Sunday, July 31, 2011

Prachand halts funds for his artists



Jhankar Budha Magar

KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, Aug 1: Samana Pariwar, a cultural group of the UCPN (Maoist) that lives together in Kathmandu, is bearing the full brunt of factionalism in the party.

The party´s topmost cultural group, which currently has 32 members, has said the party establishment is no longer funding their living expenses in Kathmandu. The reason? The Parivar members do not pay paeans to Dahal anymore.

Friday, July 29, 2011

रोल्पाका माओवादी भन्छन् -- भुलियो एजेन्डा

काशीराम डाँगी
रोल्पा, श्रावण १३ -
माओवादी केन्द्रीय तहमा गुटबन्दी र बेग्लै भेला भए पनि युद्धको उद्गम रोल्पाका माओवादी कार्यकर्ता पार्टी नफुटी एक ढिक्का भई मुलुकको समस्या हल गर्नुपर्ने पक्षमा रहेका छन् । केन्द्रीय तहका नेताले विवाद गरेकामा स्थानीय नेता तथा कार्यकर्ताहरू चिन्तित भएका छन् । 

विगतको लामो युद्धका बेला बनाएका योजनाहरूको कार्यान्वयन नभएको र बरु यसका लागि एकीकृत आन्दोलनका रूपमा यसलाई आन्तरिक विवादमा पार्टी फसेकोमा जिल्लास्तरका कार्यकर्तासमेत चिन्तित

छन् । जिल्ला इन्चार्ज मानबहादुर बुढामगर 'विकल्प' ले पार्टीमा सामान्य विवाद भए पनि फुट्ने अवस्थामा नलैजानुपर्ने धारणा व्यक्त गर्छन् । 'यो कुनै सैद्धान्तिक विवाद नभई प्रवृत्तिगत विवाद हो । यसको समाधान हुनुपर्छ' उनी भन्छन्, 'यो लामो समय कायम भयो भने वर्गीय आन्दोलन र कम्युनिस्ट राजनीतिकै लागि दुःखदायी समय हुनेछ ।'

Maoists for bold move if ministers not inducted Saturday

 
 
THIRA L BHUSAL / KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 30: Major coalition partner UCPN (Maoist) has threatened to take a bold decision with regard to the continuity of the present coalition led by the CPN-UML if Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal fails to administer oath of office and secrecy to minister-nominees from the Maoist party by Saturday.

Maoist leaders came to this stance during a party office bearers´ meeting held at party headquarters, Parisdanda on Friday.


"The standing committee meeting tomorrow (Saturday) will take a bold decision to this effect if the prime minister does not induct new ministers from our party by tomorrow morning," Maoist Secretary CP Gajurel told Republica. Asked what that decision could be, he said, "We are pondering various options and will disclose it only after the party takes a decision on the matter."

‘अफकोर्स, राजेश हमाल’

नायिका करिश्मा मानन्धर
from onlinekhabar
तपाईंको नजरमा प्रेम ?
भित्री मनले महसुस गरेर प्रर्दशन गरिने अभिव्यक्त हो, प्रेम ।
स्कूले जीवनमा तपाई एकदमै चकचके र बदमाश हुनुहुन्थ्यो भन्छन् नि ?
होइन, म ज्ञानी थिए । स्कूले जीवनमा मलाई कसैले नायिका होली भन्ने अनुमान पनि गरेका थिएनन् ।
जीवन कसैसँग साट्न पाए समकालीन संसारमा कोसँग साट्नु हुन्थ्यो ?
म आफ्नो जीवनसँग पुरै संन्तुष्ट छु ।
गहिरो पश्चाताप कहिले र केमा गर्नुभएको छ ?
छैन, म कहील्यै पनि आफूले गरेको कुरामा पश्याताप महसुस गर्दिन ।

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Facebook explains how to turn off 'facial recognition' after outcry

from The Hindu  
Facebook admitted it “should have been more clear” about the new facial recognition system.
AP Facebook admitted it “should have been more clear” about the new facial recognition system.
Facebook has responded to the privacy outcry over its new facial recognition system, by running advertisements that show users how to turn it off. Facebook had opted users into the “Tag Suggestions” feature earlier this year.
The feature uses facial recognition technology to identify people in photographs posted on Facebook, and then suggests to their friends that they should “tag” them so they are easier to find. The move prompted concerns that photographs could be shared more widely than intended and provoked criticism that Facebook was “eroding the online privacy of its users by stealth".

