by DHRUBA ADHIKARY
The election of Baburam Bhattarai as Nepal’s fourth prime minister in four years appears a defeat for democracy and a victory for the revolutionary left, but Nepal’s elites fear pro-Indian elements will benefit the most.
It was a 2008 general election victory that first handed Bhattarai’s boss, Pushpa Kamal Dahal or “Prachanda”, a chance to form the country’s first Maoist-led government. Now Bhattarai finds himself at the forefront of Nepal’s politics.
Two of the last four governments formed since 2008 have been headed by revolutionary Maoist leaders, indicating that the radical left is not likely to be sidelined any time soon. Those who believed the resignation of Prachanda in May 2009 – nine months after his appointment – heralded the beginning of the end for the Maoists are likely dismayed since last week.
ATO for more