7:00 pm Friday, April 21, 2006 - After a series of agitation, violence and speculations, King Gyanendra has finally stepped down and has asked the Seven Party Alliance to recommend a person, with common approval, for the post of Prime Minister. Till then, the current government will occupy the office.

I see a lot of influence from the recent visit by Mr. Karan Singh, India's special envoy to Nepal. Maoist rebels are "pain in the butt" for the Indian government too and with their open borders with Nepal and political turmoil in here, it would have been a bigger problem for them to control the Naxalites.

I appreciate the King's step in search for peace. Some may say that he was forced to but I do not think so. In long term, he could have been but until and unless he had the authority over Royal Nepalese Army, it would have been extremely difficult for SPA to bring down the king on their own. But this a good gesture form the king and if he had not declared it today, more people would have died. Afterall, he would never have been successful in suppressing the people.

Now the party leaders have a huge responsibility on their experienced shoulders. First of all, they must come to an agreement. I am afraid they might just get muddled into party matters at such critical stage. We all request Congress and Communist party leaders to bring resonance among them as there are more important issues to be solved next. The government formed by SPA will have a huge load of responsibility.

Let's hope for the best and pray for peace.

King steps down posted by Pradeep Chand @ 9:35 PM

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