It has been proven that the Prime Minister\'s visit was ill timed. In no way can the visit be looked upon as one that will boost the image of an independent country. He failed politically. India managed to cheat Nepal on Kalapani and Laxmanpur barrage, underscoring its anti-Nepal character. I think the Prime Minister had said he would not visit India until Indian troops were withdrawn from Kalapani. His promise has vanished into thin air. If he had managed to include Kalapani in the agenda for the talks, half his prestige could have been salvaged. That did not happen.

Not only politics, even areas outside politics did not benefit from the India visit. Industry groups have openly expressed their dissatisfaction. They feel that this trip was not very productive. The journalists visiting with the Prime Minister could also not appreciate the visit. Those journalists that had Indian "friends" went there to meet them and have fun. Those without friends spent their time relaxing in the hotel. They were saddened by the way the Indian media ignored the Nepali Prime Minister\'s visit.

The Prime Minister visited India for nothing. If he had casually met the Indian Prime Minister and President while on pilgrimage to Tirupati or Kashi one would not have sought the political implication of the visit and the Nepali Prime Minister would not now be in this difficult situation. Instead the visit would have been looked upon as a pilgrimage in his old age and sympathy would have been generated by his visit.

Poor Prime Minister. Why is all this happening in his old age?
The Prime Minister is returning today (Sunday) on schedule, but something else awaits him here. Someone in the know says this time Khum Bahadur will do something. Using the Aftab Alam case as an excuse, it is hoped that Khum Bahadur will stab Girija Prasad on his chest.