“Our Whole Concentration Must Go On How To Hold The Elections For CA”
Sujata Koirala
SUJATA KOIRALA , the only daughter of prime minister and Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, is emerging at the center-stage of Nepali Congress politics. Heading the organization called Sushma Koirala Memorial Trust, which has been working in more than 40 districts of Nepal , Koirala has been taking a bold stand in her party even demanding the resignation of home minister. Daring and dynamic, Koirala is gradually creating space in the party. Elected member of Nepali Congress central committee and nominated member of present Legislature-Parliament, Koirala spoke with KESHAB POUDEL on country’s overall political scenario. Excerpts:
How do you see the present political situation?
The country is in most difficult phase of its history. One of the major problems is that of law and order. As long as we cannot maintain law and order situation, we cannot hold free and fair elections of Constituent Assembly. If this situation continues, people will lose faith in democracy. I am not the only person who is saying this. There is virtually anarchy in the country. Even MP’s have been raising this issue.
As various rumors regarding prime minister Koirala are coming out, as his daughter how do you see his health now?
It is definite that he is getting older and his health is not like it used to be five or ten years ago. But the rumors spreading in the market are completely false. Every one knows because of his age, he cannot be active as he once was. But he is spending almost all his time to fulfill most important historical duty to hold the elections for Constituent Assembly and restore peace in the country.
Then, why such rumors are spreading?
They are intended to bring uncertainty in society.
You are the person who was badly hunted during King Gyanendra’s 18 months rule when then government even tried to put you in prison on charges of corruption but you are now speaking in favor of ceremonial monarchy. What do you say?
First of all, we should not repeat the mistakes like that committed by King Gyanendra. We should not be irresponsible towards people and country as he had been. The way Maoists are demanding the abolition of monarchy from Interim-legislature is irresponsible and non political demand. Instead of focusing on criticizing monarch and his actions, we need to support the efforts to hold the elections for CA. Interim constitution has clearly said that the first meeting of CA will decide the fate of monarchy. It is for the people of Nepal to decide whether they want monarchy or not. Eight parties cannot take the decision on monarchy. This is my own conviction.
What is your party’s stand when various individual members have been talking about various things on monarchy?
So far as our party’s stand is concerned, our party has made it clear that it is against the active and absolute monarchy. What others are saying are just their individual views. By endorsing the interim constitution, we have already accepted to respect wishes of the people. At a time when the constitution does not give any role and place to the king, it is useless to talk about the monarchy. Our whole concentration must go on how to hold the elections for CA.
But even your home minister reportedly demanded removal of monarchy. How do you look at it?
First of all, our priority should be to hold the elections of CA. As a home minister, his duty is to maintain law and order and conduct the elections in free and fair manner. When he fails to maintain the law and order, it is nonsensical for him to talk about republic.
Personally, how do you feel about the monarchy?
If you ask me personally, they King had made every effort to ruin my political career. He even mentally tortured me by forcing me to leave the country at mid-night and under disguise. I am one of the persons in Nepali Congress who was badly humiliated by the King. They are all my personal matters. I cannot take same kind of vendetta against the King. As it is said, it is the people who have to decide whether they want monarchy or not. This is the issue which the elections of CA will settle. It is not a matter to be judged based on my personal likes and dislikes. As a democrat, we cannot be irresponsible.
There are reports in newspapers that you are emerging in the party’s leadership. What do you say?
I have not dominated anybody. I have my own opinion. I always rely on party workers. What I want now is the solution of present political problem. I want to see the stable and prosperous Nepal . I have not joined the politics to get any position. I have certain clear cut views and opinions. If party workers like it, I am pleased to express their point of views.
Turning to a different matter now, there were reports of many persons being infected by jaundice in prime minister’s residence. Who do you blame?
Every one has to take responsibility for it. One cannot imagine that the water pipe running into the country’s prime minister’s residence will be mixed sewerage. Nobody found any time to investigate it for such a long time. It is a mess. You can imagine how the life of an old person would be like in Baluwatar.
How frequently do you visit Baluwatar?
I almost regularly visit Baluwatar but I see dirt everywhere. Following the infection of hepatitis, I asked to clean the whole place thoroughly and requested to make provisions for safe and pure drinking water.
What is the situation now like?
It has improved now. I think such stories of unhygienic residence of prime minister are possible only here.
