It's a new year in New Nepal. But our politicos are behaving as they always have: with opportunism and blaming everyone else but themselves. Within a week of getting into government, Maoists are also exhibiting these time-honoured traits.

Until as recently as three months ago, Ian Martin was hailed as a hero holding his ground against those determined to block the Maoists' entry into government. He has suddenly become a villain for taking his job seriously. All he did was question the possibility of holding elections in June and the UML and the CPN-M went ballistic. Over-reaction at media interactions is the hallmark of both these play-acting parties.

Fear-mongering about postponement of polls is at fever pitch. Pushpa Kamal Dahal smells a conspiracy. Madhab Nepal expects a "difficult situation" as he carries on with what he does best: blame the government of which he is a part.

We think they protest too much. In fact, the intensity of their opposition to a later date gives us a sneaking suspicion they don't really want elections in June but can't afford to say so up front.

Meanwhile, the new government needs to get down to work on delivery before the usual paralysis sets in. After a decade of insurgency and almost four years of dictatorship the bureaucracy badly needs a sense of direction. The police needs to get serious about law enforcement. There is no reason why the people of Dailekh still have to risk death crossing a bridge bombed by Maoists which has still not been repaired. Telecom towers across the country were destroyed, but even after a year of ceasefire many districts are still phoneless.

Improving security and service delivery should be this government's main mantra. Yet, we see the negative nabobs hemming and hawing, blaming others, playing victim, threatening the country with dire consequences just because they can't get their own act together.

The common minimum program is a good start. But let's not make it a case of getting away with doing the minimum. The proposed amendments to the constitution are not enough. To be taken seriously by the people our political talking heads should do what they say and say only those things that they can do.

Make that your new year resolution.