THE MORNING AFTER - Nepali Times

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THE MORNING AFTER

FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010) | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

SPECIAL K: Two youths peer out from behind a billboard as Girija Prasad Koirala's funeral procession passes Dillibajar, Sunday

Throughout the last week, the media has been abuzz with the passing of former prime minister and president of the Nepali Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala. The weight of commentary has now shifted from the late Koirala's achievements and failings to the political vacuum that has been created at this critical juncture in Nepali politics.

But it's not just about who's going to succeed to the NC presidency: Sher Bahadur Deuba, Ram Chandra Paudel or Sushil Koirala. With time running out for the constitution, mainstream politicians should be concerned about whether extremists will rear their heads to take advantage of the fluid situation. On the left, the Maoists would do well to make for the middle ground. This would be as much for their own good as to counter the right, which will be heartened by the statements made by former king Gyanendra in Janakpur, Wednesday. If things fall apart, everyone should remember that this time, there's no Girijababu to turn to.

READ ALSO:
The golden middle - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)
Real democracy - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)
Media mourning - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)
Political vacuum - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)
Death of the guardian - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)
Political being - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)
Post-GP - FROM ISSUE #495 (26 MARCH 2010 - 01 APRIL 2010)

1. jange
But wasn't it Girija who created the mess in the first place???

Posted on: 29 MARCH 2010 | 4:46 PM NST

2. PD
Yes Girija was the one who created this mess in the first place. Why can't we be objective of how he screwed up the country and the system? He does not deserve all the compliments that have been showered on him. Let the voice of the critics also come up.

Posted on: 31 MARCH 2010 | 9:11 AM NST

3. whymourngpk
"If things fall apart, everyone should remember that this time, there is no Girijababu to turn to."

This is the saddest joke I have ever come across. Get the irony?

Posted on: 31 MARCH 2010 | 2:43 AM NST

4. PD
Why do we need to turn to Girija? He is the person who has created the impression that unless he is there, things will fall apart. Look at the way he has messed up the country - regardless of what the PAC does, the government composed of his chamchas and daughter gave the passport order to India - obviously disrespecting everyone. Did his daughter win the election? No. Yet he put her into the DPM role. Did Madhav Nepal win the election? No. If people like Girija want to have their way, why even go through the election? It is a farce.

Why can't we learn to be vocal about things that are right? Can't we think on our own two feet? Why give attention to Girija or some other politician, who are incompetent? It is time to be critical of Girija and people like that rather than showering praises.

Posted on: 01 APRIL 2010 | 6:51 PM NST

5. Deepak
May be one day Sujhata Koirala will also be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of Nepal. Who knows... this is Nepal, We tend to forget all wrong doings of a person after he/she dies. It makes me really frustrated to know how Nepali media is ignoring all the messes Girija had created, after his death.

Posted on: 01 APRIL 2010 | 11:59 PM NST