Democracy For Nepal

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Nepal Has Hit The World Headlines

We must be doing something right.

A constituent assembly can be the only meeting point between the seven party alliance and the palace like it has been the only meeting point between the seven party alliance and the Maoists. That is the only point of compromise available to this revolution. We are soldiers of non violence. After we secure the constituent assembly, the republicans among us then will have the option to try and win the hearts and minds of the Nepali people. That is the preferred way. Street demonstrations are a second choice.

But there is only so long we can wait. There are only so many martyrs we can take, only so many injuries, only so many arrests.

There has to be a plan B.

In my mind that plan B has to be one where there is no role whatsoever for the king. In that plan the country becomes a republic before it goes to a constituent assembly.

Some are talking in terms of a parallel government. I am for a revolutionary parliament. There is a clear distinction between the two, and I think a revolutionary parliament is a much better idea.

Interim Constitution, Revolutionary Parliament

A revolutionary parliament would be the 1999 House, a one chamber parliament, functioning under an interim constitution. Through majority vote after public debates, it could pretty much take any decision within the purview of the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights.

That revolutionary parliament could declare the country a republic, but it does not have to if it does not want to. The revolutionary parliament idea is to short circuit the revolution and take it to a whole different level.

But before this can happen we have to win over the police and then the army.

Retrain the street demonstrators, their leaders, to not engage in acts of violence. No stone throwing, for example. Negotiate with the police out in the streets. No stone throwing, no tear gas, no lathi charge, no gunfire. Engage the police in small talk. Have pamphlets to hand over to them in large numbers. The pamphlet should explain why they ought to switch sides.

So you build a huge crowd at the police barricades, and then invite the police inspectors to join you in conversation. You work hard to convince them to let you keep moving.

The revolution has already won over the Home Ministry bureaucracy.

After you win over the police, the army rank and file are easy. The Maoists have to make it absolutely clear they will not make attempts to engage the RNA foot soldiers in any warfare. The rank and file in the police and the rank and file in the army are from similar socio-economic backgrounds. Target all of them with pamphlets and street conversations.

Walk over to the barricades and talk. Raise slogans to suggest the people, the police and the army are on the same side. They are as much the people as the street demonstrators.

Alliance to continue with protest, 24 hr ultimatum to King

Kathmandu Apr 22 (UNI) The agitating seven political parties have rejected Nepal King Gyanendra's announcement of restoring executive power to the people and have given him a 24-hour ultimatum to reinstate the dissolved parliament, a local television channel said.

The seven-party alliance has also said that they will reinstate the dissolved House, if the King does not accept their demand by tomorrow. They have also warned about the formation of a parallel government.

''There was no rationale behind accepting the offer to form a government at a time when the King had not addressed any of the demands being put forward by the SPA,'' a Nepali Congress spokesman told reporters.

However, the meeting of the top leaders of the seven parties alliance has decided to continue with the peaceful protest program.

The government suspended the mobile services in Kathmandu. The mobile service were cut off at 0330 hours local time today.

This is the second time in two weeks that government has suspended mobile service.

In The News

Nepal Sets Curfew for Fourth Day; Opposition Vows More Protests Bloomberg
Maoists urge on Nepal protesters BBC News
20 seriously injured in firing Hindustan Times
At least six injured in firing as anti-king protest continues Zee News
Nepal protests to intensify NDTV.com, India
Security forces violently disperse protests as unrest continues in ... UN News Centre
Further curfew in Nepal amid rising violence RTE.ie
Nepal: The battle for the roof of the world Independent, UK
Nepal King cuts phone lines, orders curfew The Tribune
Nepal's new dawn Asian Tribune
When will UPA see red in Nepal? Daily Pioneer
Nepal’s troubled kingdom Hindustan Times, India
King at his wits´ end Organiser
Beginning of the end? Hindustan Times
Gyanendra’s despotism has brought the Nepali monarchy close to ... Tehelka (subscription)
Nepal developments "in the right direction": Manmohan Hindu, India
India cannot afford to see Nepal becoming a failed state: PM Hindustan Times
Directions: Tourists ‘should leave Nepal now’ The Sunday Times, UK
Nepal parties’ no to offer, want Parliament restored Indian Express, India
Alliance to continue with protest, 24 hr ultimatum to King Deepika
People, parties spurn Nepal King's offer Hindu, India
'Nepal Maoists must be included in dialogue' Expressindia.com, India
Nepal crisis: Yechury backs movement Kolkata Newsline
UK Nepalese 'fear for families' BBC News
Return Nepal to democracy: US to Gyanendra Rediff
Advani for efforts to isolate Nepal Maoists Daily News & Analysis, India
Restore democracy fully in Nepal: CPI Hindu, India
Himal of Nepal: A Salute To A Pioneering Magazine The Moderate Voice
Nepal : Too Little Too Late Asian Tribune, Thailand
Nepal's Govt. frees two top Opposition leaders Hindu, India
Fresh arrests belie Nepal king's offer Times of India
Nepal releases 2 senior Leftist leaders Zee News
Nepal police fire on protestors marching on king's palace after ... JURIST
On Scene: A Revolution in Nepal? TIME

