KATHMANDU: After the Gen-Z protests, the public anticipated political transformation in Nepal. Yet, the many new parties claiming to carry the change narrative are increasingly reflecting the same old patterns they sought to challenge.
While 143 parties are registered for the upcoming elections on March 5, including 27 newly formed ones, observers note that these new entrants spend more time criticizing old party leadership than presenting clear, programmatic visions.
Reema Bishwakarma’s speech sparks debate
During the announcement event of the Ujyalo Party, artist Reema Bishwakarma delivered a speech drawing significant attention. Though her delivery was bold and assertive, critics argue she spent more time attacking established parties than outlining actionable policies. Bishwakarma likened supporters of long-standing parties to livestock, questioning continued faith in leaders who have governed for decades while fostering corruption.
Kulumaan Ghising’s provocative stance
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Kulumaan Ghising has similarly been vocal against senior political figures, questioning the effectiveness of leaders above 70 and taking controversial administrative decisions soon after assuming office. Analysts, however, question whether Ghising’s style of public criticism mirrors the centralization and personalistic tendencies he opposes.
Hark Sampang Rai and the Shram Sanskriti Party
Hark Sampang Rai, heading the Shram Sanskriti Party, has launched nationwide campaigns to consolidate electoral support. His social media posts and live streams often target Minister Ghising and accuse foreign elements of influencing the political process. While his rhetoric is passionate, observers note that his criticism of existing leaders dominates over presenting clear policy directions.
Emergence of alternative parties
Other alternative formations include the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party, led by Janardan Sharma with former colleagues from the RSP and ‘We Nepal’ movements. Despite ambitious agendas, these parties often spend more energy opposing senior leaders than detailing practical governance plans, limiting public confidence in their ability to deliver real change.
Fragmentation of Gen-Z activists
Gen-Z activists themselves remain fragmented. Leaders such as Miraj Dhungana and Balen Shah have participated in initiatives but often operate in silos, with some failing to formally register parties or present coherent electoral strategies. In Madhesh, activists like Purushottam Yadav aim to contest for governance, but remain independent of any structured party.
Analysts warn about societal reflection in politics
Political analyst Uddhav Pyakurel observes that parties and leaders reflect broader societal behavior. “Even when new institutions form, they initially appear transformative, but ultimately often adopt entrenched patterns,” he said. Pyakurel emphasizes that sustainable political change requires parallel societal maturity, institutional development, and a move away from personalistic, accusatory politics.
As Nepal prepares for elections, the challenge for new parties is to crack post-Gen-Z expectations into credible policy and governance platforms, rather than merely continuing the rhetorical battles of established political actors.
Comment