In The News (5)

English: PM Bhattarai during a live talk show. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Baburam Bhattarai’s U-turn opens window for India in Nepal

Bhattarai may also influence Madhesi leaders of Nepali Congress as well as United Communist Party, opening a window of opportunity for India while leading to reconfiguration of political equations in both the hill and terai areas of Nepal. ...... India has repeatedly called for a more inclusive constitution to ensure long-term stability in Nepal. With an open border being one of India's primary interests in Nepal, the country is working with the local government to keep anti-India forces at bay. Besides, it is in India's interests that democracy continues to thrive in Nepal and therefore its constitution should be durable .....

Bhattarai's revolt is the first major sign of discord among the power elites in the hills of Nepal on the character of the new constitution

...... the elites have shown no flexibility whatsoever in undertaking any constitutional amendment to meet aspirations of the Madhesis ..... Bhattarai contacted senior Madhes leader and former Minister Rajendra Mahato soon after his resignation and expressed his wish to be part of the community's movement ..... Bhattarai told Mahato that forces fighting for their rights must intensify the movement in Madhes against the discriminatory provisions of the constitution ......

If the hill community does not sympathise with and support Madhesis' genuine demands, Madhesis could choose a radical path which could destabilise Nepal

Baburam Bhattarai joins Madhesi cause, holds future of politics in his hands
Why Bhattarai, after three decades, will not be considered a communist anymore.

For long, Baburam Bhattarai has been a text-book and dogmatic communist. He believed in every word of it as conformed through his series of write-ups ..... he quit the party, severing his political association of nearly three decades with his boss and Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal , giving enough hints that he would join the movement launched by a few Madhes centric leaders. In fact, he had refused to join any official celebration over the promulgation of the constitution. ...... he quit the party, severing his political association of nearly three decades with his boss and Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal , giving enough hints that he would join the movement launched by a few Madhes centric leaders. In fact, he had refused to join any official celebration over the promulgation of the constitution. ..... how Bhattarai responds to the new constitution — demand an amendment, or its scrapping altogether — if Madhesis are not heard, will influence the future course of politics in Nepal, that shows no sign of being stable. But Bhattarai, after three decades, will not be considered a communist anymore.

Baburam Bhattarai’s stage set on fire, Ram Chandra Jha beaten up in Janakpur

The protesters vandalised the stage and set it on fire after Bhattarai cut short his speech and was escorted out from the stage amid hullabaloo. ..... The protesters beat up leader Ram Chandra Jha and manhandled with UCPN-Maoist leader Ram Kumar Sharma. Both are Bhattarai’s supporters. ...... It has been said that Bhattarai was protested as he did not show readiness to burn the new Constitution despite his alleged commitment to do so...... The protesters forced Bhattarai to flee the venue and chased him up to Janakpur Airport. Security personnel had to struggle hard to escort him to the airport...... Several tear gas shells were lobbed to disperse the protesters outside the airport, while at least seven protesters were injured in lathi charge.....

As he was greeted with booing for addressing in Nepali, Bhattarai switched to Hindi

Tarai parties give BRB cold shoulder

Madhesi parties have given a cold shoulder to Baburam Bhattarai’s request to fight for their cause....... In a telephone conversation with Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, Bhattarai said that he was willing to fight for the cause of Madhesi, Janajati and Tharu communities....... In reply,

Mahato thanked Bhattarai for the support, but said that they cannot entertain his belated request to join their struggle. Such move would only raise scepticism, Mahato told Bhattarai.

.... Laxman Lal Karna, Sadbhawana Party co chair, declined to comment on the prospects of Bhattarai joining their movement. He, however, said that anyone was free to support them. After declaring his exit from the UCPN (Maoist) on Saturday, Bhattarai now plans to join the ongoing struggle of Madhes, Tharu and Janajati communities.