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

After they broke bread in Gongabu


 
 
POST B BASNET & KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 27: Many political buffs were taken by surprise when Maoist vice-chairmen duo Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai forged a tactical alliance to cut Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the all-powerful leader of the party, down to size.

It was surprising because Baidya and Bhattarai float contrasting political lines and these two ideologues underwent strained relationships through much of the party history as each tried to get his line prevailed in the party.

वर्ष अठार, पत्‍नी पाँच


जनक केसी, जाजरकोट, साउन ९ - नेपालको कानुनले विवाहका लागि केटाको हकमा २० वर्ष उमेर तोकेको छ। तर, १८ वर्ष मात्र पुगेका झाप्रा-१, फुम्नाका बमबहादुर वादीका पत्नी नै ५ वटी छन्। १३ वर्षको उमेरमा ७ कक्षामा पढ्दापढ्दै पहिलो विवाह गरे उनले। त्यसपछि पढ्न पनि छोडिदिए । त्यो २०६३ सालको कुरा हो। पहिलो पत्नी संगीता वादी अहिले १८ वर्षकी मात्र भइन्। ५ वर्षको अवधिमै उनले थप ४ पत्नी ल्याए।

नैतिक आधारमा त प्रधानमन्त्रीले छोड्नुपर्ने हुन्छ,: डा. भट्टराई

माओवादी उपाध्यक्ष डा. बाबुराम भट्टराई पछिल्लो केन्द्रीय समिति बैठक चलिरहेका बेला दुई उपाध्यक्षद्वय मोहन वैद्य, नारायणकाजी श्रेष्ठ र महासचिव रामबहादुर थापासँग गठबन्धन गरेपछि फेरि चर्चामा आए । नयाँ गठबन्धनसँगै संसदीय विभाग प्रमुख र भावी प्रधानमन्त्रीको उम्मेदवार बनाउने निर्णय पार्टीले लिएको छ । जेठ १४ गते तीन दलबीच प्रधानमन्त्री झलनाथ खनालले राजीनामा दिने सहमति भइसकेको अवस्थामा के भट्टराई राष्ट्रिय सरकारको प्रधानमन्त्री बन्लान् ? यीलगायत पार्टी विवादका विषयमा कान्तिपुरका लागि गंगा बीसीले गरेको कुराकानीः

Monday, July 25, 2011

With Maoists patching up, will peace win?

 
 
POST B BASNET/KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 26: The Central Committee (CC) meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) concluded on Monday after endorsing an action-plan to "sincerely" bat for peace and constitution, and as part of a power-sharing deal Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has agreed to Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai as the party´s candidate for the post of prime minister.

This ends a protracted tussle for power and differences over the party´s tactical line -- at least for now.


But, will Dahal press the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML to support his arch rival Bhattarai to become prime minister in a national consensus government?

Party leaders say the success of the peace process hinges on the sincerity of the party chairman in implementing the deal, and they have reason to believe Dahal would not renege on the party decision.

बुढेसकालको बिहे माया र यौनको परिपक्व संगम

रमण घिमिरे/from Nepal Magazine

बुढेसकालको बिहे माया र यौनको परिपक्व संगम


केश फुल्यो मन अझ तरुन लै लै

यो जोवनलाई सलाम, यो बैँसलाई सलाम !

एक समय खूब चलेको यो लोकगीत नेपालका अगुवा कम्युनिस्ट नेता तथा हाल नेकपा मसालका महामन्त्री मोहनविक्रम सिंह र उनीभन्दा करबि ३० वर्ष कान्छी उनकी श्रीमती दुर्गा पोखरेल -सिर्जना)सँग ठ्याक्कै मिल्छ।

Narayankaji to lead Maoist team in cabinet


 
 
KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 24: As part of the power sharing deal in the party, the Central Committee (CC) meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) has nominated new ministers, under the leadership of Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha, to reshuffle the cabinet.

The party has named Shrestha the deputy prime minister and minister for home, a position currently held by party leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara.


