Kathmandu, May 16 -- Author Tanka Chaulagain, in his novel Rudane, based on the life of Rupchandra Bista, paints a vivid picture of a moment in Parliament during the Panchayat days.

It's the early 1980s. During a National Panchayat session, Chaulagain writes, Bista, also known as Rudane, rose to speak and said: "Those who have 'king, country and system' written on their faces, but behave like dogs that bark and bite at people's rights, are our main political problems."

The chamber erupted. Hiralal Bishwakarma objected immediately. Chair Kamal Shah instructed Bista to withdraw his remark.

"Hey, my words. Your job is done," Bista responded with sarcasm. "Now come back!"

The remark was withdrawn, but the words had already echoed through ...