As your party is gradually said to be abandoning B.P. Koirala’s policy, how do you look at it?
I don’t think anybody can give up B.P. Koirala’s policy. His views are more relevant today as he is the symbol of our party. Although the time has changed a lot, his national reconciliation is still a valuable asset to Nepali Congress. Nepali Congress is patriotic, democratic and socialist party as propounded by B.P. Koirala. I feel proud to champion his ideology.
Do you have any plans to contest the leadership?
First of all, we have to go for team work. As you know, Girijababu’s health is not like in the past. Since our party has many senior leaders, it is unnatural for me to aspire for top leadership now. Our efforts should be to strengthen our party and party organizations.
At a time when the country’s situation is gradually eroding, do you believe that the elections for Constituent Assembly will be held in coming June?
When Girijababu has been expressing such a strong commitment to hold the elections in June as it was originally scheduled, I don’t think we need to have any doubt over it. Even Girijababu has reiterated his commitment in the Nepali Congress Central Committee meeting (Sunday) that the election must be held in accordance with the schedule. Although Girijababu is old physically, he still has his own hard working spirit.
How do we believe that the elections will be held when the government is yet to present elections bill in the legislative parliament?
Prime minister has already directed to the government to table all the bills necessary to hold the elections. The government has already tabled some bills in legislative parliament and the legislative parliament will pass them within few days.
As many groups like Madheshi Janadhikar Forum and Indigenous and ethnic communities are pushing their demands, don’t you think the elections cannot be held without bringing them to the mainstream?
Of course, we have to address genuine demands raised by Madhesis, Janajatis, Dalits women and other marginalized communities. It is the duty of the democratic government to address the problems raised by people. Madhesis, Janjatis, Dalits and women all of us are Nepalis. Girijababu had already addressed the nation twice expressing his commitments to solve these problems. Under his directions, an amendment proposal has already been tabled in the parliament. There are no issues which cannot be solved through negotiations. Overwhelming number of our party’s central committee members have also suggested the government to take care of issues raised by these groups.
When MJF is demanding the resignation of home minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula as a minimum gesture to start dialogue, will it be fulfilled?
There were so huge losses of lives in terai during the agitation. As a home minister it is naturally Sitaula’s moral responsibility. Home minister Sitaula has played very important role in bringing the Maoists to the mainstream by supporting Girijababu. If his remaining in power hampers the elections process, he must resign. I have been demanding the resignation of home minister Situala since last few weeks. If there is a need to hold the elections for CA, the government has to invite the leaders of MJF and start the dialogue as soon as possible.
Your father is leading the government as a prime minister, is not it his responsibility rather than home minister Sitaula?
As prime minister has given him full responsibility of home ministry, there is no question of any responsibility on the part of prime minister. Home minister is solely responsible for maintaining law and order. Not only me but many other Nepali Congress members are also demanding the resignation of home minister.
Why have you been pressing the demands for his resignation?
As all of us know, the law and order situation has completely broken down and Maoists are openly threatening common people. Maoists are openly displaying their weapons in public meeting and police are not taking any actions against them. Even parliament is no safer where Maoists are freely carrying their guns. Maoists have not yet returned the properties of villagers confiscated by them. They are using terror tactics in villages. As a home minister and chief of government negotiation team, he has to morally take all responsibilities. Moreover, Maoist members of legislative parliament are freely roaming in the parliament with guns. In a situation when the country’s law and order situation has deteriorated and many organizations like Madheshi Janadhikar Forum are paralyzing normal life in Terai, home minister Sitaula must resign.
Maoist MPs and leaders are defending home minister Sitaula saying that he is inevitable to continue peace process. How do you look at it?
It is natural for Maoist MPs and leaders to defend home minister Sitaula since he is, knowingly or unknowingly, supporting their acts. I don’t think any peace process will rely on particular individual. There are charges in the party against home minister Sitaula that he is acting as if he is the minister of Maoist party.
Don’t you think it is embarrassing for prime minister to listen to the criticism of his home minister from his own daughter?
Of course, prime minister is my father but I have my own personality and thinking. When I see the deteriorating law and order situation is hampering the elections for Constituent Assembly, it is my moral duty to say what the ground reality is. When I meet many of our party workers who have still not been able to return to their homes and whose properties have not been returned yet by the Maoists, I cannot remain a silent spectator. It is my duty to speak the truth. I don’t have any personal grievance or bias against anybody.
