Political bond

The NC-Maoist tête-à-tête the other day reverberated a good message across the country. The meeting yielded some tangible result as it patched up the mounting political differences between the two major political parties and cleared Maoists' misgivings over the southern neighbor, India. The one-time bonhomie between the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist) had turned sour immediately after the former rebels joined the interim government. The war of words between the prime minister and a Maoist minister culminated in badmouth. The prime minister dubbed the Maoists' youth wing, Young Communist League (YCL) a criminal group. And Maoist chairman Prachanda retorted by terming the prime minister as a protector of criminals.

In the face of vitriolic attack due to YCL's excesses, Prachanda got on his nerve's end when media reported that the Southern neighbor advised visiting UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal to forge a strong alliance with the Nepali Congress. Edgy Prachanda vented venom against India and accused it of interfering in Nepal's internal affairs. The NC-Maoist differences hit the roadblock raising apprehension over the holding of Constituent Assembly (CA) polls -- the only hope to institutionalize democratic republic. Although the ruling eight-party alliance has agreed to defer the CA polls, it is possible only if the parties work in unison. The NC-Maoists have agreed not to make public remarks over any dispute between them. Prime Minister Koirala and Maoist chairman Prachanda decided to settle their scores through a dialogue. The Post commends the sagacity expressed by both the leaders. It helps create a healthy relationship between the parties. The understanding between the top leaders will also discipline the YCL cadres making them more responsible towards democracy and human rights. YCL can play a crucial role—both negative and positive—in holding the free and fair CA polls.

Similar understanding is a must among all the ruling coalition partners to fulfill the aspirations of the people expressed during the Jana Aandolan-II. Any crack between the parties within the eight-party coalition will provide enough space for reactionary forces to play hell with the peace process. As Prime Minister Koirala during the meeting reiterated his commitment to institutionalize democratic republic through the CA polls, all the political parties should work to hold the CA polls in November. Any political differences within the eight-party alliance will only jeopardize the holding of CA polls. Such differences may push the country again into the hands of regressive forces.

Source: The Kathmandu Post, June 12, 2007