[The only, even if crucial, difference between the situation obtaining on May 28 and since is that the term of the CA stands extended till next May 28. But there is no indication how task the CA is meant to undertake - the writing of the new constitution, which requires consensus at least among the three major parties - is going to be discharged. No road map has emerged.
The UCPN(M), with the eventual flop of the "indefinite strike" meant to cause a regime change, has visibly lost clout. They even had to concede extension of the CA term, despite brave noises to the contrary, without achieving any of the stated goals. Apparently, they are reassessing the obtaining balance of power and redrawing their future plans accordingly. One thing is of course certain, however intense may be cadre pressure, there is no prospect of their going back to the jungles. At least in the immediate future. They are, as it looks, sharpening their tools of parliamentary political struggles. That does not of course rule out extra-parliamentary forms of struggle to complement the core current.] http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2010/06/05/top-story/gaining-ground-preen-maoists/209048/ <http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2010/06/05/top-story/gaining-ground-preen-maoists/209048/> Gaining ground, preen Maoists KAMAL DEV BHATTARAI KATHMANDU, JUN 05 - While the Maoists have condemned the ruling parties for “betraying” the main opposition by “failing” to implement the “written” and “unwritten” deals signed on May 28, they have trotted out the analysis that their strategy for reaching their goal is gradually getting “more successful”. The UCPN (Maoist) has concluded that the prime minister’s resistance to its pressure for his resignation did in a way enable it to gain public support and sympathy. As a result, the party has decided not to take to the streets with aggressive programmes. This is also because the party’s street demonstrations over the last one year have not been “fruitful”. Now, with the monsoon already in force, farmers and other constituencies would be busy. Under such conditions, they feel it is not the right time for a people’s movement. They have also learnt that no street protest can dislodge the incumbent government. Maoist leaders say they are assessing the overall political situation and will wait for some more time as to how the ruling parties move ahead in implementing the three-point agreement. They say that principally they are in a movement against the government as per the decision of Thursday’s Standing Committee but it is impossible to press the government from the streets right now. The Maoists argue that this is “table war” time and that they are already “winning”. “The Congress and UML have agreed on consensual politics in principle, which is the major achievement,” said Maoist Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha. Maoist leaders also claim that they are successful in their “strategy” as they have adopted “flexibility” to prevent any possible confrontation that “regressive forces” might want. The main opposition party has concluded that NC and UML’s reluctance to implement the three-point agreement will ultimately benefit it. “NC and UML have been stripped before the people, they are seen as irresponsible and dishonest,” said Shrestha. “On the contrary, over the last one year we have been successful in garnering support and mobilising a large number of cadres in urban centres. A great achievement indeed for a people-based party.” Besides, over the last one year the Maoists have been “successful” in creating intra-party rifts in the NC and UML. The UML, for instance, is clearly divided in dealing with the current stalemate and addressing Maoist demands. The “signature campaign” of UML lawmakers against their own government is a blazing example. NC is divided over dealing with the Maoists. “Apparently, the Maoist party has been defeated both in the streets and at the table. However, in reality we have been successful in garnering the sympathy of the people, the press, civil society and the international community because all are saying that a new government should be formed under our leadership,” a Maoist Standing Committee member said. The leaders feel they have been successful in gaining people’s confidence through their “stand for national independence” and “civilian supremacy” movements, which have miffed India. “India is preventing us from joining the government and in return we have reached out to the people and raised awareness among about Indian interference in Nepal,” said a Maoist hardliner. Hardliners within the Maoist party are urging that the leadership focus on real agenda such as people’s constitution and integration of combatants rather than just formation of unity government. “We cannot be partial to our party even if we get to lead the new coalition. Governance should not be the prime agenda of the party,” said the Maoist leader. -- Peace Is Doable -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
