Sheer apathy

HNS

The eleventh run-off for the prime minister post too failed to give the desired result. This had been expected but it is also a grim reminder of the role of the neutral stance of the UCPN (M), CPN (UML) and the Madhesh-based parties that has virtually paralysed a most democratic practice. It is justified that consensus be reached to break the political deadlock, but the basis of coming to the meeting point has to be agreed upon. The Maoists and UML have been playing the trumpet of consensus, but they have not come up with any concrete basis for the same to materialise. There has to be the guidelines on the basis of which the major parties can hope to achieve the desired breakthrough. It can been seen that the Maoists have been miffed, despite being the largest party in the Legislature Parliament. As the realisation has dawned that they would not win the election, they have taken the neutral path which goes nowhere near solving the political stalemate. If only the Maoists could fulfil their past commitments, including the May 28 three-point deal, it could make a big difference. But, doing so is possibly seen by them as bowing down which they do not want to. This stands at the roots of the present uncertain political climes.

As for the Nepali Congress (NC), it knows that without the parties taking the neutral stance participating, any result is not possible. The NC has decided not to withdraw its candidacy as long as a "package" agreement is arrived. This particular line of thought can be justified in the sense that without a valid action plan agreed upon by all the major parties nothing positive can happen. This is what is happening with the unyielding stance taken by the UML followed later by the UCPN (M) with the withdrawal of their candidate from the prime ministerial election. What is being achieved through this neutral stance? In fact, it is only playing with the destiny of the nation that stands at the threshold of disaster. The political parties--those which are making the election yield no results--are fired by their own illogical notions and not fulfilling the role that the people had elected them to serve. It rests on them to give a passage so that the country can get back on track. But, seemingly, the petty partisan interests are so overriding that the people's mandate for drafting and promulgating the constitution has been left unattended. Even one-third of the added year to the CA tenure has elapsed without any headway. In this context, what the parties are interested is power but that has to come through the election.

It does not suit the political parties that have come through the historic April revolution to totally be apathetic to the people's aspiration. This is not what one expects in so far as the republic moves ahead. Much time has been lost in these exercises, and even the budget for this fiscal year is seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. But, the parties, especially those which are standing neutral in the prime ministerial run-offs, have given no thoughts on how to resolve the issue. It is with helplessness that the electorate is watching the leaders who they had voted for playing truant or rather being irresponsible.

Against swindlers

As the festive season approaches, lotteries are held and sold illegally. This is a perennial problem as thousands of gullible buyers are duped by the sellers of such tickets. These lotteries are sold by fictitious clubs and associations that are not even registered with the government. Thus, the government should be commended for banning the sale of such lotteries. However, it is found that those selling the lotteries on the sly manage to evade government action. As has often happened in the past, it is found that those holding such lotteries run away with the money they amass through their sale illegally. The government has banned the holding of lotteries by any club or organization so the public should be wary about buying any lottery tickets.

The police are to be extra vigilant so that those holding illegal lotteries are nabbed and prevented from cheating. However, shopping malls and big shops are allowed to give prizes for promotion of their sales. This time around it is hoped that the government is serious about implementing their decision to ban the sale of illegal lotteries. This would be in the interest of the pubic pestered to buy them.