Nepalmountainnews Report | 29 Jul 2007
Interview with senior politicos Bal Bahadur Rai
Bal Bahadur Rai, 87, a central committee member of Nepali Congress, is the eldest member in the legislature-parliament. He has been nominated as an acting prime minister and speaker of the parliament for several times after the restoration of democracy in the country in 1990. Here is an excerpt of his feelings on current affairs and political situation. Excerpts: 
Q. Why you choose politics?
The autocracy, excesses of the Rana rulers were intolerable. Protesting against such authoritarian regime forces me to choose the political path.
Q. How did you begin advocacy against the Ranas?
The Indian advocacy “Bharat Chodo”(leave India) against the British emperors was the point from where I got inspired. I was involved in the underground politics since I worked in Terathum in 2003 B.S. I used to distribute Congress Party’s pamphlets though I was a government employee.
Q. You joined the armed revolution too, no?
With the arrival of friends, districts revolt took a new pace. After the “Yeaiselu Kharka” event turned unsuccessful Congress started the armed revolution. Many police posts and offices were also on its hold but later it had to stop the revolution.
Q. Why Congress, that once joined the armed revolution, shows dilemma deciding the state of monarchy in the country?
Congress never had started debate regarding republic or constitutional monarchy. However, Girijababu (PM Girija Prasad Koirala) has already given his view on “ceremonial king”. It will be clear once Congress brings out its Constitutional Assembly manifesto.
Q. What is your view on that?
No, let the CA Polls to decide the topic. Though there exist provisions to remove the king in the interim constitution, but no one could remove the king before CA elections.
Q. Why do you think different groups, Madhesis, Janajatis for instance, are showing discontentment?
There are various reasons behind the Terai riot. The situation is the outcome of government’s apathy towards their genuine demands. There might be some anti forces but I don’t see the necessity of protests if the issues are to be solved through table talks. Janajatis too are asking for their rights. Government is not clear to their demands.
Q. How will the demands met?
They have their reservation on the mixed electoral system. There would be no dispute if government okays proportional system. I too see the mixed system is only a slight bend of the previous ones. 
Q. Don’t you ever feel you were bypassed?
Its true that I was a bit bypassed for being a Janajati. But I am unable to describe the situation.
Q. Despite being a Janajati leader why do you ignore the concept of self-governance?
That is only the political slogan that Maoists have distributed among public for more support but why should we raise the slogan which is never possible. In the name of self-governance of casts and creeds could you divide the nation for all existing casts? Rather the proportional system is the best way out to cumulate all casts and creeds in one thread.
Q. Have you ever discussed the matter with the Maoists?
No, they never have come to me. They might have thought what Bal Bahadur knows?
Q. What differences you see in between the parliament, now and then?
Vast differences. There use to be a government of one party in past but now we have a coalition government with eight political parties in it. Parliamentarians, parties protest against their own government.
Q. You worked with different political parties, leaders in different time. How was your experience on them?
Neither a party is trustworthy. Parties must not say they are right and others are wrong. All leaders have their own characteristics and works with their own judgment and working pattern. B.P (Koirala) was friendly. He said as what came in his mind. No leaders are in his line yet. Ganeshman is an ideal leader. The success of 2046 (1990) revolution is due to him. But he denies the post after that. Let’s say Kishun Ji (Krishna Prasad Bhattarai) a “Channakya”. He is a very clever politician.
Q. But why Girija Prasad undermined both Ganeshman and Krishna Prasad?
I don’t know the inner truth. Though the trio had the same ideology they could not work together. Neither could they leave party nor work jointly. At the time Girija Prasad is the great personality. He had a habit not to look backwards once forwarded.
Q. What do you think, though time makes him a great personality, Girija Prasad failed to meet his duty?
What is great, is the time. At the time no one could do better than this.
Q. Why do the senior leaders fear to leave the post for juniors?
That is what we say the nature of politics. Even Neheru had not left till death.
Q. But Gandhi had left, no?
Who is here to compete with Gandhi? All could not be Gandhi. Even “Gita” says- politicians and their cadres never reach heaven and money is their hunger. Politicians, by nature are much greedier.
Q. It is said, Girija Prasad wished to have the leadership of the party from one of his family. What is your opinion on that?
He might have thought such but in politics nothing happens as per the wish.
Q. Didn’t you wish for the party presidency?
I did never have such wish in the past nor will rise in the future. I will not apply for any posts in the party but will engage in the active politics till last breath.
Q. You possess the same spirit as of a youth despite old age?
I never fell myself old aged. I always felt as I am 25 years active youth. I actively participated the protests against regression last year.
Q. You have been nominated as an acting Prime Minister for several times, no?
Yes. For the 19 times. Though Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had made a great effort to make me PM, that did not work. I was appointed a Speaker of the parliament twice for being an eldest parliamentarian.
Q. How often you attend house proceedings?
Daily. Though fellow members asked for not necessary presence, I fear if people blame for taking only allowances. They had not appoint me only to give the allowances.
Q. How do you spend your leisure time?
If there is time, I read books. Religious books related to “Vedas” are my favorites. There is politics in Vedas too. Others believe Indra and Bishnu and worship them but I praise Shiva and Brahma as they are neutral comparing to the former two who always involve them in different tactics.
Q. So, you are religious?
I have deep interest in “Dharma”. I read “Geeta” and “Chandi” for about two hours every morning. I read many books. And learning never ends. I never attained any formal class, I learn reading through self-learning.
The interview is based on his talking with the Nepal magazine.
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