Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

Shankar Pokhrel says Balen, Rabi’s performance exposed limits of populism



KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has said the real capacity of populism has become evident only after Balendra Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane assumed positions of power.

Pokhrel, in a social media post, said that before Shah and Lamichhane took charge of power, political discourse was dominated by the promotion of various “illusions” and “dreams.”

He said those illusions have gradually begun to fade after the two leaders themselves reached positions of power, providing the public with an opportunity to understand the reality.

“The veils of illusion have gradually been lifted before the general public after they themselves reached the seat of power, creating an appropriate basis for understanding the reality,” Pokhrel wrote.

He added, “It seems the actual capacity of populism can only be tested after assuming responsibility in government. This is the positive aspect of the current situation.”

Pokhrel claimed that the actual delivery and performance of new and popular political forces have become clearer to the public after they entered positions of power.

His remarks come as political debate continues over the performance of emerging political forces and their ability to translate popular support and promises into governance and tangible results.

Publish Date : 11 August 2026 17:04 PM

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