Offer, I Cannot Be Active In Politics"

- Madhav Kumar Nepal

Former general secretary of CPN-UML MADHAV KUMAR NEPAL was in the center of power for about 12 years as the all powerful leader. After the defeat in the CA elections in April, Nepal resigned on moral grounds from the position of general secretary of the party. Nepal spoke to KESHAB POUDEL at his residence in Koteshwor on 18 October. Excerpts of half an hour talks regarding his recent meeting with Prachanda:

What political mileage did you get organizing tea reception?

The reception paved the way to thaw the chilled relations between prime minister Prachanda and Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala. Prachanda and Koirala shared the same dais. Was it not a major breakthrough?

Many saw the reception was just like a Tamasha. How do you look at it?

Whatever the political, ideological differences the leaders have, this kind of gathering bridges the gaps. Differences are sorted out. For instance, the two meetings between prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala helped to ease the tensions and paved the way for new relations.

PM Prachanda has reportedly offered you a political position to start the constitution making process. How seriously have you taken this proposal given the history of Maoist leaders who have betrayed you so many times in the past?

Of course, Maoists have betrayed me several times in the past. When Prachanda came to my house with an offer of a new political role this time, I found him very sincere.

Have you forgotten the incident when they humiliated you in last minute by putting another candidate for president?

Don't talk about the past. Maoist leaders and prime minister Prachanda seem to have realized their earlier mistakes. If he was not sincere and honest, Prachanda could not have visited my house. He is expecting something from me and my experience.

Don't you think they are offering you lollypop?

I don't think prime minister is playing with me as a kid by knocking at my doors. His offer for a political role in constitution making is sincere. I see it is an honor. I am not power hungry person. If power follows me, I have to accept it.

If you have no lust for power, why you are so hurry to accept the role?

I cannot turn back when somebody comes to my home expecting something from me. I am not a person to run after power. The power always follows me.

It means you are mentally prepared to accept it?

If I don't accept such sincere offer, he may be hurt. Nobody offers something without examining certain individual quality and capability.

That means you have forgiven Maoists for their past role?

Prachanda betrayed me twice but I don't believe that Maoists will commit similar error again.

Don't you think you can play political role without any official position?

However long political experiences I have, I need certain official position to speak in the official version.

Why do you think Prachanda's heart has suddenly softened towards you?

At a time when there is uncertainty over the process of writing a new constitution, perhaps, prime minister Prachanda expected some role from me. Otherwise, there is no sense for person like Prachanda to come to my
home. Do you think a political person like Prachanda visits the home of every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Do you mean you cannot play role in constitution making without any official position?

Why people should listen to me if I don't hold any official position? If I don't have authority, I cannot take decision and handle the case. For instances, if I am out of central committee, I don't have right to speak on behalf of party. If I resigned from standing committee, I will lose the prestige and privilege of standing committee member.

If the power and position are so important, why did you resign as a general secretary?

It was a matter of political morality to resign when my party failed to achieve the results I was expecting.

Is it not your lust for power that you so hurriedly accepted the proposal from a person who badly humiliated you and your party?

If I discard every offer, I cannot be active in politics. If I decide not to be active in politics, I can live without political position. If I want to be actively involved in the politics, I need the post and position.

When you failed to give leadership to the party in the elections, is there any guarantee that you will produce better leadership in the constitution writing process?

It was not a failure of my leadership. What I have done is set a certain political standard by taking political responsibility for the debacle. Our party leadership accepted my resignation.

How do you see yourself in politics?

If I have quality for leadership, I will be leader wherever I go. Even if I am employee of a bank, I will be general manager. There is a need to have certain capacity to be a leader. One cannot build the individual overnight into a leader. Society and government should recognize such person.

Do you mean your quality should be recognized?

I am not saying this for myself. I am saying for this for whole society. I am urging our party leaders to initiate a program to identify potential persons for leadership. There is a need to have program for talent searching in politics. In our country, leadership rises through student movements and agitations.

Do you feel any change in your status following your discussion with prime minister?

After prime minister's offer, I have already talked with Girija Prasad Koirala regarding the constitution writing process with authority. If I don't have any official position, I will be regarded as a researcher, journalist, writer or analyst. If I don't have any authority, nobody will listen to me.

There are some people who think it is better for your long term political career to remain out of power for some time. How do you look at it?

This is a land of mystery and there are various kinds of people. You need to listen to all the suggestions of all and you have to take decision on your own after listening to the suggestions of others. My opinion is that I cannot turn down the offer.

You mean you need official position to play effective role?

You cannot play a political role without having a position. If I reject this offer, people will blame that I ran away from responsibilities. We have to analyze properly the position and role before agreeing to take any responsibility.

(Source: Spotlight weekly)

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