By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel
“Nothing is permanent; change is constant,” goes the old axiom. This time-tested adage perfectly fits our context. Post-restoration of democracy, the old and corrupt political parties—mainly Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoist Centre—held the country hostage, ignoring the mandate given to them. The three crooked individuals—KP Oli, Prachanda, and Deuba—of CPN-UML, Maoist Centre, and Nepali Congress, respectively, ruled the country in turn, placing their favorites in advantageous positions. Result: rampant corruption, abuse of authority, unemployment, and a culture of impunity, nepotism, and favoritism were at their peak during their tenure.
While people were struggling for day-to-day survival, these immoral politicians were engaged in manipulating and breaching democratic norms and values to remain in power. They not only kept people in the dark but also looted the country for years in the name of politics. Their lust for power, while ignoring their commitments to the people, laid the foundation for their downfall.
That people were unhappy with the old and traditional parties was reflected in the just-concluded parliamentary election. The old and long-standing parties were defeated in constituencies that had been viewed as their bastions for ages. They were not just defeated but defeated by huge margins in their strongholds, giving the impression that people have had enough of them and that it is now time for change.
The people gave nearly a two-thirds majority to the Rastriya Swatantra Party, established a few years ago. Soon after its formation, the party grabbed media limelight mainly due to its charismatic founder—Rabi Lamichhane—a TV presenter turned politician. As a TV journalist, his efforts to rescue trafficked Nepalese from the Middle East made him a national hero overnight.
On Friday, 27 March 2026, the Rastriya Swatantra Party formed the new government under the leadership of rapper-turned-politician and former mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen. He took the oath of office amid great fanfare, indicating that the government under his leadership is here to serve the people. Logically speaking, there are already tell-tale signs from his oath-taking ceremony, with people saying that the Balen-led government will lay the foundation for a new and prosperous Nepal.
There are many reasons to believe that a Balen-led government will not let people’s hopes and aspirations down. To start with, the present cabinet is endowed with leaders who have strong academic credentials and professional backgrounds. It includes doctors, engineers, economists, lawyers, etc. Their knowledge and acumen will surely play an instrumental role in transforming the nation from a socio-economic perspective.
Over the years, the Nepalese economy has largely relied on remittances sent by migrant workers engaged in dangerous, demeaning, and difficult jobs. Despite immense potential in many areas, including agriculture, tourism, and hydroelectricity, we have not been able to make rapid strides in economic growth. With economist Swarnim Wagle and his outstanding experience leading the Finance Ministry, the Nepalese economy is likely to progress rapidly. This is evident from the fact that he has already announced that his ministry will introduce investment-friendly policies and create a conducive environment to attract international investors to Nepal.
On the other hand, the powerful Home Ministry is led by the young and outspoken Sudan Gurung. He represents the youth and led the Gen Z movement against corruption and forceful bans on social media. The September Gen Z movement ousted the KP-led government, and Parliament was dissolved. An interim government was formed under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, whose primary mandate was to hold an election on March 5, 2026, which she accomplished successfully.
What started as a peaceful movement led by youth turned into a massacre when security personnel indiscriminately gunned down over a dozen college students who were staging a peaceful protest against corruption on the first day of the movement.
Following the crackdown on peaceful protests, the interim government led by Sushila Karki formed a three-member high-level commission under Gauri Bahadur Karki, former president of the Special Court. The main purpose of the commission was to investigate whether security forces followed proper procedures or violated citizens’ rights during the demonstrations. The report recommended disciplinary action against several senior officials of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. It concluded that excessive force was used during crowd control and held former Prime Minister KP Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak responsible, recommending criminal action against them.
After the minister’s name was made public, many raised questions about why Sudan Gurung was entrusted with leading the Home Ministry. They held the view that he lacks the maturity and prudence required to lead such a powerful ministry. However, it remains to be seen whether the decision to appoint Gurung as Home Minister was wise.
While netizens debated this on social media, the first Cabinet meeting decided to implement the recommendations of the Karki-led commission investigating the Gen Z protest case. The report states that the government instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant bodies to immediately implement the commission’s recommendations.
In the early hours of March 28, 2026, police arrested former Prime Minister Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The commission’s report held both responsible and recommended criminal action against them. All this clearly indicates that the Balen-led government not only makes commitments but also translates them into action.
The news angered Oli’s supporters, who called it an example of vendetta politics. The secretary of CPN-UML, Mahesh Basnet, said that this is unacceptable and that they would stage protests against what he called state atrocity. What led him to make such remarks is beyond the understanding of ordinary Nepalis.
It is too early to predict whether the Balen-led government will fail to deliver on its promises made during the election campaign. It is also uncertain whether RSP leaders will remain united, setting aside internal differences and egos. However, one thing is clear: it will not be like the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoists, who looted the country in the name of politics.
It is a party that will transform the nation—this is a common sentiment among Nepalese people at present.
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