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Friday, April 21, 2006

Home Minister: Bamdev Gautam

I keep thinking Bamdev Gautam is best suited for the job in the interim government. Home Minister: Bamdev Gautam. This guy vertically split the UML on the Mahakali issue. He once said he was going to bury a whole bunch of different kinds of opponents, that to the Russian ambassador in Delhi when he asked Gautam how his party managed to keep growing while communism was on the wane everywhere else.

When you google his name, the first two results are from this blog.

Democracy For Nepal (DFN): Bamdev Gautam: January 20 On Schedule
Democracy For Nepal (DFN): Girija Koirala, Bamdev Gautam In Delhi

As I googled him, I only now have come to realize he was quite indignant about remarks Hrithik Roshan never made.

Overall I think Bamdev Gautam has the resolve to do the job. You need a Home Minister who will take concrete action. The feudals in the top ranks of the police and the army are not unlike the 500 plus little princes of India before independence.

There will be people who will lose jobs. Some will get sent to jail. Many will have to give back money they looted from the state treasury these past few years. Of course it will not just be the Home Minister taking care of all these details. But the Home Minister will be the most visible. And it will be important that individual exudes decisiveness. It will be the Home Minister who will order the imprisonment of Kamal Thapa, for example.

The king could end up standing a public trial himself. The way things are going, you never know.
And it is important for us to think in terms of these future steps. You have to imagine the reality before it becomes reality.

