All Nepalis and Nepal's friends have only one wish-the king and the political parties cooperate and together endeavour to solve the Maoist problem. But the situation is heading in the opposite direction. The king's continual indifference has resulted in the parties taking to the streets in escalating protests. This had made it easier for the Maoists to appeal to parliamentary parties. While the seven parties' agitation takes shape, criticism and anger against the king's advisers is growing. The Maoists have started sending positive signals about the parties and in the past week it was evident that while the rift between the king and the parties widened, the Maoists and the parties were coming closer. For Nepalis who believe in multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy, this turn of events is unpalatable. But no one has an answer. The leaders of the seven parties themselves seem opportunistic. They do not really want to grow alienated from the king but circumstances have reached a turning point and maybe beyond their control.

A few weeks ago, all external powers supported cooperation between the king and the parties. They emphasised unity among the parties before they could work together with the king. India, Britain and the EU openly welcomed the solidarity. This really angered the government who summoned the British and Indian ambassadors and gave them letters of warning. This was a new and deplorable incident in Nepal's diplomatic history. On the other hand, American Ambassador James Moriarty has used fear of the Maoists to pressure the parties to unite and has been supporting the royal move, substantiating the rumour of the royal move being decided upon with American support. Amidst all this, the Royal Nepali Army made public Pranchanda's audiotape to prove that India had an unholy alliance with the Maoists.

This was no small matter for New Delhi. Then unfolded a series of reports that Maoist leaders Baburam Bhattarai and Krishna Bahadur Mahara had met Indian Communist Party General Secretary Prakash Karat with the help of the Indian security. After the Delhi meeting, it looks like the Indian intent was to bring the parties and the Maoists closer. Even members of Kathmandu's professional 'civil society' who make their opinions on the basis of which way the wind blows in Delhi have now started echoing the Indian line. They see the king as more to blame for the failure of unity between the king and the parties. This view has gained momentum for a while and if some sudden event does not affect it, the attitude in Kathmandu might be like that of Delhi-if it is a choice between the king and the Maoists, either will do.