Change of Images of Leaders and Perceptions of People

Divash Sharma

In a span of short time of six years only, the popular perception about Nepal's several personalities has gotten changed tremendously. The heroes have now turned into somewhat different; if not outright villains. Those actors perceived as in negative roles earlier have now become able to transform themselves as more acceptable personalities. In substance, the positions and roles have changed and so have the actors also. Many champions of 'republicanism' and democracy are now considered as corrupt and power hungry agents of alien actors. The societal attitudes about them have changed so radically and dramatically !


Let’s see some of the changed images of a few personalities. Let’s start with UPCN (M) as it is the “flavour of the month”. Pushpa Kamal Dahal the highly revered “Messiah of Revolution” is perceived now as a petty power broker. The public opinion about him has turned at least 160 degrees, if not 190 towards dark. Once considered an ideal is now seen as one of the most unreliable, unpredictable and luxury- laden foxes in town. This is a sea-change of people’s perception today.

The second in line is his deputy, Baburam Bhattarai. People were so positive about him that they blindly supported him. He was considered as the best qualified person to bring Nepal into the path of progress from ruins. People believed him as an intellectual par excellence. There was some short of euphoria when he got the top job in the country - the chair of the prime minister. However, within a year of that very rosy day, Nepal slid into further anarchy and he is now seen no more than a ‘power-glued parasite’.

Let’s see some other pictures in some other fronts. The media now has been seen as provider of entertainments rather than that of information. However, people used to consider Kishore Nepal, one of Nepal's finest journalists, as generally as information collector, processor, analyzer and deliverer also. Really, he was a good journalist for many and for some he was a journalist of majestic height. Now, after joining Nagarik Daily, he has converted himself into Babu Ram Bhattrai’s laundryman. Strange!


Similarly, Dr. Sundar Mani Dixit, the brilliant physician with great virtues has converted himself into an honorary guard of Babu Ram Bhattrai and Pushpa Kamal’s joint venture. Nir Shah, C. K. Lal, Yuv Raj Lama, etc. are some other examples.

There are many who have already tarnished their images due to their supresser’s role during 1990s. They continued to remain with the same bad images or a bit darker images. Nearly all the main leaders of Nepali Congress Party and CPN (UML) Party belong to this category. Two possible exceptions could be Congress' Sushil Koirala and CPN (UML)'s Amrit Bohara.


The former Panchas including Surya Bahadur Thapa, Pashupati Shumsher Rana and Prakash Chandra Lohani have much finer and better images now. Kamal Thapa has emerged as the most active and influential leader of the radical right. Gyanendra Shah also has a far better image than what he used to have six years ago


People like to hear more from some of the intellectuals also. The list includes the names of Rishi Raj Baral, Krishna Bhattachan, Bhimarjun Acharya, Mumaram Khanal and Surendra K. C. Likewise retired Nepal Army Chief Rukmangad Katawal is another person, whom people like to listen. Recently, he emerged as one among a few influential opinion makers. His political activism, though untested, is interesting to watch.

There are some personalities still with positive images or a few new personalities with positive images have emerged. The names in this category include that of Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, Chitra Bahadur K. C., Ram Baran Yadav, Gokarna Bista, Chitra Lekha Yadav, Pampha Bhusal, etc.

Chitra Bahadur K. C., Surendra K. C. and Kamal Thapa oppose federalism either in form or in the essence but they have certain degree of integrity in their conduct. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Pashupati Sumsher Rana and Prakash Chandra Lohani represent the old school of thought. Rukmangud Katawal is a new comer in the business or in other words in politics and opinion making. Gyanendra Shah represents the past at present. Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, Ram Baran Yadav, Chitra Lekha Yadav and Gakarna Bista are not the birds of same feather. The same applies to Bhimarjun Acharya, Krishna Bhattachan and Rishi Raj Baral also.

