KATHMANDU: The past week marked a potentially transformative chapter in Nepal’s democratic evolution, as a powerful mix of anti-corruption action, political turmoil, civil protest, and international developments laid bare the deep fissures — and potential turning points — within the country’s governance landscape.
Anti-corruption drive hits a new milestone
The filing of corruption charges against former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is a watershed moment for Nepal’s accountability mechanisms. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) not only indicted a former head of government, but also challenged a long-standing precedent of shielding Cabinet decisions under the guise of “policy immunity.”
This sets a significant legal and moral precedent. The involvement of 93 individuals — including senior politicians, secretaries, land officials, and bankers — in the Patanjali land scam showcases a deeply entrenched nexus of political-bureaucratic collusion.
This is the first time a prime minister has faced formal corruption charges over decisions taken in office, effectively ending the unwritten rule that Cabinet actions are untouchable.
The move signals a shift toward substantive enforcement of anti-corruption laws, though it also risks being perceived as selective or politically motivated, given the turbulent political backdrop.
Moreover, the deal’s association with the Indian Patanjali Group introduces a cross-border dimension to the scandal, bringing into focus issues of foreign influence and regulatory sovereignty.
Judicial scrutiny tightens: Agni Sapkota’s case resurfaces
In a parallel development, the Supreme Court’s revival of a 14-year-old case against former Speaker Agni Sapkota underscores the judiciary’s renewed assertiveness. The mandamus issued in favor of petitioner Purnimaya Lama highlights a rebalancing of power, with the judiciary holding the executive and legislative branches accountable, even for long-dormant cases.
This indicates a slow but notable strengthening of rule of law and judicial independence, although the protracted nature of the case reflects institutional inertia and political hesitancy in tackling sensitive human rights cases tied to the conflict era.
Governance in gridlock: Parliament paralyzed
While anti-corruption actions seem to be gaining traction, governance itself is in disarray. The parliament remained deadlocked over demands for Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation following a visit visa scandal implicating officials at Tribhuvan International Airport. Opposition parties, including the Maoist Centre, have dug in, framing the scandal as a test of moral and institutional integrity.
Despite high-level meetings between KP Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, no breakthrough has emerged. This persistent impasse reveals how accountability demands are now a powerful political lever, but also exposes the fragility of coalition politics and the limited authority of Prime Minister Oli to enforce discipline within his government.
Royalist protests signal a rising right-wing momentum
The arrest of Kamal Thapa and other royalists amid anti-government protests indicates a reinvigorated monarchist movement, which, although still fringe, is gaining visibility.
The movement’s expansion plan across all 77 districts suggests it is attempting to capitalize on rising public discontent — particularly as governance fails to deliver economic stability or transparency.
Notably, the movement is increasingly youth-driven, an unsettling development for republican forces. The internal discord — as seen when RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden skipped a crucial strategy meeting — also highlights leadership fragmentation within the royalist ranks.
Economic scandals continue: Rs 2.5 billion bank fraud
Adding to the perception of systemic rot, the arrest of former Karnali Development Bank CEO Rajendra Bir Raya for allegedly embezzling Rs 2.5 billion further erodes public trust in Nepal’s financial oversight institutions. The involvement of top banking officials underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and greater accountability within the financial sector.
Transport crisis reflects state weakness in reform
The nationwide transport strike over ride-sharing regulations showcases the state’s struggle to enforce reforms in the face of entrenched interest groups. The government’s decision to temporarily suspend the regulation, following protests and public disruption, highlights a reactive governance model lacking strategic clarity. While the strike’s end offers short-term relief, it sets a worrying precedent of the state buckling under pressure from transport cartels.
Diplomatic engagements and subtle power moves
On the international front, two notable developments took place: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s visit to China stirred speculation about her political re-entry and a potential communist re-alignment. Her refusal to publicly clarify intentions has only deepened intrigue, especially in the context of China’s perceived role in promoting political coherence among Nepal’s left-leaning forces.
Foreign Minister Arzu Rana’s presence at the IOMed convention in Hong Kong, though low-key, signals Nepal’s cautious engagement in multilateral diplomacy, while her bilateral talks with Wang Yi suggest a continued tilt toward China amid a shifting global order.
TPS termination: A wake-up call for the diaspora
The U.S. decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalese nationals is a concern for Nepal’s expatriate community. Thousands could face deportation unless they secure alternate legal avenues. This adds pressure on the government to prepare reintegration strategies — something that seems unlikely given current political distractions.
Conclusion: Country at a crossroads
The week’s events point to a political ecosystem in flux. On one hand, the judiciary and anti-graft bodies are pushing back against impunity with renewed vigor. On the other, executive paralysis, parliamentary deadlock, and fragmented opposition movements suggest a state struggling to keep pace with demands for accountability and reform.
The anti-corruption surge could pave the way for long-needed political cleansing — if followed through consistently. But if these moves are perceived as politically selective or are not institutionally reinforced, they may simply become another chapter in Nepal’s cyclical saga of impunity and power plays.
Nepal’s democracy, once again, stands at an inflection point — caught between bold legal precedent and chronic political dysfunction.
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