By P.R. Pradhan
Foreigners’ playground
Nepal’s political landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, raising serious questions about foreign influence, national sovereignty and the future of Nepali civilization. Recent political developments, including the rise of new leaders and changing relationships among political parties, have intensified concerns about whether Nepal’s domestic affairs are increasingly being shaped by external interests.
The Nepali Congress (NC), under Gagan Thapa’s leadership, has experienced a significant political realignment. Thapa had an opportunity to reconcile with the faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, but the apparent failure to bring the rival camp together has raised questions about the party’s future unity.
Interestingly, Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), attended the NC convention and exchanged cordial remarks with Thapa. This was striking because Thapa had previously accused Lamichhane of involvement in cooperative fraud and claimed to possess strong evidence. The apparent change in tone invites questions about whether political expediency is beginning to outweigh earlier accusations.
The September 8–9, 2025, Gen-Z uprising and the subsequent political transformation have also fuelled speculation about foreign involvement. Some commentators have alleged that American-linked organisations helped cultivate political networks and mobilise young activists. A September 24, 2026, article in People’s Review, discussing a report by the US-based investigative outlet The Grayzone, raised questions about foreign-funded programmes and their possible connections with emerging political figures. These allegations deserve independent scrutiny; they should not, however, be treated as proof that Washington orchestrated the uprising.
Likewise, claims of electoral manipulation, including allegations concerning the printing and use of ballot papers, require documentary evidence and an independent investigation. The Election Commission’s published figures provide an essential starting point for examining such questions. Transparency, rather than speculation, is necessary to protect public confidence in elections.
Meanwhile, reports of differences between Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Lamichhane have prompted speculation about a possible political realignment involving Gagan . Whether such an alliance materialises remains uncertain. Nevertheless, political manoeuvring among emerging leaders warrants scrutiny, particularly when national interests risk being subordinated to personal ambition or external agendas.
Nepal occupies a strategically sensitive position between India and China, while the United States has also expanded its engagement in South Asia. As The Kathmandu Post observed in its February 2026 analysis, Nepal’s political transition has geopolitical implications, requiring the country to manage India’s concerns, China’s suspicions and American interests. The challenge is not to reject cooperation with any country, but to ensure that Nepal does not become an instrument of great-power rivalry.
Foreign assistance, international non-governmental organisations and media funding deserve particular attention. Such engagement can support education, development and democratic institutions, but opaque financing and undisclosed political interests can undermine public trust. Nepal needs transparent disclosure rules, independent audits and consistent enforcement of its laws—not blanket accusations against every foreign-funded organisation or intellectual.
The larger question is whether Nepal’s political leadership possesses the resolve to protect national independence while maintaining balanced relations with its neighbours and other international partners. Neither anti-American rhetoric nor uncritical acceptance of foreign assistance offers a sufficient answer. What Nepal needs is a foreign policy rooted in sovereignty, accountability and national interest.
Ultimately, safeguarding Nepali civilization requires unity among patriotic forces, respect for the country’s diverse cultural heritage and protection of its historical identity. Advocates of restoring a Hindu kingdom may regard constitutional restoration as the appropriate path. However, such a change must be pursued through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means. Nepal’s future should be determined by Nepalis themselves—not by foreign capitals, donor networks or political factions seeking outside patronage.
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