Nepal PM showcases achievements, says 'film' yet to come

It's not common for heads of government to compare their tenures with films. But Nepal's new Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai did just that on Friday.

Updated on: Sep 17, 2011, 24:17:02 IST

Hindustan Times | By Utpal Parashar, Kathmandu

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It's not common for heads of government to compare their tenures with films. But Nepal's new Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai did just that on Friday.

In his first address to the nation after assuming office 18 days ago, the Maoist ideologue compared his 'achievements' to a movie trailer and assured there's more to follow in coming days.

"Progress in peace and security, easy availability of essentials and action against black marketing is just a trailer. There is more to come," Bhattarai stated in his speech at parliament.

The 57-year-old, elected to the post after a deal with a five-party conglomeration of Madhes-based parties, now wants support of other parties to complete the entire 'film' - conclude the peace process and draft a new constitution - within the November 30 deadline.

"To complete these tasks the government needs support of all responsible parties, the Constituent Assembly and the public," he said.

Despite Bhattarai's predecessor Jhalanath Khanal stepping down to make way for a national consensus government, two prominent parties, Khanal's Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) and Nepali Congress, have refused to join the present government.

Both are insisting on the Maoists first addressing contentious issues of the peace process .

In his address, he also assured Nepal won't allow anti-India or anti-China activities on its soil. The country would try to be the "bridge of friendship" between the two neighbours, he stated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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