During our last dinner in Kathmandu, one of our guests commented that the Maoists (presently in power) are learning that it’s a lot harder to lead the country than to lead a rebellion. I decided to look up their original 40-point demand given in 1996 and compare it to what they have accomplished since winning elections in 2008.

The first nine demands are “Concerning Nationality.” The Maoists wanted to abrogate unfair treaties, and “vulgar Hindi films, videos and magazines should be immediately outlawed.” We saw many ads for Hindi / Bollywood movies while traveling through the country so the government has fallen behind on that front. Demand #6 wants stoppage of “foreign capital in Nepali industries, business and finance.” During our time in Nepal we saw a trade treaty with India approved and the Maoists were open to receiving development aid from a visiting Chinese official. It looks like the Maoists have changed their mind now that some of that money could be funneled into political coffers. For me, the interesting part of these first demands concerning nationality is that they don’t address what is Nepali nationality or have any suggestions on how to bring about a common identity.

The second section of demands is “Concerning People’s Democracy.” This is where the Maoists did get some goals achieved: abolishing the monarchy, having representatives elected for a people’s democratic system,  and the army, police and bureaucracy come under the people’s control (although I would argue they’re really under the control of political elites). Demand #17 mentions murderers being brought to justice, but it doesn’t mention which side the murderers came from. It’s interesting that some Maoist leaders are considering amnesty for some extra-judicial murders in light of this demand. Some other points in this section involve ending racial and gender discrimination. We met several organizations, like the Women’s Dalit group in Nepalgunj, that say there has been progress in these matters.

The third section concerns “Livelihood.” The Maoists demand free education, clean water, cheap fertilizer and seeds, guaranteed employment, and chocolate waterfalls from money mountains. It’s basically a wish list, but like the other demands it doesn’t mention how these demands or goals are to be met. Overall the Maoists did have some noble and respectable goals but now that they’re in power they are seeing how difficult it is to make them come true. Or did they think they would never be in power and just wanted these excuses to wage armed struggle? All I know is that I would give them a B- if I was to grade their performance in respecting and implementing their own demands.