KATHMANDU: Last week’s events in Nepal underscore the deepening political divides and growing tensions within the country. The rise of royalist sentiment, the political opposition’s criticisms, and the mobilization of republican forces reflect the ongoing struggle over Nepal’s future direction.
Amid these political developments, issues like environmental responsibility, legal accountability, and infrastructure challenges remain central to the nation’s discourse.
As public dissatisfaction with the government continues to grow, the next few weeks are likely to see heightened political activity that will shape the trajectory of Nepal’s political landscape.
Former King Gyanendra’s return from Pokhara sparks royalist momentum
Former King Gyanendra Shah’s return to Kathmandu from Pokhara last Sunday ignited a wave of royalist fervor in the capital.
Thousands of royalist supporters gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome the former monarch, with a massive rally leading to Nirmal Niwas, his residence. The return was accompanied by the presence of prominent royalist figures such as Durga Prasai, RPP-Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa, and RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden, who all expressed support for the former king.
This resurgence of royalist sentiment has once again fueled political debates across the country. Republican forces, led by the Maoist Center, have expressed concerns about the rising momentum of monarchists, which they view as a direct challenge to the republican values that have been established after years of struggle.
Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ criticized the actions of royalists, accusing them of attempting to shake the republic. He argued that these actions were a direct result of dissatisfaction with the current government led by the Nepali Congress and the UML, reflecting the ongoing political instability within the ruling coalition.
The rally and the increased visibility of royalist groups are seen as a sign that the royalist movement is slowly gaining traction, potentially shifting the political dynamics of the country.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City fines RPP for environmental negligence
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) imposed a Rs 100,000 fine on the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) for causing environmental damage during their public event. Participants in an RPP rally, which took place near key areas like the airport, Tilganga, and Gaushala, were found to have scattered garbage indiscriminately on public streets.
This caused visible damage to public infrastructure, plants, and other community resources. The fine was levied under multiple environmental and waste management regulations.
This move by KMC highlights the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility in Nepal, especially in the context of large political gatherings.
Given that political rallies are frequent occurrences in Nepal’s dynamic political environment, the government’s decision to fine the RPP sets a precedent for holding political parties accountable for the environmental impact of their events.
Political climate intensifies as opposition criticizes government
The political climate in Nepal has grown increasingly tense, with opposition leaders expressing growing concerns about the rise of royalist factions.
Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal voiced his criticism against the Nepali Congress-UML coalition for failing to address the people’s needs, thereby creating a fertile ground for royalist movements to gain momentum. He described the streets as “heated with dissatisfaction” and called on the opposition to take decisive action.
In parallel, the Maoist Center decided to suspend its ‘Tarai-Madhes Awareness Campaign’ due to the increasing activities of royalist forces, which they argue have been fueled by corruption and government inefficiency. This shift in focus underlines the ongoing power struggles within the ruling parties and their reaction to the perceived rise of monarchist forces.
The Socialist Front, a coalition of various republican parties, announced plans for a large protest rally in Kathmandu on March 28.
The rally is set to challenge what they see as a conspiracy to roll back the gains made by the republic, with the aim of defending republicanism and opposing reactionary forces. As these factions mobilize, the political narrative in Nepal is becoming more polarized, with royalist and republican forces on opposite sides of the debate.
Court reduces Deepak Manange’s sentence
In a significant legal development, the Kathmandu District Court reduced the sentence of Deepak Manange, a suspended member of the Gandaki Province Assembly, by 20%.
Manange had been sentenced to five years in prison for criminal activity but will now serve only one additional year after completing two years and eight months of his sentence.
This decision has sparked debates over the fairness of the legal system in Nepal and whether political factors influence judicial decisions. Manange’s legal battles and the reduction in his sentence raise concerns about the transparency and impartiality of the judicial system, especially in politically sensitive cases.
This development will likely continue to be a point of contention in Nepal’s ongoing discourse on justice and political accountability.
Holi celebrations highlight cultural unity amid political tensions
In a more lighthearted development, the festival of Holi (Fagu Poornima) was celebrated across Nepal, including in the capital, Kathmandu. The festival, a symbol of unity and joy, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season.
Despite the political tensions and controversies surrounding the royalist movements, Holi provided an opportunity for people from different communities and backgrounds to come together and celebrate Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival’s significance in Nepal is more than just a day of festivities; it represents the spirit of community and national unity that transcends political divisions.
Earthquake jolts Kathmandu: A wake-up call for preparedness
On Saturday afternoon, Kathmandu experienced a tremor from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered in Tibet. While the quake caused no immediate major damage, it served as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Earthquake preparedness remains a pressing issue in Nepal, particularly given the catastrophic 2015 earthquake, which severely impacted the nation. This latest tremor underscores the ongoing need for disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and public awareness of earthquake risks.
Gwarko overpass demolished due to substandard construction
A troubling incident regarding infrastructure quality emerged last week when the under-construction Gwarko overpass, nearly 82% complete, was partially demolished after cracks appeared in the cement walls.
The overpass, one of Nepal’s first of its kind, was being built under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model. However, substandard work led to cracks in the precast panels, forcing authorities to order its demolition.
This issue sheds light on the challenges Nepal faces in infrastructure development, particularly regarding quality control and accountability in government projects. With repeated delays and ongoing concerns over the quality of construction, such incidents raise questions about the reliability and transparency of public-private partnerships in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Kulman Ghising’s defiance against government’s notice
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising made headlines after submitting a 16-page response to the Energy Ministry’s clarification notice.
The Ministry had issued the notice questioning why Ghising’s performance report was delayed, prompting Ghising to defend his actions by highlighting his past performance ratings and claiming that there was no specified deadline for submission.
The controversy over his appointment and the government’s criticism of his handling of the NEA has fueled political tensions surrounding the state-owned utility.
Conclusion: A Week of Political Agitation and Rising Tensions
Last week’s events in Nepal underscore the deepening political divides and growing tensions within the country. The rise of royalist sentiment, the political opposition’s criticisms, and the mobilization of republican forces reflect the ongoing struggle over Nepal’s future direction.
Amid these political developments, issues like environmental responsibility, legal accountability, and infrastructure challenges remain central to the nation’s discourse. As royalists and republicans clash, and as public dissatisfaction with the government continues to grow, the next few weeks are likely to see heightened political activity that will shape the trajectory of Nepal’s political landscape.
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