Khanal’s Victory

I disagree with you that Jhalnath Khanal’s victory as the first executive president of CPN-UML will have nothing to do with the life of CPN-Maoist government ( CPN-UML : Under New Leadership Spotlight March 06-19). Of course, Khanal is not alone in the party to take the major decision in the party but he is president of the party. Khanal is going to have major influence over the decision. As Maoist leaders think, Khanal’s victory will give long life to Maoist government led by Prachanda. Whether one likes it not, Jhanlnath Khanal is a pro-Maoist leader in the party and he will push CPN-UML closer towards Maoists.

Salina Lama
Via email

Forging Alliance

You have brought a good political analysis highlighting how alliances are made in Nepal (CPN-UML). I don’t think any political leader has the capability to bring change in alliance – the decision is taken somewhere else. Otherwise, there is no reason to see all kinds of leftists and rightists combinations. I don’t understand how communists, who don’t mind to criticize former Panchas as reactionary and regressive forces, joined the government led by them. If Maoists are really die-hard communists, there is no sense for them to follow leaders like Griija Prasad Koirala. Every unusual and strange alliance has been made here in recent past. The past history of Nepalese politics reveal all these things. Till a few years ago, Maoists were most powerful and now they are gradually feeling isolated in the politics. Nepal has faced many uncertainties but continuity is in the Nanimaiya Syndrome (Nanimaiya, an illiterate woman who won the elections of Rastriya Panchayat with huge margin from Kathmandu). In similar manner, MJF leader Upendra Yadav emerged in national politics.

Shristi Gurung
Via email

Risky Game

Whether one likes it or not, Jhalnath Khanal is more dangerous to Maoist government. After his election as UML president, Khanal has already shown some assertiveness. As it is said, there is no permanent enemy and friend in politics, Khanal too has no permanent friends and permanent enemy. If Nepali Congress offers post of prime minister to Khanal, he is definite to side with Congress. Maoists, too, prefer Khanal in case there is possibility of coming of Girija Prasad Koirala as a prime minister. Khanal will take his decision in right time and that may not necessarily be a pro-Maoist stand.

Abinash Ghimire
Via-email

Right Advice

At a time when Nepalese politicians are moving from one direction to another, Japanese expert Rei Shiratori has rightly pointed out the dangers of federal structures for Nepal. Every rationale Nepali will agree with the arguments presented by Japanese professor Rei Shiratori. Nepal needs more decentralization rather than a federal state on the basis of caste and language. In terms of Nepal’s geographical space, Nepal is unfit to see federal structures like in USA, Brazil, Canada and India. Economic and political complications are there. Thus, giving complete autonomy through decentralization to the local bodies is the best option for Nepal. As the professor said, Nepal needs a decentralized unit with federal characters. Is anybody there to listen to his logical argument?

Dinesh Shrestha
Via Email

Shift Focus

Instead of focusing political and constitutional issues all the time, Spotlight needs to focus on economic, social and environmental issues. There is no sense in listening to the voices of so called constitutional experts and politicians. The time has come to cover more on the issues like unemployment, economic crisis, agricultural sector reforms and implications of the climate change. It was really interesting to read the cover story (Overseas Workers: Return to Misery February 20 March 05). You need to cover such story so that people can understand the reality of the country. In recent years, you have been publishing so many stories on politics and constitutions but they don’t represent the general opinion of the country.

Lalit Krishna Shrestha
Via email