By Shashi P.B.B. Malla

The entire political class of the Himalayan Republic led by Oli, Deuba and Dahal – appropriately dubbed “ODD” – are of the mistaken view that they have successfully kept the pro-monarchist forces at bay – that they have the bark, but not the bite!

Consequently, these ‘odd-balls’ are convinced the republican parties have nothing to fear and can continue business as usual… 

Day in and day out, we have the grand protagonists making preposterous claims.

Thus Oli claimed that the UML and the Nepali Congress had joined forces to provide political stability and that their alliance would continue until the next general election (The Rising Nepal, April 12).

Moreover, through the alliance of the major parties, the country had moved forward on the path of stability, development and  good governance (TRN, April 13).

Unfortunately, for the Nepali people this is no laughing matter. It is indeed very sad that the so-called Nepali leaders lack self-reflection, self-critique and humility.

The plain fact is: the writing is already on the wall.

The demise of the Himalayan Republic is not a question of if, but that of when.

The time frame depends of the pro-royalist forces led by Rajendra Lingden and the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party which has to get its act together – plan diligently and strategically.

Oli, Deuba and Dahal – these ‘odd-balls’ -- are completely out of tune with the hopes and aspirations of the Nepali people.

As Leon Trotsky, the great Russian revolutionary said in another context:

                 “You are pitiful isolated individuals;

                    You are bankrupts;

                     [only politically, because financially, there is no

                        knowing your pecuniary worth ]

                     Your role(s) is played out.

                      Go where you belong from now on –

                      into the dustbin of history.”

The apologists/propagandists of the Himalayan Republic have been insisting that ‘history’ favors them and does not repeat itself – a logical contradiction.

In fact, Oli and Dahal have been PMs three time each; and Deuba even five times!

Judging by the mood and atmosphere of the country, the Monarchists can hold on to Nikita Khrushchev, Soviet statesman:

                         “Whether you like it or not,

                            History is on our side.

                            We will bury you.”

In the case of former King Gyanendra, history need not even have to repeat itself – it needs only to rhyme with H.M. ascending the throne a record third time in order to save the country – and like the phoenix, the Himalayan Kingdom rising out of the ashes.   

H.M. King Gyanendra’s Hope of Political Change in the New Year

In his New Year’s video greetings to the Nepalese people, H.M. King Gyanendra also expressed the hope that the country would move towards a new system aligned with the people’s will.

Asian News International (ANI) considered this a charged statement from the former monarch, coming in the wake of rising demands for monarchy in the Himalayan Nation and a week before the pro-monarchist Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) hits the streets (April 13).

H.M. King Gyanendra also stressed the Hindu monarchy’s historical role in safeguarding nationalism and democracy, presenting Nepal’s constitutional monarchy as an established tradition rooted in public sentiment.

Can the retrograde anti-social and anti-national forces grounded in the utterly corrupt and oligarchic policies of the current and past Loktantric governments stop the winds of change blowing intensely in the Himalayan Nation?

It is all in the hands – and feet – of the Nepalese people!

The writer can be reached at: shashipbmalla@hotmail.com