Gangsters of Nepal

My impression of most Nepali politicians is that they are rich, of the priestly caste, and have big houses. Of course, members of parliament in Norway aren't exactly striving to make ends meet, but still. The wealth of some Nepali politicians stands in a striking contrast to the poverty under which many of the people live. There can of course be many explanations for this. The good wage enjoyed by most politicians, coming from a wealth family or maybe some are just good businessmen. But, in addition to this, corruption has also been an important source of income for many politicians. And this doesn't just relate to oppotunities to amass wealth for themselves, but also relative freedom from punishment when breaking the law.

One example is the Royal party politician Khovari Raya. Between 1994 and 1999 he became minister four times, despite the fact that he holds the dubious honour of being the first MP arrested while in parliament. Raya was arrested for brandishing a firearm at a discoteque in Kathmandu, but no charges were filed and he was set free.

Another politician not wasting his time in parliament is Goshinda Yoshi from Nepali Congress Party. When he first became a minister in 1991 he had a fortune of 300000 nepali rupees(divide by ten to get Nkr.) In 1997 this had grown to 37,9 million, without Yoshi being able to answer where he had earned the money. Yoshi is still an influential politician in Nepal.

In 1995 the parliament was ruled by a minority cabinet. This usually means that it will be harder for cabinet to get proposals trough. Deuba, from NC, who was prime minister at the time, managed to get past this hinderance by paying other members of parliament to leave while a vote of no confidence was being held against him. He paid five MPs 2000 USD each, and sent them to Thailand for "medical treatment". Just enough to tip the vote of no confidence in his favor. A good example of seeing solutions instead of obstacles that we all could learn from.

Stay with us until next time, and remember that crime doesn't pay....as well as politics.