Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Narahari Acharya Deserves A Platform









The Narahari Acharya Proposal

Girija Koirala will have to get out of the way, and let there be discussions on the pertinent issues raised in this document. The public sentiment for open debates has to be respected, and Girija needs to make room. Democracy starts at "home." It starts inside the party.

This is a litmus test for Girija. If the sovereignty is to rest with the people, the people may discuss any topic under the sun. Girija does not get to hijack the agenda.

I can say this even before I have read the document. I just only started reading. Let me go ahead and do that and bring forth some of the key points.

Some of the things of interest are:
  1. He is saying the question is not if there is enough peace to allow for elections to a Constituent Assembly. An Assembly is what will bring peace.
  2. The new constitution will have to enshrine a strong provision for referendums.
  3. Direct elections for Prime Minister is an option.
  4. Federalism is a precondition for democracy itself.
  5. Reform will not do it. What is needed is fundamental change.
  6. The army.
  7. The monarchy.
  8. Women, Dalit, Madhesi.
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Anatomy Of The Conflict In Pokhara


"This is not how it was supposed to be. It's not something that the NSU needed right now"—Gagan Thapa

Towards the beginning of Gagan Thapa’s speech, the last amongst those to have spoken, two men started announcing various notices on a microphone from the roof of the Sabha Griha. Mahadev Gurung and Raju Adhikari were then spotted on the rooftop as well. The latter is the secretary of the Nepal Deshbhakta Sangh, Kaski Jilla, the pro-monarch nationalistic organization started by now Assistant Minister Nuchee Shamsher Rana.

Eyewitnesses at the venue reported that the police chose to merely observe, doing absolutely nothing even when face-to face with the injured—instead, a police jeep was seen leaving the venue during the violence.

(Source: Samudaya)

There is no one reason why it happened, there are several. But what happened is unfortunate. It is a setback to the democratic movement.

A NSU with a clear program and a clear leader brought forth through elections based on an accurate voting list would have given a major boost to the movement. The momentum thus generated would have had a major positive impact on the NC convention.

But instead there was a physical fight.

It all apparently started with a Mandale throwing a reportedly 20 kilogram rock on Gagan Thapa from a roof and barely missing him. This is key. The perpetrator is on a government minister's payroll.

These are the primary culprits:

(1) Girija Koirala. His people clearly tried to hijack the NSU convention. They tried to bypass the election process by preaching "consensus" at first. When that did not go anywhere, they messed around with the voters' lists. A gang within the Nepali Congress that ousted a duly elected Gagan Thapa from the NSU a few years back is the same gang that tried to prevent Gagan Thapa from duly getting elected NSU President. This highlights the need for internal democracy within parties and organizations. Girija Koirala has every right to stick to his constitutional monarchy mantra, but he has no right to use foul means to try and silence those with republican sentiments. Girija is plain jealous of Gagan's wide popularity. He thinks the king is jailing and releasing Gagan to sideline Girija, and suggested as much. That is so petty on his part.

(2) State-sponsored Mandales. What if the 20 kilogram rock had not missed Gagan Thapa? Does this not count as an attempt on his life? And if the perpetrator is a man of a cabinet minister, what is one to think? That people at the highest levels were involved? The incident brought forth chaos and confusion. And that brought the Gagan and Girija factions within the NSU into physical clashes with each other. Because once the chaos ensued, noone in the crowd had the time to figure out it was actually a Mandale who started the whole thing.

(3) Once the fight started, the police actually left the venue. That was the exact opposite of what they should have done. Maybe there is autocracy in the country, but Nepal is still a state, and the law enforcement officers are still on the Nepali people's payroll. The police should have stayed and intervened to calm things down. Yes, you heard me right.

(4) The NSU itself. Measure up, folks. For the sake of democracy.

So what's next?

I think the NSU should hold its convention at the earliest. The Mandale involvement in this fracas should fuel the movement further. Introspection here will help.

This is not defeat. This is only a temporary setback.

Girija Koirala needs to be confronted at the NC convention for the sake of internal democracy in a major party. It is the democratic process that should decide the party's agenda, and the party leadership.

Nepali Congress' lack of internal democracy is one of the biggest reasons the people have not come out in larger numbers to support the movement.

And as for physical attacks by Mandales, the democratic government will have the option to investigate and punish. They are not the stronger crowd, by no means.

