(Nepalnews special)
His Majesty King Gyanendra
His Majesty King Gyanendra (File Photo)
Opposition leaders protesting against the year-old direct rule of the King have alleged that the ‘Democracy Day’ message by His Majesty King Gyanendra on Sunday aimed at garnering support for his “autocratic rule.”
Talking to Nepalnews, CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam– who remains underground to escape arrest—said the message of the King was to give continuity to his autocratic move in the name of reconciliation.
“This is yet another attempt by the King to mobilize support for his autocratic rule, which has already been boycotted by the people,” said Gautam referring to the recently concluded municipal polls in which only 20 percent of the urban voters took part.
CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam
CPN-UML leader Bam Dev Gautam (File Photo)
“I did not find any thing new in the King’s message,” added Gautam.
Dr Minendra Rijal of Nepali Congress (Democratic) said that the King should do something concrete to resolve the conflict rather than issuing customary messages. “At a time when the country is passing through a difficult situation the King should be ready to return power to the people and restore peace and democracy in the country,” he said.
“What the king said is not important. What is important is what he does to resolve the problems dogging the country,” said Dr Rijal.
In his message to the nation on the occasion of the 56th Democracy Day on Sunday, King Gyanendra called on all willing political parties to come forth to fully activate the stalled democratic process in the greater interest of the nation.
“The nation seeks solidarity amongst all who have faith in multiparty democracy to formulate a mechanism which ensures that peace and democracy are never again jeopardized,” His Majesty said, adding ‘Democracy could be re-energised with the activation of all representative bodies through the electoral process in the coming days as well.’
Analysts, however, say the royal government’s call for reconciliation did not have ‘trust element’ in it as hundreds of opposition leaders, cadres, rights activists and journalists are still in detention.
Former minister Nilamber Acharya (File Photo)
Former minister Nilamber Acharya (File Photo)
Talking to Nepalnews, former minister and political thinker Nilamber Acharya said that the King was forced to talk about dialogue due to pressure created within the country, from the international community and the economic situation.
“I don’t see the door of dialogue opening due to the royal message,” said Acharya. “An environment for dialogue can’t be created unless the King agrees to return to the constitutional role by giving up his direct rule.”
Political analyst, C K Lal, too, believed that the royal message was only a rhetoric and lacked sincerity towards dialogue and reconciliation. “The royal message is likely to further energise the opposition parties,” he added.
Talking to the early morning talk show over Nepal FM on Sunday, Lal said to give continuity to the present government is nothing but the mockery of the very notion of the rule of law. “Of course, the king has kept some space for himself by saying that he is ready for dialogue. The autocratic and opportunistic regimes bow down before the pressure of the political movement. But, no compromise is possible once the `tipping point’ has been crossed,” he added.
So, does Nepali polity heading towards a dead-end? According to Nilamber Acharya, political process and peace process in Nepal are intertwined. “By announcing a ceasefire and inviting both the opposition parties and Maoists for negotiations, the king can still open the door of dialogue,” said Acharya.
“But, so far no such indications have been seen,” he added.
nepalnews.com Bhagirath Yogi/Pratibedan Baidya