KATHMANDU: Nepal witnessed a week of heightened political tension and public unrest, driven primarily by an escalating teachers’ protest that led to the resignation of Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai and the postponement of national Grade 12 exams.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli swiftly appointed Raghuji Pant as her replacement while reshuffling other Cabinet positions ahead of the crucial budget session. As republic-related debates resurfaced and royalist protests breached restricted zones, concerns over political stability deepened.
Tragic accidents and a police recruitment scandal underscored lapses in public infrastructure and governance. Meanwhile, Nepal engaged in high-profile regional diplomacy with India and the Asia-Pacific, while PM Oli used symbolic gestures—including meeting football legend Roberto Carlos and condemning terrorism in India—to bolster national and international standing amid rising domestic challenges.
Political shifts and protests in education sector
Resignation of Education Minister Bidhya Bhattarai marked a major political fallout amid an intensifying teachers’ protest that has paralyzed the capital for over 20 days.
Teachers demand amendments to the School Education Act and have accused the government of ignoring their concerns. Bhattarai’s resignation, following unsuccessful dialogue efforts, reflects a lack of effective crisis management from the Ministry.
Meanwhile, Raghuji Pant’s appointment as the new Education Minister indicates Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s swift political maneuvering. However, it remains unclear whether Pant can meaningfully engage with protesting teachers or merely serve as a stopgap figure.
Educational disruptions
The postponement of Grade 12 exams under pressure from the Nepal Teachers’ Federation shows how deeply protests have disrupted the national education calendar. The National Examination Board, initially adamant about proceeding, had to reverse its decision after PM Oli’s direct intervention—signaling high-level political sensitivity around the issue.
Parliamentary affairs and Cabinet changes
The monsoon (budget) session of the Federal Parliament was announced for Friday, with President Paudel expected to present government policies by May 1.
This session is crucial for passing pending legislation, especially the Federal Civil Service Act and the long-delayed School Education Bill.
On the other hand, PM Oli also dismissed Minister of State Purna Bahadur Tamang, a low-profile but symbolic move, possibly signaling further Cabinet recalibrations ahead of budget announcements.
Republic debate and political stability
Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda downplayed threats to the republican system, countering PM Oli’s more alarmist tone. This discrepancy hints at internal tensions among top leaders regarding public perception and the stability of Nepal’s political system.
Meanwhile, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s pro-monarchy protest breached restricted zones, reflecting an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the republican order and attempts to revive royalist narratives.
Law and order concerns
The arrest of seven impersonators in police recruitment exams has raised alarms about the credibility of Nepal’s law enforcement recruitment process. This scandal touches upon systemic issues of corruption and loopholes in public service examinations.
Public safety and accidents
Two tragic vehicular incidents claimed eight lives: a tractor accident in Kalikot and a jeep fire in Taplejung. The latter involved religious pilgrims and was allegedly caused by contact with a fallen live electric wire, highlighting Nepal’s deteriorating road and electrical infrastructure.
Diplomacy and regional cooperation
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana chaired ESCAP’s 81st session in Bangkok, raising Nepal’s international profile while discussing challenges like climate vulnerability and digital inequality in Asia-Pacific.
On the other hand, a Nepal-India joint inspection of the Arun III hydropower project signaled continued bilateral engagement in energy development. Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s visit reflects growing regional energy integration and India’s interest in Nepal’s hydropower potential.
Symbolic diplomacy and celebrity visits
Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos visited Nepal as a special guest for the Nepal Super League. His presence was leveraged by PM Oli for soft diplomacy and youth engagement, culminating in a ceremonial meeting at Singha Durbar.
International solidarity and tragedy
Prime Minister KP Oli condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed at least 26, including one Nepali. He also held a telephone conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi, reaffirming Nepal’s stance against terrorism and strengthening diplomatic solidarity during times of crisis.
U.S. foreign aid shift
In international news with potential future impact on Nepal, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is being shut down by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency.
Given Nepal’s past friction over MCC’s implementation, this closure adds a new dimension to the country’s evolving relationship with U.S. aid frameworks.
Summary outlook
Nepal is experiencing a volatile political climate, particularly in the education sector. Protests have translated into administrative disruptions and high-level resignations, placing pressure on PM Oli’s leadership.
With the budget session approaching and public trust shaken, the government faces mounting challenges in maintaining legitimacy, delivering governance, and handling both internal and international diplomacy.
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