When a landmine in Chitwan killed 28 bus passengers, His Majesty, who was chairing the government, didn't even send condolences or a message of sympathy, let alone inspect the site of the attack. Neither was there any message after families of security men were slaughtered in Dhangadi. It is natural for the people to feel this omission.

His Majesty can't just take power or say I'll run the country myself. For that one needs to know the real situation in the country, the security status, what the resources the country needs are, what is its future, do the people have peace and justice. If so, how can it be made sustainable? If not, how to do it? All these things must be taken into consideration and a comprehensive strategy put together before taking over power and administration.

Today, His Majesty has chosen the wrong people, without popular support and participation, and has not just plunged right into the conflict but has also antagonised the political parties. This is like Bhimsen Thapa's government where he involved only his relatives. This bunch of arrogant and greedy charlatans and convicts must be replaced.

Much time has been wasted since October 2002. How much more time are we going to waste? This is an era of new perspectives it's for looking to the future, not to look back at old and ragged fossils. His Majesty is raising white elephants who have ceased to be relevant.

It is time for His Majesty to rethink and re-evaluate his move. Peace, justice and reformed democracy must be returned. The people can't be disregarded: it will be a mistake to think that the people will automatically accept things just because His Majesty says so. This will widen the gap between the people who back the king's measures and the people who disregard them.

His Majesty is being dragged into controversy, the people's positive attitude and hope is being transformed into hopelessness and the international community is also pressuring the rulers to rethink their moves. There should be no more plans and programs that go against the people's wishes.

Surya Bahadur Sen Oli was a former Zonal Commissioner during the Panchayat.