However, their net worth is growing or has been continuing as positive or has turned to positive in perceptions of the people. Therefore, this phenomenon is cross-political and cross-ideological. May be this is somewhat temporary, but is certainly a new reality. On the other side, the rulers of today including Pushpa Kamal and Babu Ram Bhattarai are competing with the rulers of yesterday - in area of decreasing popularity. This is another reality. This is a strange phenomenon. Nepal is now in upheavals, so are the personalities also.

CPN - M and Confusing Signals

Now, the most important tasks for the revolutionaries in Nepal include but not limited to the points mentioned below.

a) Crystallizing, consolidating and communicating revolutionary politics, political line, first strategic milestone and tactics, and also finding out ways and means to reconnect the disjointed revolutionary course.

b) Reorganizing the revolutionary communist party in Maoist tradition, standards and values.

c) Mobilizing the party, its organizational instruments and masses to address issues that have been creating problems in areas of people’s livelihood and societal transformation. Revolution progresses in stages and installments and becomes a single whole in relatively a longer period of time.

d) The question of nationalism and patriotism is crucial for Nepal. Raising awareness, creating environment and fighting for strengthening Nepali sovereignty are very important. This mission should be taken as a continuous process and it must not be a rhetorical exercise.

e) In the course, the party should revisit its past, review relations and work with larger international proletarian communities and their vanguards. While doing this, COMPOSA, RIM, etc may come into focus and their revival or reactivation could happen quite naturally.

But, right now, the reorganized CPN – M is not going through a process that makes it a vanguard of Nepalese people. Visiting reactionary temples such as Shital Nivas (President Ram Bran Yadav’s residence) and a majestic Lazimpat bungalow (Prachanda’s new palace) will not help the cause of Nepalese revolution. Recently, we have seen several confusing signals from the CPN – M.

Still, there is time to clarify the cloud. People will wait giving benefit of doubt. However, the morning has not heralded the beginning of a sunny day. Comrade Kiran and CPN-M should read the writings on the wall and should move quickly to clear the confusions. Otherwise, people themselves will take out from the confusions that Comrade Kiran and CPN-M have created. Naturally, after the party congress in December or January, the waiting period will be finally over.http://thenextfront.com/?p=2357#comment-837

Uncertain Nepali Political Courses

The analysis here presents the objective reality as it is on the ground. Moreover, the top political leaders of all major parties have become notoriously anarchic. They are now the target where people wish through stones.

The state apparatus is more corrupt, more corrupt than it was during Panchayati rule. Everywhere, thugs attached to state mechanism are ready to jump to grab whatever is available. Inflation has been ever going up. People are desperately waiting for an alternative to emerge that could through away this anarchy of political thugs. In this situation, it is easy to conclude that the contradiction between the masses and the reactionary ruling elites is galloping to reach to its optimal point.

Now, there could be new courses that would take place very soon. Either the society will see regressive change or ill go for progressive change. At this moment, there are two viable forces to command such political courses. The first course, the regressive course could be led by some former Panchayati leaders or Generals or royals. Analysing the availability of such leaders and amalgamation of such forces, General Rukmangad Katawal could lead such force as he has a strong backing in the Nepal army. Former royal could contribute financial resources and former Panchas could provide political infrastructure for this course. Thus, the regressive camp could stage political come back at the cost of present day thugs. If they will snatch state power, particularly after September 2012 when a new General will take control of the Army, the political thugs will have no face to show as they would have finished themselves as credible politician after another extension of CA and people will be at boiling point; even the regressive take over will see its welcome. India and the US will provide some cover up for such take over and that would be the end of the realm of present day political thugs. This would be good news but just for a day or two. The people will lose once again and will start sufferings under a more coercive regime. On the other side, the revolutionaries, if they will seize opportunities and will go back to people, get them organized, reorganize PLA, create united front and re-launch the revolutionary tempest, it will provide new hope, new synergy and new option.

