Happy king Ghatana Ra Bichar, 24-30 January From Issue #333 (26 January 07 - 01 February 07) | TABLE OF CONTENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE NT PRINT REFER WRITE TO EDITOR Contrary to reports that the king has been in a deep depression after the promulgation of the interim constitution, he was seen happily socialising at a recent family event. His relatives were surprised to find him in a jolly mood at son-in-law Gorakh’s residence at Keshar Mahal. The king was attending the guniu cholo ceremony of his granddaughter, and stayed a long time chatting with his relatives. The king talked about retired General Kumar Fudung’s nomination by the Maoists. When some of the people present started calling Fudung a traitor, the king said he welcomed the nomination and considered it as a good decision made by the Maoists. Fudung is understood to have been very close to the king, and his nomination came as a surprise. Fudung has said that he will work towards changing Nepal’s defence policies. A large chunk of the evening was spent discussing the latest Nepali bestseller Raktakunda. The book revolves around the royal massacre and talks extensively about various ‘conspiracies’ inside the palace. After much discussion, the royal relatives concluded that the book was an attempt to give a bad name to the royal family. In the middle of conversation, the king allegedly said, “Now anyone can say and do anything.” The conversation also revolved around the new political changes, but the king did not comment on the recent tarai violence.