On The Web

Calls for ‘Reformasi’ in Food and Agriculture Resonate at ... All Nepal Peasant Association (ANPA) chairperson, Comrade Bamdev Gautam said that multi-nationals are endangering the professions of farmers
Struggle for press freedom Government release former deputy prime minister bamdev gautam , former local development minister Krishna gopal shrestha CPN UML leader Bamdev Gautam
Uncertain prospects in Nepal Underground Maoists, however, found an ardent supporter of their cause in CPN(ML) general secretary Bamdev Gautam. He praised the Maoists who, he said, were fighting the state on an empty stomach. "If I meet underground Maoist leaders Baburam Bhattarai and Prachanda, I will propose to them to work together for the interests of the Nepali people," he said. Although the CPN(ML) is seeking to form a government of "patriotic and Leftist" forces, its immediate objective is to check its bete noire, the CPN(UML), from winning a majority and place itself in a position where it could bargain for power, analysts said.
Nepalnews.com (Flashnews) Arc159 The convention of the CPN-ML concluded with electing Sahana Pradhan chairperson and Bamdev Gautam general secretary of the party. The convention concluded early Wednesday morning. It endorsed the Bamdev Gautam's political programme that seeks continuation of "People's Multiparty" propounded by late Madan Bhandari, the then general secretary of CPN-UML..... There had been stiff struggle between Bamdev Gautam and CP Mainali's factions to get their own political documents adopted by the convention and capture of the leadership of the party...... Gautam won with overwhelming majority...... The newly elected central committee members are: Sahana Pradhan, Bamdev Gautam, CP Mainali, Sitanandan Raya, Siddhilal Singh, Shambhu Ram Shrestha, Ashok Rai, Trilochan Dhakal, Radha Krishna Mainali, Kiran Gurung, Kamal Chaulagain, Tanka Karki, Keshab Lal Shrestha, Khem Narayan Dhungana, Gopal Shakya, Govinda Kalauni, Jitendra Dev, Jit Bahadur Lama, D.B. Karki, Dal Bahadur Rana, Dip Bahadur Shrestha, Dev Bahadur Poudel, Devi Prasad Ojha, Dharma Dutta Devkota, Naresh Kharel, Balram Banskota, Bhim Bahadur Khadayat, Man Kumar Gautam, Mahesh Chaudhari, Yagya Raj Neupane, Yam Lal, Kandel, Yogendra Shah, Rakam Chemjong, Raghubir Mahaseth, Rajendra Shrestha, Ram Chandra Adhikari, Radha Gyawali, Wangche Sherpa, Sushil Chandra Amatya, Sushila Shrestha, Sarada Subedi, Hari Roka, Hari Parajuli and Hiranya Lal Shrestha.
Front Pagers Awake Weekly Chronicle (Nepal) ML general secretary Bamdev Gautam, who felt a strong threat during Pokhara gathering, expanded the party central committee immediately after his returning to Kathmandu. In present expansion, he has included 14 members in the central committee, ten of whom are Gautam supporter...... Gautam, took such a decision when ML’s powerful leader CP Mainali is visiting China. In this regard, many ML leaders have opposed Gautam’s present decision. The opposition voice may become much lauder after Mainali returns back from China...... Both Gautam and Mainali are trying to grasp party leadership. In the mean time, a third group has emerged in the party, which is seeking to return back in the UML..... Central committee members Hari Parajuli, Yamlal Kandel, Salim Miya Anshari, R.K. Mainali, Raghubir Mahaseth and many others have been developing contacts with the UML leaders in the process of returning back to the UML...... Bamdev Gautam himself may be willing to return back to the UML party by confessing all mistakes. But, his path may be blocked by Keshab Sthapit and Keshab Lal Shrestha. The UML leadership is not ready to accept these two persons in the UML again........ Initiatives have begun for the unity of the Nepal Communist Party UML and Nepal Communist Party ML. The catalyst for such initiatives has been the ruling party’s suppression, corruption, immoral activities and other mis-conduct. Both the parties have said the misdeeds of the ruling party has reached its limit......... It is considered that the Nepali Congress won the majority only because of the split of the UML. And now it has become uncontrollable. It is supposed that there would be no future for the communist parties in Nepal if these two remain divided. However, there still are differences between two parties.
NEPAL: Deuba’s ministry finally takes shape: Update 50 In UML, the crafty Madhav Nepal managed to keep both the seniors K.P.Oli and Bamdev Gautam out of the cabinet. Bamdev Gautam is a straight talking, tough individual and the only sin he had committed was in leaving the party for a while. Madhav Nepal perhaps felt that his position will be threatened, if Oli is given an important position. Of late, in the movement against regression, Oli has not been seeing eye to eye with Madhav Nepal.
