Kukhurako Bhale

The book entitled Kukhurako Bhale (Rooster) by Late Birendra Bhakta Shrestha has been dedicated to the public recently at a book-launching function in Kathmandu. It is not just another book; it is actually a politician’s thoughtful modality of “continuing dialogue on politics with new generation”.

The text in the book presents a glimpse of how Shrestha’s life was bonded with political struggle for democracy in Nepal. The title of the book – Kukhurako Bhale or Rooster – has been derived from the election symbol that B.B. Shrestha got from the Election Commission during the 2043 B.S. (1986 A.D. Rastriya Panchayat election in Kathmandu Valley.

It was at that poll that Shrestha emerged as a dominating sensational candidate opposed to the party-less polity. Most predicted his win based on the massive support he enjoyed in mass meetings in the city and its outskirts. Although he lost the election and could not enter then parliament, he won in politics and became the talk of poll history for long along with his symbol Rooster.

The 304-page book offers a great narrative on how political parties and leaders operated opposing the partyless Panchayat system and later sustaining democracy they fought for. It offers readers the actual scenario in which politicians worked for restoring democracy. The writer’s first hand impression of various Nepali Congress leaders – B.P. Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh, Subarna Shumshere and Surya Prasad Upadhyaya –could be described as realistic.

Readers interested in contemporary politics and social movement in Nepal would find the book highly relevant for it provides meaningful analysis of issues of the time. BBS displayed his keen sense of preserving culture as he initiated a movement for rebuilding the quake damaged Kasthamandap without losing its originality.

B.B. Shrestha served for the cause of democracy throughout his life but his service could not get recognized by the political party that boasts of being democratic. The writer does not express any sorrow for this; he simply portrays the scenario and leaves it for readers to understand. Youths would be inspired by the struggle that BBS had in his political life.

The chapters in the book are well organized and the editing, design and layout appear appropriate. They add to the readability of the book.