The contentious tug of war going on between the CPN (Maoist) and the anti Maoist forces in the process of forming the government that will guide the constituent assembly in drafting the peoples’ constitution does not augur well for speedy finalizing of the historic enactment. That this assembly’s one and only mandate is to give the country a unique constitution, must be well realized by all concerned. Any variation from this pious duty would not be acceptable to the people and they will not take it lying down. That times have changed and the pliant politicians can no more take the people for a ride has been amply proved by the recently concluded elections. If the older political parties have been badly exposed the new one is on trial. As the largest party in the assembly, the Maoists must be given the privilege of leading the coalition government. But then the Maoists must understand that, up till now, Nepali politics has been dominated by alien forces. Since the Nepali politicians have, most of the time, totally neglected our nation’s interests and blindly followed the directives of their alien masters to stay glued to the official chair, it has almost become a tradition and no patriotic Nepali has emerged to break that tradition. Since the Maoist leaders too have to pay back their debt for ten years of hospitality, most Nepalis are apprehensive that they too might stick to the dotted line. Since they have not been tried yet, there is still some hope that they might prove more honest and patriotic and give a new twist to our traditional politics. If they too are carried away by their unanticipated performance in the recent polls and start to thrust Prachanda or Baburam doctrine on the people, they will be only inviting troubles. Let the constitution speak what kind of doctrine the people want for their country. It is not for one party or one man to decide the fate of the country or thrust any kind of doctrine on it. Besides, in the changed political context, the validity of Seven Party Alliance has totally expired and to keep on harping on their utility would be nothing but sheer selfishness and political naiveté. And again, the constituent assembly too is not fully representative of the people as the greater number of members are nominated by political parties. And since constitution must reflect the thinking of the whole people and meet their aspirations all the twenty six million Nepalis must participate in its drafting. Hence the draft must be placed before the people for a referendum. As such, it would be nothing but presumptuous to talk about the form of government, the doctrine it would follow or the policies it would adopt at the stage. Let the draft of the constitution come before the people as early as possible. And let the Maoists lead the government but not before they mend their manners, eschew violence and follow a peaceful way of life and start respecting the rule of law.

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