The Tale of Karima Begum

The Karima Begum- CDO Bhandari saga does not seem to end. And frankly speaking, as a follower of Nepali politics it entertains me. Yes, the entire story makes Nepali politics look ridiculous but, let face it, what does not. This story is a fine refreshment from the daily news of bands, riots, and deadlocks.

Karima Begum, the state minister of Agriculture slapped Chief District Officer Durga Bhandari. The CDO has accused the minister of manhandling him, while the minister has responded with an accusation of “misconduct to her body”. Talk about the fight between bureaucracy and politics.

After having watched Karima Begum’s thunderous interview it was clear that she was angry at the CDO and his apparent incompetence. Although I think Mrs. Begum’s “attempt to pull her into his chamber” argument is shrouded in “bull feces”, the CDO seems to be a complete nincompoop. Clearly he has not been doing his job well. But does he deserve being beaten up and humiliated in public is the question. This saga also raises question on the lack of limitation and judicial restriction of ministerial power and freedom to do what s/he pleases. Karima Begum sees no wrong in what she has done and she will not back down.

However I must congratulate Mrs. Begum for her success and undying efforts to empower the Nepali women and start a new era of revolution. At first Karima Begum seems to be an aggressive women looking for any excuse that would allow her to wriggle herself out of this unwanted limelight. But now it seems she has developed a fondness for this attention. Just look at her blasting the journalists and their questions. Although half of what she says is illogical and nowhere related to the topic at hand, she seems adamant to say what she feels she must. In her search for excuses Mrs. Begum is ready to bring out the much awaited feminist argument. I am sure she could convince us that her slapping the CDO was a valiant attempt to empower the Nepali women. It was a call to arms, she might add. Mrs.Begum has shown that one does not need to be a man to be a thug. Thuggery is based on the policy of nondiscrimination. For this madam you will go down in history as one of the first women thugs in Nepali politics. Congratulation!

Mrs. Begum has suggested that she beat up the CDO because he was no doing his job well. If that is so then I hope Karima Begum’s slapping the CDO was only the first step towards higher goals. Next on her list should be high profile office holders and power players, so MKN, GP, Prachanda beware the hand of wrath. This can start a new era of revolution. A revolution in which people have the liberty to slap anyone who does not do his job. A revolution based on limited violence and complete irradiation of corruption. Thank you Karima for showing us a new inexpensive way to solve so many of our problems.

Go on Karima, go on. Your historic slap can be the start of the beta version of the “new Nepal”, and for this I salute you.