“It is only temporary arrangement. We will keep pressurizing other parties for the formation of a national consensus government as per the five-point deal,” Shrestha told Republica.

The CPN (Unity Centre-Masal) led by Shrestha merged with the Maoist party after the CA elections in 2008, and Shrestha was subsequently appointed the vice-chairman of the UCPN (Maoist).

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Maoists to finalize power sharing Sunday

 
 
POST B BASNET / KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 24: After weeks-long bargaining, the UCPN (Maoist) has finally settled the contentious issue of power-sharing in the party. The party is also likely to reshuffle its team in the cabinet on Sunday.

As per the decision taken by the party central committee (CC) meeting on Saturday, Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai would take charge of the party´s parliamentary board, Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya would be the chief of the party organizational department and disciplinary commission, and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa would be the party´s military in-charge and chief of the party central office. Senior leaders of the party finalized the new power arrangement.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Dahal for power sharing to end party infighting


 
 
KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 23: UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has proposed division of leadership responsibilities among top leaders of the party in his latest attempt to settle a deepening intra-party crisis. But he insisted that he should remain leader of the parliamentary party for now.

At a meeting of party office bearers held at his residence at Naya Bazar Friday evening, Dahal proposed that the party, military and political fronts be led by different leaders.


“The essence of his proposal is he would continue to lead the party, General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa would lead the military, and Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai would be given leadership of parliamentary party board,” said a top Maoist leader.

Dahal also promised to activate the near-defunct role of party Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya as chief of the party´s organization and disciplinary committee.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Baidya-Bhattarai in new drive to downsize Dahal

 
 
KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 20: Crying foul over the release of unilaterally prepared name-list of the party leaders to be sent to the government to the media, Maoist Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai have accused Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal of not being serious toward settling the contentious issue of power-sharing in the party.

“The party´s name-list for cabinet berths that was released on Tuesday is false. Nothing has been settled as yet. The list was released without any decision in the party,” said party leader Netra Bikram Chand who is close to Baidya.


The list stated that party Secretary Posta Bahadur Bogati would lead the home ministry and Dev Gurung Ministry for Physical Planning and Works.

But Baidya has vociferously demanded that the party give the home ministry to Gurung from his faction and not Bogati who is close to Dahal. Party Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha, who has been proposed the deputy prime minister, has stated that he would not join the government if he is not given charge of the home ministry.

Similarly, Bhattarai faction in its list submitted to Dahal had proposed replacing the incumbent Minister for Physical Planning and Works Top Bahadur Rayamajhi. But Dahal´s list doesn´t include Rayamajhi´s name.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Maoist factions settling power-sharing in govt

 
 
KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 19: As the first step toward settling the contentious issue of power-sharing in the party, the three factions of the UCPN (Maoist) are preparing a new list of leaders to send into the government, recalling most of their present ministers.

“We are currently discussing the list of leaders submitted by each of the three factions for ministerial berths,” said Maoist leader Devendra Poudel, who is close to Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai.

The task of settling intra-party power sharing in the government is tricky as both the party establishment and the hard-line faction led by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya have staked claim to the home ministry.

Maoist leaders close to striking deal


 
 
POST B BASNET/KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 18: After weeks of muscle flexing, the rival factions of the UCPN (Maoist) are close to striking a deal on power sharing, making Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai the party´s prime ministerial candidate and not the leader in parliament and government as was his demand earlier.

“The leaders are yet to finalize the deal, but it is almost sure that they would settle the issues by Monday morning and announce the decisions of the central committee (CC) meeting on Monday afternoon,” said a senior Maoist leader requesting anonymity.
 

The alliance forged by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and Bhattarai had demanded that Dahal share the party leadership with other leaders making Bhattarai the party leader in both parliament and government, and Baidya the chief of the party organization.

According to sources, the assurance that he would be made prime minister if the party gets a chance to lead the government is likely to satisfy Bhattarai.

“Shrestha, without whose support the alliance would not have a majority, did not back Bhattarai to immediately replace the chairman as the party leader in parliament. So he had to step back,” said the party leader.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Dahal offers to resign as PP leader after Aug 28


 
POST B BASNET/KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 13: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he would resign from the party´s parliamentary board only after August 28, arguing that an immediate resignation would be humiliating for him.

