Another force without a vote: SB Thapa

Kathmandu, 23 Aug: Six-time former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa Tuesday warned ‘another force’ will emerge if 22 November election isn’t held to draw the country out of the current deep political mess."Let’s not think of consequences without elections. Another force will arise," Thapa warned forces trying to abort an assembly vote."Without elections major issues can’t be settled. But we are confused. There are obstacles. People have suspicions election will be held; they are losing faith in politicians."Election should be held. There’s no other solution," the veteran politician and chief of the Rashtriya Janasakti Party (RJP) Tuesday told state-owned Radio Nepal now under Maoist control."Politics is being conducted for personal, party and group interest. It must address national needs."Politics right now is confused. Long-term decisions couldn’t be taken in the past. Politicians are acting with selfish one-sided interest. This is not hidden. "Politicians, like me, cannot shy away responsibility," Thapa added.‘Now in politics, Rasputins are playing. I don’t want to say more than that," Thapa, who is close to India observed.He hinted such elements are in and outside the palace, including political parties.Thapa said the King can’t be ignored in present politics."The King has big role," Thapa said.

"Aberrations have surfaced in politics without balance and coherence. Personal, party and group interests are being prioritized. Party and personal interests are being mixed in politics."National interest isn’t being given priority or focused. We are, as a result, facing the consequences."Thapa added: ‘The main players in politics should understand this. They have to make a promise to the people election will be held. Small fries don’t matter. If they’re honest, there’s no question of election not being held."