The Lower House has not been able to transact business because of charges of corruption against Mr Koirala, who is alleged to have been involved in the Dhamiya scam. The stock of Parliament has gone so low that people make fun of politicians. The media, too, has come down heavily on the non-functioning of Parliament. There are some in the Nepali Congress who concur with this thinking. Disillusioned over the non-performance or misperformance of elected governments, people are questioning the democratic system itself.
Economic conditions are so bad that anyone who promises employment is seen as one who delivers.
This is the main reason why there is a sneaking admiration for the communists, who are a close second to the ruling Nepali Congress. Some even support the Maoists . The Maoists are said to be looking towards China for inspiration and help. But their main support comes from the People's War Group, which operates in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa. Mr Bhattarai has even demanded use of the Army to crush the Maoists.