Kathmandu: There is now little doubt that the congress Pokhara convention is to culminate in the Prime Minister’s win over the organization. How he will consolidate the victory will determine the course of congress politics in the aftermath. The Deuba camp will remain an assertive force in the congress, how this presence will be asserted for sake of credibility alone will also contribute to the congress politics. A confidant Girija, after having ensured pliable convention participation, as acceded to demands for additional elected members in the central committee. However, he has retained his grip over key party portfolios by asserting his privilege as chairman who nominates such central committee positions.

This makes out that it will be by and large a Girija dominated central committee and a Girija dominates working committee that will emerge from Pokhara. This is distinct from the current central committee, which was a compromise at Nepalganj between then powerful thespian K.P. Bhattarai and organization man Girija Prasad Koirala.

Already the Girija camp is making loud noises on the possibility of additional elected central committee members precipitating divisions in the party. This should make sure that it is their camp that will assert its presence in the elections. This, despite high hopes in the KP-Deuba lobby that the votes they will garner will not be insignificant.

Whatever, after Pokhara the politics that will ensue is likely to be one of Girija assertion regardless of gestures of compromise. If the opposition politics likely to take a different tempo, government policy can’t but reflect the assertion. How this will effect the general mass is surely to be watched.

With the UML talking of “impeachment” and a distinct “anti-Girija” congress presence in the parliament, the politics of parliament is poised to take a new twist. On the streets the Maoists’ campaign is likely to take advantage of this Girija alienation. It is considered significant, moreover, that the CPN (ML) whose representation at the local levels of government is fairly high, should call for a “role” of the “Monarchy” to correct current aberrations. This goes along well with extra-systemic demands for constitutional change.

Although Girija babu seems to have launched moves outside his party to mend fences, the body politic at large await definitive policy responses from government. Scarcities in essential items have hit the consumer hard. Flagrant black marketeering and price rises is alienating a population which is finding its incomes depleting government figures itself show that not all is well with industries and trade; tourism is on the wane and the stock exchange is showing successive declines. Government admits an increase in IC-Indian Currency- use has been undermining the national currency. Low interest rates has been hindering savings and low money supply has virtually blocked investments. Clearly, the preoccupation with organizational politics has hit the economy hard and the population, pressed with hardships, is demanding change.