KATHMANDU. As the country's new political equations and power struggle intensify, Nepal Communist Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' is once again seen as the main center of politics and power balance. Both current Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane have adopted a policy of balancing Prachanda to make their respective political strategies successful.
Recently, there has been frequent dialogue between RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Prachanda. Lamichhane, who is in regular contact through direct meetings and telephone conversations, has conveyed a message to Prachanda that he is fully prepared to assume the responsibility of the country's Prime Minister if circumstances become favorable. Sources claim that during this process, Lamichhane specially requested Prachanda to create a favorable international atmosphere in his favor and perform necessary diplomatic coordination. Lamichhane appears to be using Prachanda's long political experience and international reach to make his leadership universally acceptable.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Balen Shah also appears equally cautious about keeping Prachanda balanced. The Balen-led government has aggressively advanced investigations into corruption and various scandals against top leaders of Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), even taking steps toward arrests. However, Prachanda and his close leaders remain outside the scope of this government action.
Although some legal processes were initiated against Krishna Bahadur Mahara, a leader close to Prachanda, he did not face any major legal complications or harsh action. Except for Mahara, the absence of serious investigation into any other main leaders or aides of Prachanda clearly demonstrates a strategic 'give-and-take' and understanding between Balen and Prachanda. It is analyzed that Balen is sustaining his power and maintaining political balance by not investigating Prachanda's people.
Thus, while on one side Rabi Lamichhane is seeking a path of international support and political cooperation through Prachanda with aspirations of becoming Prime Minister, on the other side Prime Minister Balen Shah has adopted a strategy of keeping Prachanda balanced by exercising flexibility in investigations. This balancing game of both young leaders proves how decisive Prachanda's role still is in current politics.
