Royal Politician In three weeks, Bista is another person POST REPORT KATHMANDU, Dec 23 - Fine, with time people change. But if you thought three weeks was too short a time for people to change, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Keshar Bahadur Bista will prove you wrong. Consider this. December 3: Talking to journalists at his party office in Lalitpur, Bista said elections were not possible under present circumstances. He also said the 12-point understanding signed by the parties and the rebels was a positive thing. He also urged the government to reciprocate ceasefire to create a conducive atmosphere for negotiations. December 23: Speaking at a program organized by Reporters' Club Nepal, Bista said, "It is a matter of serious concern that the seven-party alliance has reached an understanding with the rebels, which is an unconstitutional force. He also urged political parties to participate in the upcoming municipal polls giving up their "rigid stance" on it. He even asked the seven parties, "Will you act under Maoists directives and announce similar program to boycott polls?" What led to a complete turn around in Bista's thoughts in these three weeks? One wonders if there is anything else than the fact that he was appointed minister on December 7. Journalists present at the program on Friday were quick to remind Bista about his previous remarks. A journalist asked him pointedly, " You are a person who resigned from a cabinet post on moral ground in the past when people died at Dashrath Stadium in a stampede, what led to such a moral erosion in you?" Bista was evasive, and said, " Did you invite me here to pick on me?" On the possibility of holding polls, he said, "I joined the government sensing that there was a conducive environment for conducting polls." He was also in a mood to lecture the seven-party alliance this time. "Leaders are speaking in most irresponsible ways. They are even threatening to take the government to the international court." He questioned: "Is there such a case of ethnic cleansing or suppression in the name of religious belief for a government to be taken to the international criminal court?" he asked. http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=60867