People's Review: December-18, 1997:Bamdev to represent minority group As the 35th central committee meeting of the NCP-UML clearly divided the UML leaders into two different blocs, now, Madhab Nepal group has come to criticise the Bamdev group alleging that the thoughts presented by Bamdev Gautam, progressive reform, is a conspiracy against the popular people's multi-party policy adopted by the 5th general convention of the party. The Nepal group has charged Bamdev faction as being opportunist and extremely inclined in southern activities. The Gautam faction has also been criticised for attempting to destroy the Communist revolutionary goal of the party which adopted by the last convention....... Madhab Nepal, general secretary of the party, flayed the thoughts presented by Bamdev stating that it was an attempt to put the thoughts of people's multi-party at a corner of a room. The difference of the two sides erupted once again in public, when both Gautam and KP Sharama Oli attacked each others' policies. They were speaking at the talk programme organised by the students wing of the party in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Gautam appealed to the workers to take the party forward with progressive ideas and achieve glory. He expressed the opinion that only this way will the party be able to gain a majority government. Indicating towards his detractors, Gautam warned, "In the name of being revolutionary, one should not jump from the roof"......... Bamdev Gautam, immediately after the voting, had made said that he would bring a separate proposal in the party convention. Bamdev, so far, has registered his document to be presented in the convention at the party central committee. Accordingly, Madhab Kumar Nepal has also registered his document to be presented at the convention. CP Mainali, Sahana Pradhan and Jhalanath Khanal's group is backing Bamdev, on the other hand, KP Oli, Pradip Nepal, Iswar Pokhrel have backed Nepal. Observers feel that this time, minority group too are in a strong position. It is assumed that the convention venue may be divided into two strong groups of UML participants. Nepal group, however, has achieved majority in the CWC meeting, is not sure on easy adaptation of their proposal in the convention. Some Left observers feel that the convention date may be postponed due to the danger of split in the party.
Narayan Hiti Killings and After CPN (ML) leaders, Bamdev Gautam and C.P. Mainali, are willing to talk with the Maoists and participate in the all Party Conference sponsored by them. Even in the ruling Nepalese Congress former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the faction led by him favour a compromise with the Maoists. Yet Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Deputy Prime Minister Ram Chandra Paudel are of the view that the Maoists should be handled sternly. Paudel says ‘The Maoists won’t come to the talks unless they are cornered.’
People's Review: July31, 1997:grouping in UML Two strong groups within the UML Communist Party can presently be seen. One is led by Bamdev Gautam/CP Mainali faction and the other is led by Madhab Nepal and Khadga Oli faction. Tussles among the two groups has been seen in local elections in Jhapa, Morang, Rajbiraj and Janakpur. The reflection of the tussle can be seen in local vernacular weeklies leaning to the UML party too...... It is learnt that Budhabar is under the grip of Madhab Nepal and Khadga Oli, on the other hand, Jana Aastha carries the line of Bamdev Gautam, deputy prime minister....... In Jhapa, the constituency of CP Mainali and KP Oli, the rift among the two groups has reached a crucial stage. The official party candidate Naresh Kharel, who had the blessing of Bamdev Gautam has been defeated in the election of the District Development Committee. Arjun Rai, backed by KP Oli, had given candidature against party line and he won the election........
News Nepal: Migrant Nepalese Mass meeting in Delhi---webchautari.com Another senior UML leader Bamdev Gautam said that the Nepalese now do not want any kind of monarchy in Nepal, be it ceremonial or otherwise
UML leaders Gautam, Shrestha released - Nepal News Daily
rediff.com: Series: Josy Joseph reports on the recent mayhem in Nepal Nepal's Information Minister Jaiprakash Gupta and Shah are adversaries. Gupta banned Indian television channels after protests erupted in Kathmandu. He also stopped the screening of Hrithik Roshan's movies..... Shah's Spacetime Network, which controls most of Kathmandu's cable television business, immediately took Indian channels of the air. With that, he blocked Hrithik Roshan's denials....... It was only on the second day of the violence that Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala managed to get Hrithik Roshan's views on a Nepali television channel. It had an instant impact..... The minister "indirectly gave an impression that the government is convinced that Hrithik indeed made that statement," comments Ghimre....... "There were other political dailies in this country that were totally chauvinistic and used inflammatory headlines and captions. Spacetime actually was mild." ..... Once the media whipped up passions, political groups and vested interests took advantage of the situation....... Bamdev Gautam, leader of the nine-party Opposition coalition that led the protests, says it is not true that the ISI was behind the violence. Neither was the violence "organised"....... "It was mostly spontaneous," he claims. "People