As polls in Nepal are to be held on November 19, trouble has started in Kathmandu. An eight day national general strike by the anti-poll political groups met with massive resistance. Five people suffered injuries. The interim government made heavy deployment of security forces with sweeping powers to arrest anyone suspected to be a trouble maker. A Kathmandu-bound bus had a narrow escape as a fireball hit it. Supporters of the anti-poll groups were alleged to be behind it. Besides, two buses were hit in the city and the explosives injured five people. The bomb disposal unit of the Nepal army took control in different parts of the country. But most of the suspicious objects were found to be fake bombs.
It is encouraging that the 33 party-led alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists in the vanguard which had earlier given a ten day bandh call intended to hamper campaigning and the election on November 19 has scaled it down by limiting it to paralyzing the private and public transport system across the country until poll day. Nevertheless, it is evident that a large political alliance is still out to sabotage the elections. The interim government is in a tizzy. The election to the Constituent Assembly and the drafting of the new Constitution cannot be deferred indefinitely. Otherwise, Nepal will continue to be in political limbo. It is for the people of Nepal to restore democracy in the country. Even if some of the Maoists wish to drive the country into a civil war, a democratic solution is a must. The aggressive stance of Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai is perhaps a gesture. India and the western powers are awaiting the denouement.
