Ashu, Just some quick notes, 1. I am sure your contribution to the andolan for democracy will be duly acknowledged when time comes. 2. I am unaware of any person, let myself alone, who was/is "hitching the republican hopes onto the wagon of these [Girija et al] netas". Some people whose aspiration would be satisfied just with the restoration of pre-2002 status quo do look up to these netas. However, the aspirants of republic democracy have always moved ahead of these netas, making them left behind thereby forcing them to run as much as they could to catch the popular republican sentiments. Fortunately or unfortunately, Girija et al have not been able to quite catch up with the leading popular republican sentiments as yet. This was also what I was trying to tell DC_Girl and Thaha_Payen above. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** DC_Girl and Thaha Payen-jyu, Here are some of my views in points. 1. Although I believe there is every reason for Girija et al's leadership to go, my reasoning and emphasis at this point of time is for a PRAGMATIC reason than for anything else. Simply put, my assessment is that, with Girija Prasad Koirala as the commander, the movement is never going to bring the mass of people necessary for the movement to succeed to join the movement. It did not. It has not. It never will. 2. Althought the decisive mass still apathetic to political parties' call for joining their agitation, it really is not apathetic to the cause of democracy. I think a decisive mass of people are already silently 'motivated' to fight the final fight against the King. And this motivation, in every likelihood, is irreversible. So, we don't have to worry that it might wear off if we wait for a leadership. In fact, it might wear off if it appears that there is nobody in Nepal except the likes of Girija Prasad Koirala to lead, guide and serve them. 3. It is possible that a spontaneous, possibly anarchic too, popular rebellion against the King might erupt as triggered by some sensational incident/development. And this is exactly why we need a leadership that people can respect and trust. Girija et al will not be able to control this kind of rebellion to lead it to a disciplined and smooth transition to democracy, not only for his image but also for his personal political views. A leadership vaccum will make the rebellion vulnerable to manipulation by the Maoists and basically things will be at their mercy. Not a wise thing to let happen when the Maoists's recent commitment to democracy is fresh and yet to be tested. What can prevent this kind of dangerous rebellion ? Neither Girija, nor the advocacy to accept him. These, in fact, as I said, will increase the chance of it happening instead. So from these practical consideration, rather than moral and other point of view, I consider rejecting Girija's commandership as a must and the first step for a sensible and workable jana-andolan for democracy. Girija has to go. Things will follow. Because they really are ready. Nepe