were taking out their anger at the failure of the Girija Prasad Koirala government." ...... The violence, he continues, was not against India or Indians. It was against "an ineffective" government. ..... "The ISI could be here. But the [Indian] RAW [Research and Analysis Wing) is more active," argues Gautam....... "The attacks were on big Nepalis of Indian origin," says K D Vyas, till recently president of the Indian Citizens Association of Nepal. "Our face tells them that we are not Nepalis." ...... The Marwaris, most of them Nepali citizens, according to Vyas, are "the single most influential business community in this country." ..... the Indian community was at the receiving end. ...... That is the version being given out by Indian intelligence agencies, too. They believe if it was not planned, it would not have been possible for such violence to spread almost 11 whole days after the first protest erupted and ended in Chitwan...... The areas worst hit in Kathmandu included the shopping malls of New Road, which is dominated by Indian businessmen...... At the city's famous Everest Casino, a mob barged in looking for Indians. Luckily, the two Indians present escaped through a backdoor...... Though the random violence is attributed to mob fury, observers are unanimous that the attacks on the Indian community was organised and planned...... "I find it rather curious the violence was so spontaneous and seemed so well-organised. And very, very sudden," he says. "Normally one would expect a build up of emotions before something of this nature would happen. That was not so." ..... Kunda Dixit says the people who carried out the attacks were part of some organised mob...... "There were no government for two days. There was no one coming out with any statement, or doing anything to stop it. When they did act, it was with unnecessary violence where they shot five young people," he adds........ Opposition leader Bamdev Gautam repeats that the violence was not against India. "It is a lie that Indians were the targets," he says. "Some vehicles were damaged, some Marwari shops and houses were also attacked. But these Marwaris are not Indians, but Nepalis mostly." .......
Bam Dev refuses to accept Hrithik denial - Nepali Times I think the reaction in Nepal and Kathmandu is natural and correct. Whatever is happening now is the feelings against Hrithik Roshan’s wrong, damaging and insulting comments which has now taken the shape of a nationalist wave. The government tried to impede the expression of the nationalistic feelings of the people by firing at the protestors, and that has left four innocent people dead........ No, I don’t need to give proof about whether he said it or not. The Nepali people have already done that. If I were to say anything I would say he should not have made such things......... How can you take Hrithik Roshan’s side when you are staying in London? His remarks were heard on television channels, it was in the papers. Just because Hrithik Roshan has denied ever making such comments today and so on, can we say that is true? Can you give proof of that? Therefore whatever you have heard is wrong. The insulting things done against Nepal and Nepalis by some Indian artistes are very saddening, shameful and worth protesting. Does it suit you, a Nepali living in London, to ask for proof of whether he said it or not? Let’s not talk about that. He definitely said it. For proof you have the TV channel......... That is what he is saying now. How can you reach any conclusion on what he has said now? ...... You should first find the facts and say that he has not said it at all. He said it but now denies doing that. The channel that broadcast it may have tried to erase it but there must be some proof of what has already become public. It was on the basis of that proof that the sentiments of the Nepalis were hurt........ He has definitely said it. He has definitely insulted Nepalis and Nepal. The Nepali people poured their sentiments against that insult and that should have been allowed. But the government—which is used to wagging its tail in front of Indian rulers—this time too crushed the protests, shot them......... What do you want? Only things you want (to hear). Take what the Nepali state now needs. Today the Nepal government, the Nepali Congress government has shot and killed four innocent, unarmed people for what? For saying that the Indian actor should not have made those insulting comments against Nepal....... We found it in the Star Channel and on that basis newspapers published the reports…
Bam Dev - Nepali Times In your last edition I read Bam Dev Gautam’s interview to the BBC. Now I realise why parties split. It’s all because of intellectually challenged people like him. After reading the transcript of his rantings, my perception changed. I found out that he is anti-Nepali and does not care about the country. He is someone who is easily carried away by rumours. I don’t understand how a person like him can say such things in the media and how he became the Secretary General of a national party is still a mystery to me. Shame on being a Nepali like Bam Dev Gautam.

