Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-political leader, has assumed office as a powerful Prime Minister. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) swept the March 5 elections, securing a near two-thirds majority, while many traditional parties and prominent leaders suffered major defeats.
Prior to the elections, former king Gyanendra Shah addressed the nation on two occasions—Pous 27 (the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great) and Falgun 7 (National Democracy Day). He cautioned that elections alone would not resolve Nepal’s ongoing political crisis. Instead, he called for a broad national consensus, a sustainable political system, strengthened sovereignty, and economic progress. However, political parties chose to proceed with elections, hoping to secure power.
Certainly, leaders found guilty of corruption or serious crimes must be held accountable. However, within 24 hours of the new government’s formation, several influential figures were arrested, triggering nationwide protests by their supporters. Nepal has already experienced periods of unrest and instability; such tensions cannot be allowed to escalate further. Accountability must be ensured through due process, not driven by vengeance.
In the past, arrests—including Rabi Lamichhane, Durga Prasai, Rabindra Mishra, and Dhawal Shumsher Rana—had raised concerns about fairness and dignity in the treatment of political opponents. Those once in power, such as K.P. Sharma Oli, often acted as authority figures rather than public servants. Yet, elected officials are ultimately accountable to the people they represent.
Concerns over governance were also evident before the elections. The interim government led by Sushila Karki faced criticism for controversial appointments, while Ram Chandra Paudel was reportedly accused of exerting pressure over political nominations. Such actions have fueled public distrust.
Some observers argue that external influences and political “influencers” shaped the election narrative, encouraging major parties like the Nepali Congress and UML with expectations of victory. In reality, the outcome proved otherwise.
The central question remains: is the current wave of arrests a necessary step toward justice, or an act of political retribution? Nepal must ensure that the rule of law prevails, guided by fairness, restraint, and democratic principles rather than revenge. In fact, political parties made a mistake by undermining the former King’s humble appeal. It is evident that the present political system cannot ensure the strengthening of the nation or the well-being of its people. Perhaps the political parties will come to realize that the system is not functioning effectively and that a model better suited to Nepal’s context is needed.
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