In new Nepal, no takers for King's blessings

DUSSEHRA POLITICS

The incarnation of Vishnu had no takers on Vijayadashami. In another symbolic break from the past, the government of Nepal decided not go to the Royal Palace to accept tika from King Gyanendra.

In the past, the King used to visit Gorkha district, the traditional seat of Hinduism in Nepal, and return to his palace on Vijayadashami to give "blessings" to the civilian government on behalf of Lord Vishnu.

This year, following the April uprising that stripped the King of most of his powers, Prime Minister GP Koirala and members of his Cabinet decided to end the practice of receiving tika.

The Parliament proclaimed Nepal a secular state after the seven-party alliance came to power this April. Unlike in the past, it is no longer mandatory for civil servants and security forces to pay obeisance to the King. The 1990 Constitution had defined Nepal as a Hindu country.

In their messages to the nation on Vijayadashami, the most important festival in Nepal, both the prime minister and the King emphasised unity and reconciliation, though in different tones.

Hinting at the upper castes and Royalists, the prime minister said, "We all should contribute to the historical change that has come in the country this year by forging unity and reconciliation for the welfare and greater interest of the Nepalese people."

Koirala, who is steering difficult talks with the Maoists on surrendering arms prior to elections said, "We should all respect the aspirations of the entire Nepalese population to see further improvement in that atmosphere and establishment of permanent peace in the country and direct all our steps towards that end."

The King said reconciliation was crucial. "May the Goddess Durga Bhawani inspire us all to move ahead on the strength of national unity and reconciliation at this difficult juncture in the history," the King said in a separate message.

Efforts to install a sense of peace and security among people by ensuring the success of the ongoing peace process was the need of this hour, he noted.

Addressing a gathering at his home town of Biratnagar, Koirala said Nepal could set an example by bringing the Maoists to the political mainstream through dialogue.

"Though Nepal is a small country and is not known widely, we can set an example to the whole world and also to the terrorist groups that any problem can be resolved through negotiations," he said.