Editorial, Annapurna Post, 2 February
A true statesman always goes against the tide and reveals truth in critical junctures.
UML Chair K P Oli is now taking on those political forces that are spreading communal hatred in the name of federalism. He has not even spared those foreigners who are providing monetary and logistics supports to them.
Oli has alleged that the Maoists and other opposition parties will withdraw all their protests programs and pave the way for the constitution writing process if they are given Rs 5-10 billion.
Although Oli made this allegation from his private sphere, a statement by an important public figure of his stature cannot be overlooked. It is because there is only a very thin line between private and public life of a public figure like Oli.
Though it is difficult to get evidence, there are signs that our political parties take money from foreigners. During the 1994 elections, former Prime Minister Man Mohan Adhikary had accused an ambassador of providing monetary help to the NC. A writer recently revealed in his book that Bijay Gachhadar took money from a Kathmandu-based embassy to split Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF). Gachhadar has so far not denied the charge leveled against him.
Oli's accusation against the Maoists is even more serious. Why are the Maoists, arguably the biggest agent of the recent political change and trusted by India post a 12-point agreement among seven political parties, keeping mum?
The onus, of course, lies on Oli to prove his accusation. But, silence maintained by the Maoists only fuels public speculation. It is now time for the government to issue a white paper on politics and money.
If the political parties and leaders are themselves on sale, will they not sell the country at the next opportunity they get? The money that has supposedly come for 'revolution' needs to be investigated.
Oli must prove that his accusation is not just yet another act of mud-slinging but the beginning of a campaign to make political parties and leaders more accountable to the public.