Many issues over national govt.

"Thaaththa," Bindu Udagedera asked, "what is all this talk about a national government?"

"That is one of those slogans which are repeated every now and then to fool the people." Percy, Bindu's father said.

"Why do you say that, thaaththa?" Bindu wanted to know.

"Why, Bindu, there has never been a national government in this country despite all this talk of one."

"But now Seeni Bola has made an offer."

"And the greens have rejected it outright."

"But thaaththa," Bindu protested, "Seeni Bola says a national government will help to solve the war."

"That is what he says," Percy said, "but that will not happen."

"Why do you say that?"

"For that to happen, then Prabha must also be in this national government."

"But thaaththa," Bindu queried, "won't it be enough if the greens and blues get together?"

"That may be enough," Percy agreed, "but most of the blues will not like the idea."

"Why is that, thaaththa?" Bindu wanted to know.

"For instance, won't the Pee Em have to be demoted, if there is a national government?" Percy asked.

"Why is that, thaaththa?"

"Why, Bindu, for the greens to agree to a national government, the green leader must at least be appointed the Pee Em."

"That must be why the pee em is against the idea, then." Bindu said.

"What makes you think he is against the idea?" Percy wanted to know.

"Why, thaaththa, while Seeni Bola is calling for a national government the pee em is saying he has the support of five green MPs for the no-confidence motion."

"That is certainly interesting." Percy observed.

"Why do you say that, thaaththa?"

"Why, Bindu, all these days there was no talk of a national government; now, when there is a no-confidence motion, they suddenly talk of a national government."

"But thaaththa, don't we already have a national government?" Bindu queried.

"Why do you say that?"

"Why, there are blues, reds, yellows, former greens and then the Raufs and the

Thondas in this government."

"But, as Seeni Bola has probably realized, this is not a national government but a political government."

"Why do you say that, thaaththa?"

"Why, Bindu, a national government works for the nation; a political government works for the politicians."

"And that reminds me of another problem that will emerge with a national government, thaaththa." Bindu said.

"What's that?"

"Why, thaaththa, even with this government we have to support forty four ministers to keep all the parties happy."

"But we have got accustomed to that now." Percy argued.

"But just imagine how many ministers we would have to accommodate if they are to form a national government."

"That won't be a problem," Percy said, "we can then abolish Parliament itself."

"How can we do that?" Bindu was puzzled.

"Why, Bindu, then every MP will be a minister; so, instead of Parliament, we can have only a cabinet and everyone will be happy."

Bindu didn't think the situation was much different now.

The Jungle Telegraph

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