But the leaders from the alliance forged by vice-chairmen duo Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai has so far rejected Dahal´s proposal, terming it his ploy to wait for an opportune time to break the alliance.

Dahal had put forward the proposal during a meeting of party leaders, including Baidya.


“His argument is that resigning from the post under pressure from rival factions would send negative messages that he has been rendered weak. We don´t buy that idea, but we are still holding talks,” said a senior leader close to Bhattarai.

Baidya confirmed that the alliance has received such an offer. “That option has been floated. In fact, we are also holding talks on various other options,” said Baidya.
Leaders from the alliance have stated that Dahal is adept at using different trump cards and accepting his offer would be self-defeating.

Baidya, Bhattarai chart out joint strategy


POST B BASNET/KIRAN PUN
KATHMNADU, July 13: Tightening the screws on Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the two factions led by Vice-chairmen Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai have stepped up a strategy to force Chairman Dahal into a power-sharing deal in the party.

On Tuesday, a day before the crucial Central Committee (CC) meeting the CC members from the Baidya-Bhattarai alliance held a meeting at Dhobighat, Lalitpur, and vowed to "democratize the party and end the chairman´s monopoly."

Following active lobbying throughout the day, Baidya and Bhattarai groups now claim that they are close to garnering a majority in the CC.

Baidya, Bhattarari and General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa were present during the meeting. According to sources, of the total 147 members in the CC, 65 signed a paper supporting the alliance whole-heartedly.

Leaders claimed that five other CC members have given their word to support the initiatives. "This shows we are close to garnering a majority in the CC," said a leader close to Baidya. Sources say the CC members led by Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha have also verbally agreed to back the alliance, but it is not yet sure which side they would ultimately take.

Badal: The game changer!


POST B BASNET/KIRAN PUN

KATHMANDU, July 13: With Maoist General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' joining hands with Maoist Vice-chairmen duo Mohan Baidya and Dr Baburam Bhattarai in demanding that party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal share the party´s powers and privileges with other leaders and run the party on the basis of collective leadership, the power balance in the Maoist party seems to have been turned upside down.

Thapa has become the real game changer in the ongoing power struggle in the Maoist party. But who really is Thapa? Why does he matter? And why did he switch sides?

The salt and pepper-haired Thapa is an enigmatic leader. It´s hard to pin down who he is or what he stands for. He is not a charismatic leader and has never been an inspiring public speaker. He is not an ideologue or a military strategist as many mistake him to be. And yet Thapa matters hugely in the Maoist party.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Showdown looms among Maoist factions



POST B BASNET/KIRAN PUN
KATHMANDU, July 12: The rival factions in the UCPN (Maoist) are headed for a showdown at the Central Committee (CC) meeting slated for Wednesday, with Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai consolidating their alliance to confront the party establishment led by Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

While Chairman Dahal is preparing to table a political document on the party´s course in the peace process, Baidya and Bhattarai plan to block any discussion on that document prior to settling the issue of power-sharing in the party.


The Dahal faction has stated that the issue of internal work division can be settled once the party unambiguously endorses an action plan for the peace process, but this has been vehemently opposed by Baidya and Bhattarai.

“The chairman is wrong to reckon on breaking the alliance by discussing the party´s work plan for the peace process. We are in a majority and we will block the discussions,” said one party leader close to Bhattarai.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Differences persist, standing committee meet Sunday


KIRAN PUN

KATHMANDU, July 10: Just a day ahead of the crucial meeting of the party standing committee, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday reached out to influential party leaders in a bid to consolidate his position in the party, as the other two rival factions -- led by Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya and Vice-chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai, have forged a tactical alliance to cut him down to size.

Leaders from the party establishment met Dahal at the latter’s residence at Nayabazaar on Saturday afternoon and then went to the residence of Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha where they held a meeting for hours in the evening. Party General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa also joined the meeting later.

Dahal’s trusted lieutenants Barshaman Pun, Shakti Basnet, Haribol Gajurel and Agni Sapkota were also present during the talks.

What transpired in the meeting is yet to be known, but party insiders say both Shrestha and Thapa have lately stopped speaking in defense of Chairman Dahal and are mulling to join the Baidya-Bhattarai alliance.