Re: Federalism is fraught with potential failure

September 8, 2009

Mr Saubhagya Shah
Tribhuvan University

Dear Saubhagyajee

I have come to learn that if I try to limit myself to saying only politically correct things, then I will have to remain silent, which is not acceptable to me. I had to bend over backwards during Panchayat heydays to express myself but while remaining politically correct. Best example is my article on monarchy where I proved that monarchy was autocratic without saying so in so many words, published in Manas on 13th Magh 2040 (http://ratnasansar.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-post_21.html). My friends managing Manas became very scared of me being arrested. But rest is history.

Therefore, in this age and at this time, not wanting to invest my time in "mincing" my words I have been writing directly and to the point. I agree with you and would like to add that being cheap and populist will cost the nation very dear.

I hope that the Parliamentary Committee will take initiative to correct the mistakes. I have been there for over 4 times and have also received indications that I will still be called upon. Starting a citizen's petition is an excellent idea. I hope you can germinate the idea in right quarters (I am seemingly passing the buck to you, but you will realize that if the idea comes from me, a lot of people will become defensive).

BTW I have read the second part of your article in Nepal and glad that we are in agreement on many important issues.

Take care and keep in touch.

With best regards,

Sincerely,

Ratna Sansar Shrestha

From: Saubhagya Shah [mailto:shahsaubhagya@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2009 13:57
To: Ratna Sansar Shrestha
Subject: Re: Fw: Article in Nepali Times # 467

Dear Sir,

Under the present political environment, this is not a very politically correct viewpoint. But I agree with many of your sound and rational arguments on this important issue. At political class at this point is not guided by what is sound and sustainble, they are unfortunately driven by what is cheap and populist.

I head about the testimony you gave to the Parliamentary committee. Do you think they will redo the agreement with the companies so that Nepal gets more benefit? I hope we can start a citizen's petiton drive to renegotiate all our hydropower deals that have been signed recently...just as in the case of higher education. I am sure that would force the government to reconsider its decidions.

Warmly,

Saubhagya

--- On Fri, 9/4/09, Ratna Sansar Shrestha wrote:

From: Ratna Sansar Shrestha rsansar@mos.com.np
Subject: Fw: Article in Nepali Times # 467
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com
Date: Friday, September 4, 2009, 3:48 AM

Jumping the gun

Federalism is fraught with potential failure