Democracy For Nepal: Girijaspeak: When Republicans Are Royalists

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Girijaspeak: When Republicans Are Royalists

Girija says Narahari Acharya and Gagan Thapa are "royalists." Acharya and Thapa just so happen to be the two most visible, vocal republican names under the NC umbrella. Logic?

Girija made sure there were no media people around before he made his remarks. Logic?

His remarks displeased most people in his hearing distance, not to say beyond. Logic?

Girija has said a republican setup is out of question. But then he is on record saying he is for a Constituent Assembly. How can you be for both? An Assembly turns the monarchy into an open topic of debate to be decided by the people. Logic?

Girija is for House revival, which is to say the 1990 constitution is alive and kicking. But he is also for a Constituent Assembly, which is to say the 1990 document is dead. Logic?

Girija repeatedly warns the king the country is on its way to becoming a republic, which means he is a closet republican. But then he has made it absolutely clear he is not a republican. Logic?

Girija is and has always done his very best to undermine all the up and coming names within the Nepali Congress. But he accuses the likes of Gagan Thapa of wanting to disband the party? Is Gagan Thapa that big a threat? So big that if Gagan Thapa were to want, there might not be a Nepali Congress tomorrow? Logic?

In a monarchy, the sovereignty might rest with Gyanendra. In a democracy, the sovereignty might rest with the people. B

ut in the Nepali Congress the sovereignty rests with Girija. Logic?

In a democratic party policy decisions would be made by the central committee and the general convention. But in Girija's party policy decisions are made when Girija faces a microphone at this or that public event. Logic?

Absolute monarchy is hell, but the 1990s were no paradise either. But Girija has been singularly silent on the self-criticism front. Logic?

When the palace detains and releases Girija, he is a freedom fighter. When the palace detains and releases Gagan, he is a palace lackey. Logic?

There was Shaha Rule, then Rana Rule, then Shaha Rule, then Koirala Rule, then Shaha Rule. Logic?

Girija wants the king to be brought within the law. But he does not want the kingship to end. Kings are, by definition, above the law. Logic?

The last time Girija was a student was when he failed his I.A. exams, which was some time in the last century. But he shows up at the NSU convention in Pokhara, and tries to steer its proceedings. Logic?