In practice, if the revolutionaries within Unified Maoist Party take decisive step, reorganize the party with or without Kiran, get united with Matrika led party and Mani group, form united front with different nationalities’ organizations and mobilize the masses, Nepali society will see the beginning of a decisive phase of Nepali revolution. But, the leaders including comrade Basanta are ready for such course? This is a million dollar question.Comrade Basanta has rightly analysed the past and has presented the present situation with some critical perspective, but what he will say for people who are at the boiling point of frustration, anger and hardship? Should they read revolutionary leaders and do nothing? Should they continue suffering under the anarchic rule of present day political thugs? Should they line up behind General Katawal? Or, they could have option made available by the progressives and revolutionaries? Please tell the people what they should do?

Comments on the Baidya-Badal's Appeal to PLA

Divash Sharma

Kamaraditya is right when he says that just appeal would not be enough. What the revolutionary platform within the UCPN (M) wants to achieve and what course they would select? They might have the following options available.

1. Course Correction: Chunabang was the departure point from where the present two courses originated in their present forms. Through surgical process, the revolutionaries could disconnect them from the revisionist/liquidationist line of Prachanda-Baburam faction. This would made the course corrected and would reignite the tactical revolutionary line, spirit and actions.

2. Continue Grumbling and submerge within the revisionist course: Making death, somehow, normal and natural, the revolutionaries could continue grumbling and the death waiting them would take them on its lap. Staying together with Prachanda-Baburam camp for a longer period of time would result in digesting the revolutionaries by that camp and the impact would be more fertilizer for strengthening regression.

3. Retire and stop being misleading to yourselves/to others: Rather than being a part of the process that has been destroying the revolutionary path, gains, hopes and structure; retire. The retirement would give you peace of mind and others would understand the reality that though you attempted but failed. They would consider your retirement as one MOST important act that did not mislead people.

When the revolutionaries decide their course of action, their acts would follow in line with. Option 2 and 3, simply ask non-actions, whereas the first action needs action, thinking, courage, commitment and many more. This would be the historic decision and would invite sacrifice. If you are ready to sacrifice, you have every right to ask for sacrifice from the PLA. Your two-liners may not do wonders if you are still under thick cloud. If the revolutionaries would go for clear break, in that case they may ask the PLA to go for any of the following available options.

1. Rebel: Go back to your nest. Ye have made sacrifices in the past, continue your historic tradition. We have formed our vanguard now. Let’s reassemble around it.

2. Be pragmatic: Collect cash opting for “vol.ret.”, use it for meeting the dire needs of your families, join revolution and strengthen the recreated PLA.

3. Go by your choice, please never harm the baby, “the revolution”, you gave birth and you nurtured so dearly. Be aware of Prachanada-Baburam’s harmful acts and deeds.

Now, there is one simple question to the revolutionary platform – when will you finally decide your future course? Now? After some months? Never?

Posted on www.thenextfront.com

Three Villains Who Harmed Nepal Most

Divash Sharma

Since 1950, after overthrowing the Rana regime, Nepalese people have been dreaming a dream of peaceful, prosperous, civilized and technologically advance Nepal.

During 1950s, the chances of Nepal taking speed in all these areas were really high. However, a villain poured cold water on all aspirations of people. He was an autocratic King, infamously known as Mahendra Shah. He snatched all powers in a coup d’état in 1960 and introduced one party system called Panchayat. Civil rights, human rights, freedom of associations, plural political exercises, all were banned and he ruled Nepal with iron fist. The one party system he introduced lasted till 1990 killing several hundred people and imprisoning and suppressing thousands. Although, the totalitarian system he introduced was defeated, his sons entered into a power sharing arrangement and continued to hang on somewhere till 2006. Mahendra was one of the key villains in modern Nepal who held Nepal back. He was a tyrant. However, he took some important steps in areas of physical infrastructure building including Birgung-Kathmandu, Kodari-Kathmandu and East-West highways. He was instrumental in expanding education foundation by supporting to establish several hundred schools, some colleges and a university. He also legally abolished untouchability and eliminated the caste based penal code. In economic front, he initiated public sector enterprises to support industrialization and cater facilities in areas of greater need. In international front, he aligned Nepal with non-aligned movement, stood for equidistance between power blocks and powerful neighbors including America and Soviet Union and between India and China. However, his contributions were too little in comparison to his crimes committed against Nepali people, particularly suppressing them politically and intellectually. Hence, Mahendra as a tyrant will be listed as one of the major villains Nepal, whereas he will also be credited as an initiator of some development endeavors.