Any personal attack on Gagan Thapa is an attack on the movement itself. If you disagree with him, debate him!

Criminal acts are to be dealt with as such.

Nepal's Polity Score 1946-2003

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Protests










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Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Protests






























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Where I Stand On The Monarchy Question


I stand neutral, but that is the neutrality of a democrat. And my observations of shifting moods on the same topic are those of a political scientist. And the moods sure have been shifting.

I feel the need to address this issue, because the Gagan-Girija imbroglio has brough it to the forefront like nothing before within the democratic camp. (Girijaspeak: When Republicans Are Royalists, 5 Steps To Democracy)

What do I mean by the neutrality of a democrat?

Gagan Thapa and the likes of him can be as republican as they might want to be. I greatly respect his commitment to the democratic cause. He has fast been emerging the very face of the movement. Freedom of thought and expression is a fundamental human right. Gagan has it. This is where Girija's commitment to the democratic spirit is suspect. His track record of playing foul by republicans like Gagan is a disservice to the cause of democracy. Girija does not have to share the sentiment, but he has to defend Gagan's right to be republican. And if cadres vote for Gagan, then so be it.

That umbrella I have for Gagan, I also have for the Maoists. If they are republicans, then so be it.

But then that umbrella also extends to all Nepalis. A poll from late 2004 shows a 60% support for a Constitutional Monarchy. I doubt the figures remain that high after 2/1 because what the country has right now is an Absolute Monarch. And the slide will likely continue. But whatever the figure, whatever the slide, or lack thereof, there is no escaping a Constituent Assembly.

If such an Assembly retains a Constitutional Monarchy, I sure am not going to have a heartburn. And I have full confidence an avowed republican like Gagan will respect the wish of the people. And I believe I have the best plan for a future form of such a Constitutional Monarchy. (Proposed Constitution)

A very small minority sentiment in the country - like 5% - is for an absolute monarchy. My "umbrella" covers also those people. Kirti Bishta, Tulsi Giri, Sharad Shaha - the Nepali Rasputins - all belong in that group. Through his ridiculous interpretations of the Article 127, King G has also shown his sentiments fall in that camp, his fantassies fall in that camp. I mean, Article 127 was supposed to have been like the appendix, there but unused. Instead he has ruptured that appendix.

I consider it my democratic responsibility to protect those with republican sentiments.

All three camps have been in the wrong at various times, in their various postures. But that does not mean all three are equally responsible. The king is primarily responsible, because he is the chief executive. And my natural allegiance of course is with the democratic camp.

I think the ideological stances on the question of the monarchy become less and less relevant over time. It is going to be more about shifting moods among the people. The movement has been gathering obvious momentum. The snowballing is happening. The king's orchestrated, cheerful photo opportunities do not deceive me.

If the mood shifts enough, the king is going to get his wish. The country is going to bypass the Constituent Assembly and head straight for a Democratic Republic. The rumblings can be heard.

He is set to receieve a major welcome in the form of a large protest rally when he shows up in New York on September 16. The diaspora grapevines have become live wires. A lot of organizing is going on.

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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. But 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?
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Monday, August 15, 2005

5 Steps To Democracy



  1. Take over power: Take Over Tundikhel.
  2. Build a democratic party, the total, transparent kind: Janata Dal Constitution.
  3. Introduce a democratic constitution into the country: Proposed Constitution.
  4. Promise rapid economic growth in the aftermath: 21st Century Nepal.
  5. Go global with it: Reorganized UN, Methods.
I just received news of foul play by the Koirala faction at the Nepal Student Union convention in Pokhara in an email from Somnath Ghimire. This is beyond ridiculous. It has been shamelessly customary for individuals to get double and triple Masters degrees so they can continue to be students and continue to contest the student elections. But for someone over 80 to jump into the fray is beyond shameless. Girija should just plain stay out.

But he is not going to.

And I received this amazing email from an amazing student leader of an amazing global student group yesterday. (Email From Charlie Szrom, Email To Charlie Szrom)

You put these two together and you get a dynamite of a cocktail.

I think Gagan Thapa should break away from a party that has only humiliated him and instead go directly to the people.

Gagan Thapa has become the face of the movement for democracy in Nepal. It is not Girija. Gagan is clean, Girija is not. Gagan is clear, Girija is fuzzy. Gagan is fresh, Girija is stale.

