KATHMANDU: Last week in Nepal was marked by a series of events that collectively reflect the country’s ongoing challenges in political consolidation, governance, legal accountability, development projects, environmental conservation, public health, and institutional reform.
The political landscape continues to be turbulent as parties grapple with internal dissent, leadership disputes, and adherence to constitutional and party norms, while simultaneously navigating alliances and power balances at both national and provincial levels.
One of the most notable political developments was the CPN-UML’s decision to suspend former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership. This move underscores the delicate balance between respecting the non-partisan status traditionally afforded to former heads of state and managing active political engagement that conflicts with party discipline.
Bhandari’s recent public statements and political activities were perceived by UML leadership as violations of constitutional norms and a challenge to party unity and ideology. The party’s directive, which emphasized the importance of party discipline and warned against external ideological interference, signals UML’s intent to strengthen internal cohesion as it pursues its “Mission 2084” campaign.
This suspension also highlights the broader tension in Nepal’s political culture where the roles and freedoms of former political leaders remain contested, particularly when those leaders continue to wield influence outside formal party structures.
In parallel, the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) is embroiled in a serious internal crisis following the ousting of its chairperson, Ranjita Shrestha, by the faction loyal to Resham Chaudhary, who installed his father Lalbir Chaudhary as the new party chair. This leadership upheaval illustrates the fragile nature of new political parties attempting to assert authority and maintain unity amid personal rivalries and factional competition.
Last week’s events collectively reveal Nepal’s multifaceted and interconnected challenges and opportunities. Political parties continue to wrestle with internal coherence, discipline, and leadership legitimacy, while governance structures at various levels face pressure from shifting alliances and legal accountability demands.
The removal of Ranjita and the contested appointment of an acting chair by her side further complicated party dynamics, revealing weaknesses in internal governance and procedural adherence.
Given that NUP had only recently made a notable impact by winning multiple seats at federal and provincial levels, this rift threatens to undermine the party’s future prospects and its role as a voice for marginalized communities such as the Tharu.
The unfolding dispute is likely to affect the party’s credibility and its ability to present a unified front, especially at a time when Nepal’s political environment is highly competitive.
Provincially, Sudurpaschim Province’s Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah successfully secured a vote of confidence despite the withdrawal of support from the NUP, showcasing the fluid nature of political alliances in Nepal’s subnational governance.
The fact that only one NUP lawmaker supported Shah, while others abstained, highlights the complexities of coalition politics and individual legislator’s agency. Support from major parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML proved decisive, reinforcing the importance of inter-party cooperation in provincial administrations.
This episode underscores how provincial politics can mirror national-level instability, with shifting loyalties and power struggles impacting governance continuity.
The judiciary also played a significant role in the political arena last week, as the former Chief of Madhesh Province, Rajesh Jha, was remanded in custody on rape charges. This case, involving allegations of repeated sexual assault against a young assistant, signals increasing public and institutional scrutiny of political figures accused of misconduct.
The legal proceedings against Jha, who had fled arrest attempts previously, reflect a growing insistence on accountability, even for powerful regional leaders with nationalist credentials. This development may set an important precedent for how allegations of sexual violence and abuse of power are handled within Nepal’s political framework.
In the realm of development, Nepal received a positive boost with the official confirmation that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact with the United States will continue as planned. After a lengthy review process initiated by the U.S. government, the MCC’s recommendation to proceed offers much-needed clarity and support for a $500 million infrastructure grant focused on electricity transmission and road networks.
This decision not only alleviates political uncertainty around the compact but also highlights Nepal’s strategic partnerships in advancing key sectors. The continuation of MCC-funded projects is critical for Nepal’s long-term development, particularly in improving energy security and connectivity, which have been longstanding challenges.
Environmentally, Shuklaphanta National Park in Sudurpaschim Province emerged as a remarkable example of conservation success, with a growing population of Bengal tigers reaching 44 individuals—the highest density recorded in Nepal for its size.
The park’s combination of abundant prey, well-maintained habitats, and numerous water sources has fostered this ecological rebound. However, the park’s tourism potential remains largely untapped due to poor infrastructure, lack of publicity, and logistical challenges.
Addressing these gaps could unlock significant economic benefits through sustainable tourism, particularly given the park’s proximity to the Indian border and growing global interest in wildlife conservation.
Public health concerns were highlighted by a surge in scrub typhus cases in Chitwan, with over 1,000 confirmed infections in the past fiscal year and one fatality. The disease’s seasonal increase during the monsoon period emphasizes the need for enhanced public awareness, hygiene measures, and timely medical intervention.
The health authorities’ warnings and data on infection hotspots underscore the ongoing vulnerability of certain regions to vector-borne diseases and the importance of strengthening local healthcare systems and preventive strategies.
On a positive note, Nepal’s tourism sector demonstrated a robust recovery with more than 70,000 foreign arrivals in July 2025, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels.
The steady increase in tourist numbers from key countries like India, China, and the United States, coupled with diverse regional origins, signals renewed global interest and the effectiveness of promotional efforts under the Visit Nepal Decade initiative.
Development initiatives receive important international support, and environmental conservation shows encouraging progress but awaits better integration with economic goals. Public health remains a critical area for attention amid disease outbreaks, even as tourism begins to flourish again.
This rebound is crucial for Nepal’s economy, which heavily depends on tourism revenue, and highlights the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure and marketing to further capitalize on this momentum.
Finally, administrative reforms made a subtle but important step forward with the extension of driving license validity from five to ten years. This change reflects a broader trend toward regulatory modernization aimed at simplifying bureaucratic processes and improving efficiency.
While seemingly technical, such reforms contribute to better governance and public service delivery, which are essential components of Nepal’s institutional strengthening.
In sum, last week’s events collectively reveal Nepal’s multifaceted and interconnected challenges and opportunities. Political parties continue to wrestle with internal coherence, discipline, and leadership legitimacy, while governance structures at various levels face pressure from shifting alliances and legal accountability demands.
Development initiatives receive important international support, and environmental conservation shows encouraging progress but awaits better integration with economic goals. Public health remains a critical area for attention amid disease outbreaks, even as tourism begins to flourish again.
Together, these dynamics illustrate Nepal’s complex journey toward political stability, socio-economic development, and institutional maturity amid a rapidly evolving domestic and international context.
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