The infamous Panchayat system was overthrown as the result of three decades long heroic struggle of people. Several historic political initiatives contributed in the down fall of the tyrannical system. It would be worth mentioning the armed struggle launched by the Nepali Congress during 1960s, the Jhapa rebellion of 1970s and its continuation by the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) during 1980s, the militant students’ and workers’ movements and several popular uprisings including the uprising of 1979 that forced the regime to declare referendum and the people’s movement of 1989-90 that succeeded in overthrowing the Panchayat system, are a few important ones. Although, the people’s movement defeated Panchayat, it ended in a compromise that retained the monarchy in a bit different form. The movements and elections after the change of 1990 gave birth to new heroes and new villains. Not a single hero survived politically to lead the change process positively and constructively. However, several leaders projected as heroes converted themselves into villains. The tallest among these new converts was Girija Prasad Koirala. The more he survived physically the greater he accumulated the negative wealth and stood tallest among villains. Barring his history of long struggle against the tyrannical Panchayat system, his personal quality of determination and courage and his ability to reaching out even to diehard opponents; he was a garbage truck. Also, there were corruptions previously in public life, however Girija Prasad institutionalized it and introduced corrupt practices as a general rule rather than exceptions. He could be addressed as the “Father of Corruption in Modern Nepal.” His nepotism and cronyism of unparallel nature, scale and intensity would be remembered for a longtime to come. He is primarily responsible for creating a sandy base, which made Nepal now vulnerable, unstable, anarchic and ungovernable.

When Girija Prasad Koirala departed initially politically and afterward physically, his political successor appeared. He was none other than Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the charismatic chairman of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), (UPCN (M). People had high hopes from him as he had led the decade-long civil war putting forward the agenda that there would be a new Nepal - a prosperous, civilized, egalitarian, developed and shinning Nepal. More than 13000 people had been killed by either side during the civil war and the hopes and aspirations after such a big sacrifice should be naturally high. When, the UCPN (M) took over the leadership of the government, there was some sort of euphoria. Jubilation was the flavor of the time. Gradually, frustrations shadowed hopes, anger brushed off cool expectations, turmoil replaced serenity and a different Pushpa Kamal came out from the thick cloud. The Pushpa Kamal appeared second time had some characters of Mahendra as he sounded highly intolerant to opposing voices, and he had some characters of Girija Prasad as he was a master money maker. Moreover, he was highly unstable and super ambitious. He wanted everything revolving around him – politics, party, parliament and government. He primarily lacked statesmanship, transparency and commitment to any cause other than his personal agenda of nepotism and cronyism. He contributed to create a mess so as to swim on it and to ensure his endeavors rewarding himself. By utilizing his party apparatus, he accumulated wealth and made himself a new financial Czar. However, he killed his charisma, respect, reputation and personality. Moreover, as a turncoat, he betrayed the cause of building a shinning Nepal and degenerated himself to a petty power broker. A leader of majestic height died politically and made Nepal suffering immensely in the process.

Nepal suffered a lot due to roles played by these three notorious villains.

Some Comments on UCPN (M) and Transitions to ...

The article "Pleasure of staying at the crossroads" by Rishi Raj Baral (posted on http://thenextfront.com/) has put forward a clear roadmap. It is well presented.

I have some comments.

1) Transition: Although, the incremental change, which amass the quantity, impetus and energy for a qualitative change is a continuous process, it has to lead somewhere to a clear break. In this way transition is a continuous process in generic interpretation but it is also an accumulative process for a phenomenal change. This change could be composting of biodegradable items that results in fertilizer or could be germination of seeds that gives birth to seedling or saplings. Now, within UCPN (M), both processes are active.

