“They are keen to leave violent politics’
Girija Prasad Koirala of the Nepali Congress party and Madhav Kumar Nepal of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist) are the two pre-eminent leaders challenging the royal takeover of 1 February 2005. Himal Southasian spoke to Koirala, 80, as he was recuperating from an extended illness. Mr Nepal, meanwhile, has been in house arrest under orders from King Gyanendra since 20 January 2006.
What is the fate of the 12-point understanding of the parties with the Maoists?
Our stand remains firm on the understanding. We will not deviate despite pressure from some quarters because it holds out the hope for peace and democracy.
What about the Democracy Day invitation by the palace for 'interested' parties to come for dialogue?
That only added insult to injury at a time when so many of us are in detention. Including Madhav Kumar Nepal Ji of the UML.
What about the international community?
The king is completely isolated. Everyone opposes his takeover, even those he thought would support him.
The American ambassador expresses alarm over the parties-Maoist relationship.
His pronouncements are like a safety line thrown to the king. We shall see if the king uses it to retreat or to reinforce his autocratic grip. I have my doubts and am watching this closely.
You know the Maoists are continuing with their violence.
They do have a problem with controlling their far-flung cadre. Plus, the security forces have been instigating a return to warfare, like during the ceasefire period.
The rebels give contradictory statements and interviews.
These things will happen, because they also have their activists to consider. I have met them, and I will rely on what they have said to me in person. Maobaadiko kura malai chodidinus (Leave the Maoist matter to me). It is our responsibility to bring them in—no one else can do that.
These are the same Maoists who regarded you as the archenemy as prime minister.
They are keen to leave violent politics at long last. We are working for a political solution, which is possible now because the Maobaadi no longer believe they can achieve a military victory.
On the political front, what should the palace do?
The king must issue a proclamation conceding that state sovereignty (rajakiya satta) lies with the people. He has to do that.
Thereafter?
The Parliament must be reinstated. Everything else will flow from there. I have been steadfast on reinstatement because it remains the proper as well as practical way out. This has not changed, even though the political scenario has changed so much.
What will the Parliament do?
You will be surprised at how many layers of problems will be solved the day Parliament is restored. First and foremost it will guarantee peace with the Maoists. We will also have democracy. The restoration of Parliament will be decisive.
The Maoist chairman says he will not agree to restoration done by the palace.
There are several ways to do this, and we can proceed without sidelining Maoist interests.
Does this mean you are committed to a constituent assembly, which the Maoists want?
Absolutely, this will happen after the Parliament is returned.
Why have the parties been so weak in opposing the royal takeover?
In the beginning, we did have problems within ourselves, and also some lack of clarity. This prevented us from going to the people. Remember also that we have been harassed continuously, detentions, house arrests. Even today, our most effective organisers are being picked up one by one.
How strong is the seven-party alliance in resisting the palace?
Forever they said we could not unite against the royal agenda, but we have held together all this while. The roadmap for peace and democracy is there in the seven-point all-party programme, which has now been strengthened by the 12-point agreement That agreement too, was not an end in itself, but a building block.
How will the movement play itself out do you think?
We have to energise our agitation in the next two months. We must finish it off before the monsoon.
Would you take the position of prime minister if offered?
I am at that stage in life where I want to see peace and democracy restored before I leave the scene. I know the clock is ticking. Fortunately my health has improved somewhat; I will now be traveling to energise the andolan.
What if the collapse of the royalist state led to anarchy?
I do not think we have come close to that stage. And if the palace relents, we may not be faced with such a situation. However, if it does arise, the political parties will be able to rise to the occasion and take charge.
Have you been in touch with the Narayanhiti royal palace?
It has been fourteen months, I have not had any contact.
What should the king do?
I am one who believes in giving continuity to history as much as possible, because that will help achieve permanent peace. This is the reason for the goodwill towards the monarchy as an institution, but the king must understand how precarious the situation has become now, If he reaches out, of course we can help. If he does not, who can take responsibility for what happens next?