One month following the landmark elections on March 5, Nepal has shifted from the conventional political dynamics dominated by its older leaders to a new chapter spearheaded by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah. This change has been propelled by the “Gen Z” movement and a public outcry for accountability in the aftermath of the protests in September. A youthful, technocratic leadership has emerged, armed with a strong mandate to tackle issues such as job creation and pervasive corruption in the system.
The newly formed government has initiated an extensive 100-day plan aimed at enhancing governance, stimulating economic growth, and delivering justice to those affected by recent unrest. However, this ambitious approach has sparked some controversy, particularly as the administration has launched investigations into corruption cases dating back to 1991. This has led to the notable arrests of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Former Ambassador Ranjit Rae has shared his insights on these recent developments in Nepal’s political landscape and their potential impact on the relationship between Nepal and India in a conversation with Anagha Jayakumar.
Rae expressed that the new government has swiftly begun its work, unveiling a comprehensive 100-day program that prioritizes justice, constitutional reform, and effective governance. Significant actions have already been taken in response to the Gen Z protests, particularly in seeking accountability for the killings that occurred on September 8 and investigating the subsequent arson on September 9.
On the constitutional reform front, a committee has been formed to explore amendments aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, although leading this process remains a sensitive topic in Nepal’s political discourse.
The administration is also making strides against systemic corruption by committing to investigate all corruption cases since 1991—a daunting task often compared to “cleaning out the Augean stables.” This initiative has resulted in high-profile arrests of political figures and intermediaries, resonating well with the public. To improve service delivery, plans are underway to digitize interactions between citizens and the government, allowing essential documents like passports to be sent directly to homes, thereby reducing the opportunities for bribery and eliminating long queues.
Despite some concerns among observers that the government may be advancing too rapidly and could face backlash from established interests, the leadership has demonstrated a firm commitment to its agenda in the initial weeks of its tenure.
When asked about potential backlash, such as the Chief Justice’s notice concerning the arrests of former PM Oli and Ramesh Lekhak, Rae noted that such notices are standard procedure. He emphasized that the Supreme Court naturally inquires about the reasons behind governmental actions. He does not perceive any judicial opposition to the arrests, as the remand for both individuals has been prolonged. Public dialogue in Nepal indicates a need for strict adherence to due process, which includes obtaining judicial warrants and formally framing charges. It is important to remember that the Karki Commission report had previously highlighted these individuals.
Notably, while political figures remain incarcerated, a senior bureaucrat implicated by the commission was arrested and subsequently released, indicating the new administration’s recognition of the importance of cooperating with the permanent bureaucracy to achieve effective governance. This differential treatment of bureaucrats compared to former political leaders reflects a cautious approach by the current government.
Rae does not perceive any political agenda behind the arrests; he believes there are substantial reasons for these actions, which encompass not only politicians but also intermediaries. Balen Shah campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, and there is widespread public awareness regarding how a select few leaders monopolized political and economic power for personal gain.
Asking whether pragmatism and anti-corruption efforts are sufficient for the new government’s sustainability, Rae commented that communism has been in decline in Nepal for quite some time. Despite some political factions retaining labels like Maoist or Marxist-Leninist, they effectively transformed into reformed communists focused on economic growth, free enterprise, and integration into the multi-party democracy. However, over the years, they developed a monopoly on power that allowed corruption to flourish, leading to the emergence of new political forces.
He believes the new government embodies a pragmatic ideology, emphasizing development and the enhancement of citizens’ lives. This modern perspective resonates with the aspirations of the younger generation. Rae is confident that India will support these objectives, as they align with its own goals.
While it is still early in the government’s tenure, significant commitments have been made. Rae highlights the transition of the citizen-government interface to a digital platform as a key commitment. This change aims to eliminate long waits and the need for bribes when obtaining essential documents, which will now be delivered directly to individuals’ homes. The government is also focusing on economic growth, job creation, and skill development.
Although the government is moving swiftly with a 90-day timeline, Rae cautions that long-term success hinges on sustainability. While changing personnel can be accomplished relatively easily, the more challenging task lies in strengthening institutions to ensure they function effectively regardless of who is in charge.
Regarding the appointment of Gen Z leader Sudan Gurung to the Home Ministry, a position he previously criticized, Rae noted that Gurung’s earlier critiques stemmed from concerns over excessive force used by the ministry.