2)Time: It is natural that such a complex process of transition to reaction and transition to reigniting revolution takes time. However, being active and taking time and being lethargic and taking time are two different circumstances. Now, the “transition to reaction” team has been active as it is spreading its legs everywhere – party, parliament, government and foreign forces, whereas the “transition to reigniting revolution” team has become mostly a talking club barring a few good organizational and analytical works. Hence, the proposition put forward by Rishi that “Staying at the crossroads for long time means to harm oneself” is correct.

3)“Party within the party”: The concept, in practice, is a normal course for a brief period of split in any party. However, as a strategically workable concept, it is not only flawed but also suicidal. If Baidhya-Badal platform wishes that the two antagonistic Headquarters could stay together within a ‘party framework’, that is simply a concept, which would ultimately result to liquidation of them.

4)Break: Rishi’s conclusion that “restructuring the party is one and the only way to move forward” is the correct course this time as the other side – Prachanda-Bhattarai platform has already reached to a destination from where they could only travel to reaction and more reaction.

5)Two line or two tendencies: Being monolithic and too centralization had harmed the communist movement in the past and still it has been harming. So, “letting hundreds of flowers to bloom” should be the governing foundation that helps flourish the communist movement and the parties. Unity even with hundreds of friendly disagreements is what the communists should be happy with. Two lines, two tendencies, two platforms or even more are to be considered normal and natural.

6)Concluding point: Even if Baidhya-Badal platform rejects to move forward and refuses to clearly breaking relations with the Prachanda-Bhattarai camp, revolution in Nepal will not stop to take its further course. However, they have contributed most meaningfully in the Nepalese revolution in the past; they are still trying to carry the glory though with a bit hesitation; the leaders and cadres around them have wonderful contributions and splendid images of sacrifice and revolutionary maturity; and people have trust and expectations from them, so Nepali revolution could wait them for a while. Let’s try for the best, if that would not happen, another better option could take concrete shape and a new course may get acceleration.

http://thenextfront.com/politics/pleasure-of-staying-at-the-crossroads.html

Prachanda Path: A Dead Idealogical Synthesis

Prachanda Path was the creation of CPN (M) as an ideological synthesis of set of ideas emerged during the practice of revolution in Nepal. It was expected that this set of ideas emerging in the form of Prachanda Path will guide the basic line in the forward march of the Nepalese Revolution. Kiran was instrumental in its formulation as his belief was that just as Marxism in Germany, Leninism in Russia, and Maoism in China so Prachanda Path is Nepal's identity of revolution. (see: http://radhikaranjanmarxist.blogspot.com/2009/04/nepal-prachanda-path-new-doctrine.html). And, ideologues like Basanta were the principal elaborators (Bhashyakars) and propagators (see: International Dimension of Prachanda Path by Basanta, Issue number 10, The Worker, organ of the CPN (M).

However, christened after its the then all powerful Chairman Prachanda, Prachanda Path was initially abandoned during the unity process with the CPN (Masal-Unity Center) and died its natural death when Prachanda abandoned revolution.

Now, nobody talks about Prachanda Path, neither its ‘majestic pillar’ Prachanda nor its chief architect Kiran nor one of the great Bhasyakars Basanta. Prachanda Path is found in history books only. It is not only a dead phrase, but also a dead expectation. Strange, cdebasish62 has quoted long passages from Basanta’s article. Everybody has the right to correct himself/herself. Kiran and Basanta also could do the same through the MLM process of criticism and self-criticism. Now, the revolutionary platform within the UCPN (M) has to rename the ideological synthesis of the set of ideas emerged from the practice of Nepali revolution or drop such premature initiatives entirely.

http://thenextfront.com/politics/two-line-struggle-in-the-international-communist-movement.html#comment-2290