By Babbler

Immediately after the formation of the interim government in September 2025, following the Gen Z uprising, the Dalai Lama’s government-in-exile extended a congratulatory message to the then government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. This was reportedly the first such formal message received from the Dalai Lama’s administration by a Nepali prime minister.

Again, after the formation of the government led by Balendra Shah, the government-in-exile sent another message, congratulating Shah and expressing hope for warm relations during his tenure.

Likewise, Mir Yar Baloch of the so-called Republic of Balochistan also extended congratulations to Prime Minister Shah.

This raises concerns about the nature of relations that the governments led by Karki and later by Shah may have with the Dalai Lama’s government-in-exile. It also prompts questions about the kind of connections, if any, between the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and separatist activists from Pakistan.

There are allegations that external intelligence agencies such as RAW and the CIA may play roles in supporting or promoting such groups. From this perspective, such congratulatory messages could be interpreted as signals aimed at China and Pakistan.

Nepal has long upheld the “One China” policy and officially maintains no relations with the Dalai Lama, who resides in Dharamshala, India. It is also worth noting that during the Gen Z demonstrations, a group identified as TOB (Tibetan Original Blood) was reportedly seen on the streets and allegedly involved in acts such as setting fire to public buildings.

While many innocent youth lost their lives when security forces opened fire during the protests, some argue that the movement may have been influenced or supported by external actors. There is also speculation that groups linked to the Dalai Lama may have backed the Gen Z movement.

In this context, questions arise: should the political developments since the September uprising—including the formation of the interim government under Sushila Karki, the electoral success of the RSP, and the rise of the Balendra Shah-led government—be viewed as part of a broader geopolitical strategy, possibly involving efforts by the United States to contain China?

Who Next?

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has moved swiftly. Within 24 hours, former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested. The series of arrests continues, alongside the reopening of files related to various scandals and alleged crimes.

The government has also decided to investigate the assets of six former prime ministers and several senior officials. As these developments unfold, the general public is increasingly curious about who might be next to go to the police detention!

Listen to Durga Prasai

Durga Prasai, a campaigner for the preservation and restoration of Nepali culture, religion, and the Hindu kingdom, has stated that Nepal has entered a serious geopolitical crisis.

He has warned that the American military could eventually come to Nepal and claimed that, following the full implementation of the MCC, the country might lose control over its water resources and minerals.

Prasai also mentioned the construction of a monastery in Makwanpur district costing 80 million rupees, claiming that the next Dalai Lama will be born there. According to him, such a development could draw China more directly into Nepal’s internal affairs.

His remarks, though controversial, have drawn attention, and he urges the public not to dismiss his concerns lightly.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

Such a strong government should restore the monarchy.

Prof. Dr. Bipin Adhikari

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The real game has just begun. The monarchy will not be revived by the state itself, but by the momentum of the ongoing movement. This recalls the words of King Gyanendra, who had once said:

“It is appropriate to go to elections only after national consensus; otherwise, further conflict will arise after the elections.”

***

Is it acceptable that those who brutally suppressed pro-monarchy movements in the name of democracy and republicanism should remain untouchable—beyond arrest and investigation?

Why should those who demanded the imprisonment of the king themselves be exempt from jail? Why were people happy when arrest warrants were issued in the king’s name, but are now uneasy when warrants are issued in their own names?

This was inevitable. Investigations and legal actions should not be one-sided. All those who have committed crimes must come under investigation. There must be equal legal treatment for all those responsible for the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24 during the Gen Z movement.

Shashank Ghimire

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Exactly one year ago, on Chaitra 15, I, along with Dhawal Shamsher Rana and many others, was detained without cause by K.P. Oli and Ramesh Lekhak. We are still facing four cases.

Within just one year, time and fate have changed so dramatically that both of them have now been arrested and brought to the same district police office where we were held.

Judicial interference must now end. Let truth be separated from falsehood.

Rabindra Mishra

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During the tenure of the Oli government:

• Rabi Lamichhane was arrested at night.
• Rabindra Mishra was arrested and handcuffed.
• Dhawal Shamsher was arrested and handcuffed.
• Durga Prasai was repeatedly arrested at night and handcuffed.
• 86-year-old Navaraj Subedi was kept under house arrest for a month, without access to a phone, newspapers, or visitors.
• Jwala Sangroula was detained for 25 days.
• Ashika Tamang, a mother of two minors, was detained for 18 days.
• TikToker Rama Basnet was also handcuffed and taken away.

And today…?
As you sow, so shall you reap!

Bhim Upadhyaya

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If you truly want to develop the country:

1. Reduce VAT to 7%.
2. Cut the number of government employees by 50%.
3. Set income tax at 1% for annual salaries up to 1.2 million rupees.
4. Reduce corporate tax to 10%.
5. Make it mandatory for the Prime Minister to resign if 90% of the development budget is not spent.
6. Make it the easiest place in the world to start and close a business.
7. Simplify the process of bringing in skilled foreign workers.

Rudra Pandey

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When protesters were killed by gunfire on Bhadra 23, the then Prime Minister and Home Minister were responsible. Will those involved in the destruction on Bhadra 24 also face action? Or will the focus remain only on the 23rd while ignoring the events of the 24th?

Santosh Khaderi

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What lessons can be learned from K.P. Oli’s arrest?

1. Never be arrogant about anything—wealth, power, or status. Time can change everything.
2. Ignoring advice from others can lead to downfall.

Dr. Nirantar Oli

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It is justified to arrest Oli and Lekhak for investigation regarding the shooting of pro-monarchy supporters on Chaitra 15 and the killing of youths on Bhadra 23.

Some seem disturbed by the arrest of Oli, who had consistently criticized the monarchy. While this reaction may be understandable given past political alignments, it is misleading to portray the opinion of a single RPP member as the official stance of the entire party.

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Those who once made questionable agreements under foreign influence to abolish Nepal’s monarchy are now protesting against foreign powers and the new government. It makes little sense for those who uprooted a historic institution of a sovereign nation to now complain about shifting external influences.

You reap what you sow.

Uddhav Raj Bhetuwal

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There are many experienced experts in this country who were ignored by previous governments but are willing to contribute voluntarily to nation-building.

Bhismak1962

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Will leaders like Rimal and Pokharel now step forward to help Oli? They should have understood public sentiment earlier. Instead, their actions have led them to face arrest in old age. Leadership must move beyond small inner circles.

Ramesh Kandel

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Is the Home Minister Sudan Gurung the same person who posted this? While implementing the Karki Commission’s recommendations, will attention also be given to monasteries, churches, and mosques? Just a question.

Arjun Gyawali

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The people did not vote—there are hardly any people left in the hills. Votes were allegedly manipulated internally by the army and election commission. If the truth is investigated, it will be revealed. And if those who brought Balen to power are dissatisfied, they may remove him as well.

Prem Kaidi

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Throughout his tenure, Oli’s arrogance, dismissive speeches, and tendency to belittle others were widely criticized. After children were killed on the first day of the Gen Z movement, he was labeled a criminal.

Janak Poudyal

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The only major campaign now should be to restore the monarchy, make Nepal a Hindu state, and abolish federalism, which the country cannot sustain.

Sushil

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The first decision of the new government led by Balen Shah—focusing on the arrest of former Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Lekhak—appears short-sighted and regrettable. It may encourage instability and insecurity.

Similarly, the decision of the Kathmandu District Court to extend their detention reflects a pattern of routine judicial support for police action, without sufficient consideration of the broader context. A bold decision could have set a new precedent and strengthened Nepal’s legal system.

Sundar Bhattarai

Excerpted by Sushma Shrestha