Koirala no-no for SAARC

This is in reference to the news report “Koirala to attend SAARC summit” (THT, July 29). After tendering his resignation, Girija Prasad Koirala is only a caretaker prime minister,

responsible for running the day to day administration until the formation of a new government. And no more. He does not have the legitimacy to represent Nepal in the SAARC summit in Colombo beginning August 2.

The new president Dr Ram Baran Yadav should ideally have been entrusted with the task of heading the Nepali delegation to the summit. It would also be wise to downsize the jumbo delegation of 35 to minimise unnecessary expenses. Moreover, the delegation should not include those incapable of putting forward our national interests.

Sukriti, via e-mail

Not him

Dr Ram Baran Yadav, as the head of state, has the right to exercise his discretion on who should represent Nepal in the upcoming SAARC summit, “Koirala to attend SAARC summit” (THT, July 29). As Koirala has already resigned, his presence in Colombo will be illegitimate.

Manoj Thapa, via e-mail

Unfulfilled

Despite the success of the April Revolution, and subsequent achievements towards consolidating people’s sovereignty and democracy, Nepalis are not optimistic, mostly due to the inability of political leaders to empathise with their suffering. The political parties have the mandate to draft the new constitution for a new Nepal. But three months after the polls, they have not been able to forge a consensus to take the peace process forward, thereby demonstrating their failure to keep their political commitments.

Bandana Basnet, Kapan, Kathmandu

Blurred lines

Protests have erupted throughout the country over Vice-president Paramananda Jha’s use of Hindi while taking his oath of office. Our national polity and society has always been unclear over the status of Hindi language. Many argue that unlike Maithili, Bhojpuri, Awadhi and Tharu, Hindi is not a national language, and is also not recognised by the Constitution of Nepal. Even so, in several instances, our political leaders have delivered their electoral speeches in Hindi in Tarai districts. Hindi, though not a regional language, is

understood by many in the Tarai. The argument over whether Hindi should be given the status of a national language should be a matter of public debate. However, Nepali language is the official language of the nation, and every Nepali, irrespective of his or her political standing, must respect this constitutional provision.

Dr Chhering Yonzon,

Kathmandu

Redundant

Confusion about the President’s role in government formation has added to the political chaos in Nepal. If it is beyond the power of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to take the initiative for government formation, will someone please explain why we need a president at all? There can be no justification for a purely ceremonial president while huge sums are being spent on the upkeep of his office and residential quarters, leave aside a thousand other related expenses.

Amit Khadka, Dang