The movement for democracy needs a fresh break, a fresh, dynamic start.

I would be happy to engage in some major fund-raising from my end. The growth could be spontaneous and fast. But the lead has to be taken.

A Gagan Thapa who will not let a King Gyanendra scare him should not let some Girija scare him either. The fight for democracy in the country is with Gyanendra. But the fight for internal democracy in parties is with Girija. Both are equally important.

Neither can be ignored.

Gagan is not young. His youthfulness is a great asset in a country where over 40% of the people are less than 14 years old.

He should be party president.

He is the one who has hit the world headlines. He is the name on the US Senate floor. It has not been Girija, not someone else.

He has shown guts tempered with thoughtfulness and clarity of message. His style is democratic: he is constantly consulting with his associates and friends. He is for elections, not nominations.

His name and face are not any less recognized than either Girija or Gyanendra.

Gagan Thapa has become a political brand name.

The party will grow like a forest fire. Once it has been launched. It will spread its message globally.

Nothing like a fresh start.

Gagan's commitment should be to democracy, not to an outdated political party, especially when that party is in the way of democracy.

I say, let's do it.

Renaming The Blog In Honor Of Gagan's Release
Email To Charlie Szrom
Email From Charlie Szrom
Gagan Thapa Released
The Movement Has Been Gathering Much Momentum
Chargesheeting Gagan: This Regime Has Gone Berserk
Alliance Gathering At Queens Bridge Park
Senator Leahy To US Congress On Nepal
Gagan Thapa Feels Unsafe In Jail
Gagan Thapa Case Taken To The United Nations
2005 Young Republican National Convention (US) Resolution 1 On Nepal
Gagan Thapa Arrested Again
Loktantra: Pahilo Patak
Major Student Protests
Nepali Congress Slumber Party
Peace First, Then Democracy, Democracy First, Then Social Justice
The Lake Freezes At 32 Degrees Fahrenheit Like Magic
Laying The Grounds For A Weak Movement
The Seven Dwarfs
Girija, Deuba, And The Rest Of Them Clowns
Changing Gears
Gagan Thapa Arrested, Deuba Re-Arrested

Google News: Gagan Thapa
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Renaming The Blog In Honor Of Gagan's Release


The blog is being renamed to For A Democratic Nepal.
I am also going to rewrite the proposed constitution to make room for the monarchy in there. See, the thing is my proposal for the monarchy is highly creative:
  1. It has zero political power.
  2. It does not cost the country a dime.
  3. The king is "seen and heard" at the same time: my proposal sends him on television once a year in a big way.
And the biggest reason is that I feel the path to peace and democracy is quicker if you retain the monarchy. As late as the end of 2004, 60% of the country wanted to retain a constitutional monarchy. A democrat would respect that sentiment.

As for Gagan. I think he should think of ditching the Nepali Congress. Look at this Email To Charlie Szrom. In there are the 5 Steps To Democracy For A Country:
  1. Take over power: Take Over Tundikhel.
  2. Build a democratic party, the total, transparent kind: Janata Dal Constitution.
  3. Introduce a democratic constitution into the country: Proposed Constitution.
  4. Promise rapid economic growth in the aftermath: 21st Century Nepal.
  5. Go global with it: Reorganized UN, Methods.
It is like this. There was the Panchayat. After that ended, a lof the Panchas joined the Nepali Congress. That is not a cheap step. That is a positive transformation for the country.

Parties like the Congress and the UML are old. They are stuck in their old ways. What I am proposing is a new kind of democracy, the kind that does not exist in India or America, definitely did not exist in Nepal, the kind that even the Maoists will happily embrace and forget their guns forever.

And the seven parties are in the way. They are moving too slow. Their momentum towards internal reforms are non-existent or too slow.

I would be willing to do fund-raising at this end, if people like Gagan Thapa will take the jump. And I have no desire for a political career in Nepal. So it is people like Gagan Thapa who benefit politically. They will see a rapid political rise for themselves. More importantly, my proposal is good for the country. That counts.

This is my open letter to Gagan Thapa, who in many ways has become the face of the movement, even more so than Girija. And to the likes of Gagan Thapa. He is not too young to take more of a lead at the national level.

What say you?

Mary Joyce, Demologue

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