Kathmandu: The virtual paralysis in government has not prevented the hectic politicking within the congress which has prompted Prime Minister Koirala to close shop early in Parliament and rush to Pokhara for a tête-à-tête with regional party workers in preparation for a show-down at the party convention there.

Koirala and his party leadership have yet to agree on the postponement of the Pokhara meet, he is most likely to offer his candidacy once more since he has not agreed not to stand as demanded by his detractors.

Clearly, the emphasis is on party organization and reorganization. It is the party that brought Koirala to power. This notwithstanding, charges of outright non-governance.

Almost all government corporations, which occupy key delivery positions to the lay public, have been in turmoil for quite some time now. This has effected essential services and the lay public seeks options to the current situation. The politics of the country appears unaware of this. Regardless to say, most of the active unions dominating the essential services sectors belong to one or the other major political parties.

This obsession with organization and politics was clearly seen this week also when momentum was sought to be given to anti-Paras Shah sentiments despite pleas from the affected widow of the victim to the contrary. The anti-monarchy issue timed, as it is with a public search for options that has political cash no doubt.

With the House closed, reviving the streets will be a target and the onset of festival seasons makes such organizational programs that mobilizes cadre and demonstrate street presence difficult. The opposition-UML- has yet to be seen to be taking advantage of congress internal obsessions thus.

Indeed, much is being talked of poor UML performance this round. This has been to the advantage of Girija babu. UML opposition appears key to the vibrancy of Girija babu’s opposition in the congress. In so many ways therefore, the congress opposition movement appears to be losing ground to the Prime Minister.

At the other end, the Maoists’ who have cut short offers for talks continue their activities reflecting upon basic security situation in the countryside. Paralysis in government and obsession with politics alone appear to be handicapping national performance to severe extents. It is this that has made more widespread a public search for options. What frustrates the people at large is the realization that all organizational avenues that can provide prevalent parties, which have their grips have monopolized legitimate options, consolidated by the rampant use of public resources and offices.