Chandra Prakash Mainali - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In 1998 CPN(UML) was torn by internal strife. Mainali and Bam Dev Gautam led a break-away group that was christened Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist). CPN(ML) briefly joined a Nepali Congress government led by G.P. Koirala. In the 1999 parliamentary elections CPN(ML) failed miserably to challenge the domination of CPN(UML). The party did get an impressive 6.4% of the national vote, but failed to win a single seat.... At the time of the 2000 CPN(ML) party congress, Mainali challenged Bam Dev Gautam for the post of general secretary. Whereas Gautam upheld the line of People's Multiparty Democracy as formulated by Madan Kumar Bhandari (which was also the political line of CPN(UML)), Mainali argued for a more radical political approach..... In 2002 CPN(ML) and CPN(UML) re-unified. C.P. Mainali did however refuse to go along with the merger and refounded CPN(ML).

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is credited for achieving the political integration of independent India..... a self-educated, forceful lawyer .......... and successful GujaratiPatel was known amongst nationalists as "Gandhi's lieutenant," and he enjoyed considerable support and respect in the Congress for his decisive and straight-forward leadership. ....... Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India from a plethora of semi-independent princely states, colonial provinces and possessions. Patel employed an iron fist in a velvet glove diplomacy — frank political negotiations backed with the option (and the use) of military action ....... His leadership obtained the peaceful and swift integration of all 565 princely states into the Republic of India. Patel's initiatives spread democracy extensively across India, and re-organized the states to help transform India into a modern federal republic. His admirers call him the Iron Man of India..... one of the earliest and key defenders of property rights and free enterprise in independent India. ......... His actual date of birth was never officially recorded ..... age of 22; at this point, he was generally regarded by his elder relatives as an unambitious man destined for a commonplace job ...... a fierce and skilled lawyer ........ spent years away from his family, pursuing his goals assiduously ....... Patel was given a note informing him of his wife's demise as he was cross-examining a witness in court. As per others who witnessed, Patel read the note, pocketed it and continued to intensely cross-examine the witness. He broke the news to others only after the proceedings had ended with the case won......... enrolled at the Middle Temple Inn in London. Finishing a 36 month course in 30 months, Patel topped his class despite having no previous college background. He settled in the city of Ahmedabad, and became one of the city's most prominent barristers........ left his successful practice and house in Ahmedabad to join the freedom struggle. Patel had initially made fun of Gandhi's habits and points of view ..... ........ Gandhi's desire for action instead of words appealed strongly to Patel..... Patel began a village-to-village tour, detailing grievances and asking villagers for their support for a state-wide revolt by not paying taxes. All throughout the state, almost every villager, Hindu and Muslim backed Patel's efforts and leadership. Patel emphasized complete non-violence despite any provocation, and unity amongst all villagers......... Patel became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1931 ...... Patel was Gandhi's right-hand man ...... he remained its second-most important leader after Gandhi, exceeding the younger and charismatic Jawaharlal Nehru in authority and influence within the party and in government ..... throughout his life, he viewed himself as "a soldier in Bapu's Army." ...... Patel assumed a wide range of responsibilities by raising funds for the Party from businessmen and sympathizers, developing an election strategy and selecting candidates for the provincial and central elections of 1934 and 1937 ...... Patel strongly supported Gandhi's call for a final, definitive struggle to obtain the exit of the British in India, after he realized that the British would not reward India with freedom even if India supported Britain in the World War II. Patel's support was critical, since the movement was received with criticism and caused many political divisions and controversy......... After making a fiery speech in Mumbai to a crowd over 100,000 strong, Patel energized thousands of nationalists, removing political exhaustion, division and confusion....... Quit India became the most dangerous revolt in the history of the country. Hundreds of thousands of people courted arrest, and whole cities and provinces shut down....... Thousands of protestors were killed, and over 100,000 arrested in the process........ Patel famously stepped down in favor of Nehru from the 1946 election for the Congress Presidency, upon the request of Gandhi. Patel had the support of 11 out of 15 Congress Party provincial organizations, while Nehru had none........ When Nehru and the others had approved the idea, Patel who took the job of convincing a deeply saddened Gandhi of the inevitability of partition as the pragmatic solution....... He was considered a statesman of integrity with the practical acumen and resolve to accomplish a monumental task. Patel was willing to stand up for national interest and enforce the word of the Government, yet possessed the tact and experience to negotiate successfully with the princes......... Patel used social meetings and unofficial surroundings to engage most monarchs, inviting them to lunch and tea at his home in Delhi. At these meetings, Patel stated that there was no inherent conflict between the Congress and the princely order. Nonetheless, he stressed that the princes would need to accede to India in good faith by August 15, 1947. Patel invoked the patriotism of India's monarchs, asking them to join in the freedom of their nation and act as responsible rulers who cared about the future of their people. He persuaded the princes of 565 states of the impossibility of independence from the Indian republic, especially in the presence of growing opposition from their subjects. He also proposed favourable terms for the merger, including creation of privy purses for the descendants of the rulers. While encouraging the rulers to act with patriotism, Patel did not rule out force, setting a deadline of August 15, 1947, for them to sign the instrument of accession document. All but three of the states willingly merged into the Indian union leading to the comment that Patel liquidated the princely states without liquidating the princes. Only Jammu and Kashmir, Junagadh, and Hyderabad did not fall into his basket......

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21 April