Kathmandu, October 28:

“Still the country’s future is bleak. People’s days are yet to come” was the message of a song sung by Shen-Chyang Cultural Group and All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union-Revolutionary during a deusi-bhailo programme at the official residence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in Baluwatar today.

With the political situation in the country still not looking as bright as expected, various groups, particularly sister organisations of political parties, expressed concerns about their respective parties’ activities including the ideological differences among the leaders through the deusi songs.

When some artistes of the group were dancing, Prachanda gave a slanting look at CPN-Maoist senior leader Mohan Baidhya ‘Kiran’, who was seated beside the PM.

Upon hearing the song, Kiran sounded a bit serious but looked happy, as if the connotation of the songs were advocating his principles. Another song highlighted the plights of the women, who lost their near and dear ones during the conflict period.

Interestingly, the dialogue among the artistes before reaching Baluwatar was noteworthy. While one advised the other deusi group to visit the residence of other Maoist leaders, another said they were all proletariats and had nothing to donate. “The word proletariat now needs to be redefined,” said one of the participants. “Last year, we had performed right inside the main gate without the presence of the then PM Girija Prasad Koirala and we were given Rs 5,000,” said Ratna Karki, ANNISU-R central member. The participants were of the view that the burning issues the country has been facing need to be highlighted through such programmes.

An artiste said the occasion was the right time to poke fun at several leaders and parties at a time when the slogan of a new Nepal is merely confined to speeches.

Meanwhile, Nepal Students’ Union (NSU) also played deusi-bhailo today. The function was initiated from the residence of Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala. NSU cadres also went to the residence of several other NC leaders. They played deusi at the residence of Sher Bahadur Deuba and Dr Minendra Rijal, among others.

Similarly, the UML-affiliated All Nepal National Free Students’ Union also organised a deusi-bhailo programme and exploited the occasion to bring several bruning issues to light.