KATHMANDU: The past week in Nepal saw a convergence of diplomacy, domestic discontent, political recalibration, and symbolic cultural milestones — each revealing a nation negotiating its identity on multiple fronts.
PM Oli’s China Visit: Between assertion and expectation
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to China (August 30–September 3) was more than routine diplomacy. Held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, Oli’s bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping was a high-stakes exercise in geopolitical positioning.
At the center of that conversation was Lipulekh, a long-contested tri-junction region that both India and China have controversially included in bilateral trade agreements. Oli’s direct objection — invoking the 1816 Sugauli Treaty and Nepal’s territorial claim — signaled a notable diplomatic assertion. For a small state situated between two global giants, Nepal’s reminder of sovereignty was bold, albeit tempered by its reliance on both neighbors.
Beyond territorial matters, Oli urged for expedited implementation of BRI-related infrastructure, support in fertilizer and petroleum sectors, and human resource development. Xi responded with familiar pledges of support for a “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali,” yet past delays in Chinese projects serve as a reminder that high-level affirmations must eventually meet ground-level execution.
Nevertheless, Oli’s strategic diplomacy has reinforced his international stature at a time when internal party dynamics are strained. His messaging abroad could bolster his political capital at home — if outcomes materialize.
Bhandari’s return: From ceremonial figurehead to politics?
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, officially barred from politics by her own party (CPN-UML), has all but ignored the prohibition. Her recent meetings — including with RSP spokesperson Manish Jha, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, and Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha — show a growing willingness to reposition herself as a political influencer outside the bounds of party structures.
Her public concern over Rabi Lamichhane’s detention and criticism of the government’s “politicization” of the cooperative scam case hints at a broader strategy: to emerge as a sympathetic voice for the disillusioned right-wing and nationalist base. Her establishment of a liaison office in Thapagaun and her rising political visibility make it clear — Bhandari is not retiring quietly.
This not only challenges Prime Minister Oli’s grip over UML but also introduces a wildcard in the evolving opposition space. Bhandari’s arc, from constitutional head to potential populist pivot, could alter dynamics ahead of future electoral alignments.
Prachanda’s reckoning: Between reflection and relevance
While one former power center rises, another reflects. In an emotional address to his party’s Karnali meeting, Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” acknowledged the waning of his movement’s might — referencing a time when the name “Prachanda” carried weight, backed by the Young Communist League, People’s Liberation Army, and revolutionary fervor.
Now, with factionalism plaguing the Maoist Centre and public enthusiasm fading, his calls to rebuild strength and dismantle groupism come across as both honest and desperate. While the party did secure some wins in student unions and the mountaineering association, the broader base is eroding — particularly among youth who associate the Maoists more with stagnation than transformation.
His legacy, built on revolutionary struggle and peacemaking, now faces the test of long-term relevance in a democratic setup where ideas — not ideology alone — drive political currency.
RSP and Lamichhane saga
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) continued its protest campaign over the cooperative fraud case involving Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, whose bail plea was rejected again by the High Court. The party frames his detention as a political vendetta, while legal institutions maintain the narrative of due process.
Interestingly, RSP has found an unlikely sympathizer in Bhandari, suggesting shared frustration with establishment forces. This evolving alliance — even if informal — could reshape opposition dynamics, particularly among youth and urban voters.
The party’s simultaneous grassroots campaign and institutional appeals are testing Nepal’s legal and political boundaries — raising fundamental questions about the balance between populism, justice, and due process.
Protest and governance gaps
In Kathmandu, scrap workers staged a protest against what they termed unconstitutional harassment by municipal authorities. Their five-point demand — including protection of their livelihood — highlighted the gap between the city’s beautification agenda and the rights of informal laborers.
Meanwhile, courts continued to be busy. The Supreme Court cleared the way for a by-election in Manang, following Deepak Manange’s disqualification, and RSP leader Aranico Pandey was released on bail in a cybercrime case — showcasing a legal system that is active, if not always consistent.
The government also appointed Chandra Kuber Khapung as the new IGP, suggesting that routine transitions in security leadership remain embedded in seniority and political calculus.
Vietnam-Nepal ties and cultural diplomacy
The visit of Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan added a diplomatic and cultural layer to the week’s events. Her tours of Patan Durbar Square and Boudhanath, and meetings with Nepal’s top leaders, marked a significant milestone as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
This visit, although symbolic, reflects Nepal’s intent to diversify its foreign engagements beyond immediate neighbors, while promoting heritage as a tool of diplomacy.
Miss Nepal 2025
In a much-anticipated finale, Luna Luitel was crowned Miss Nepal World 2025, with Sony Ghale and Urusha Bhandari securing the Earth and International titles. Held in Godavari, the event drew wide national attention — not just for its glitz but also for its evolving role in shaping youth representation, social campaigns, and soft power.
Beauty pageants in Nepal are no longer merely about aesthetics. Contestants increasingly embody issues such as education, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. The public reception and media coverage show that Miss Nepal continues to function as both a cultural barometer and a platform for leadership among young Nepali women.
Conclusion
Last week’s events showcased Nepal at a crossroads — geopolitically assertive, internally fractured, and culturally vibrant. While diplomacy remains central to asserting sovereignty and securing development, the domestic front tells a more complex story of political reinvention, legal contention, and generational transition.
In this unfolding narrative, former revolutionaries are reflecting, new political actors are rising, and youth — whether in politics or pageantry — are staking their claim. Whether this results in real transformation or simply rearranged players will depend on one key variable: delivery.
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