“I Will Try To Teach Maoists That Peaceful Ways Are More Effective”
Girija Prasad Koirala
Although he is out of power, former Prime Minister GIRIJA PRASAD KOIRALA remains a domineering political personality. His recent statement calling Congressmen to prepare to play the role of opposition has rocked the boat of fierce rebel leader-turned-prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ who sees former Koirala's call as a threat to the stability of his government. Koirala, who critics accuse of sacrificing national interests and democratic ideals for the sake of power, is still active in politics. Nepali Congress president and younger brother of late BP Koirala, junior Koirala’s performance was very controversial in his last leg of political career. In an exclusive interview he gave to KESHAB POUDEL on Sunday morning (September 7) at his rented residence in Maharajgunj, Koirala talks about his past and future. Excerpts:
What role will you and your party play in coming days?
I have already told my central committee members to prepare to play a role of constructive opposition. Nepali Congress needs to show what the role of constructive opposition should be like.
What do you mean by constructive opposition?
Our party will not break the iron-railings in the streets (referring to past tendencies of violent opposition street protests) and will not burn the tyre disturbing the lives of common people. Our party will follow the peaceful and legitimate path. We will show the Maoists how a responsible opposition looks like.
Do you believe that a government, which is led by a party that climbed to power throughviolent means would feel pressure from peaceful ways?
I have told you that in the coming days I will try to teach Maoists and other coalition partners that peaceful ways are more effective and powerful.
Your party was in power almost all the time since the restoration of democracy in 1990. How will you show the presence of Nepali Congress as an opposition?
We will be visible in the parliament, street and the villages. Whenever the government veers to wrong path, we will oppose it. Whether in the Constituent Assembly or in the streets, you will see our visible presence as an opposition party.
PM Prachanda recently said that a conspiracy is being hatched to pull down his government indirectly hinting at your recent statement. What do you say?
Nepali Congress will play the role of a responsible opposition, we will oppose the government's move which is directed against democracy, independence of judiciary, politicization of security forces, bureaucracy and free press. I have not said anything about pulling down the government.
If that is so, why is Prachanda smelling rat?
The contradictions within the coalition partners are enough to pull down the government. Nobody needs to hatch any conspiracy against them.
That means you will not work to destabilize the government now?
Nepali Congress doesn't need to do that. But, we will not tolerate if the government tries to impose totalitarian system. We will oppose any move against independence of judiciary, free press and fundamental rights of citizens.
The Constituent Assembly (CA) spent last four months period in making the new government. How do you see the role of CA?
The role of Constituent Assembly (CA) is to draft the constitution. It is not its job to make or break the government. CA's main responsibility is to write a constitution for federal democratic republic. Now on, CA will concentrate its efforts to write a new constitution.
You led the whole peace process leading up to CA election and republic declaration. But PM Prachanda, in his recent interview, said that his party is committed to write the constitution for People's Republic. What do you say?
Nepali Congress has a history of waging struggle against all kinds of tyranny including the tyranny of monarch. Nepali Congress will oppose any move of tyranny.
How easy is it to write a new constitution, when the country's political forces are divided among themselves?
I made every effort to form the national consensus government but Maoist leaders ignored my plea. Given the geographical position of Nepal, consensus is necessary for its survival and political stability. Had there been a consensus government, it would have been easier to write the constitution and bring about economic development.
But the Maoists accused that your interpretation of consensus meant you wanted to remain in power?
My interpretation of consensus was the unity among all political forces. Nepal's geographical location makes it necessary to have national unity. I have been talking all the time about national unity and reconciliation. I don't care what others say.
What will you concentrate on now?
Now, I will concentrate in writing a constitution for the federal democratic republic of Nepal, where there will be guarantee of independence of judiciary, rule of law, free press and freedom of the people.
(Courtesy: Spotlight)
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