Spread the love

By Rabi Raj Thapa

We Nepalis are somewhat fatalistic and strongly believe in the proverb, “Man proposes, but God disposes.” Who proposed Balen Shah, and who disposed of K.P. Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba? Is it God or the Nepali people?

Today, Balen Shah is a towering personality at the age of 35, who has emerged like a phoenix compared to the many times jailed and beleaguered founding fathers of the secular federal republic of Nepal.

Now people are impatiently waiting for Balen Shah’s national pathway, which will first be reflected in the type of leaders he selects. Then, his national and international policy strategies will serve as a litmus test for his success or failure, determining whether his rule will continue for five years or end prematurely.

Let us pray and hope that Balen’s government does not fall in line with Nepal’s ongoing experimentation with child democracy (Sishu Prajatantra), which has neither completed its full mandate nor fulfilled the hopes and aspirations it promised to the people.

First, the Nepali Congress began its political journey from exile; it endured coups, imprisonment, and armed resistance, and ultimately restored democracy in Nepal. However, this democratic system later became corrupted and distorted under former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala through his “kitchen cabinet.” During his six terms in office, Koirala became so powerful and autocratic that he marginalized and sidelined senior and respected leaders like B.P. Koirala, his own elder brother, and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai.

Similarly, Nepali communist leaders began their political history with division, betrayal, violence, and bloodshed. They were fortunate that their violent movement paid off, at least for a certain period. Consider Prime Ministers K.P. Sharma Oli, Madhav Nepal, and Jhal Nath Khanal of the UML.

Likewise, Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai can be compared to Angulimala of 20th Century Nepal. They succeeded in capturing state power under a communist façade, eventually abandoning their earlier structures such as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Youth Communist League (YCL), which still linger in the Nepali psyche.

Now, how is Balen Shah and his government going to deal with them? Does he have a list of corrupt and honest politicians, rulers, and administrators so that he can take appropriate measures to streamline his new government? Otherwise, how will his cabinet differentiate between the chaff and the grain? In this regard, the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission may prove to be more of a liability than an asset to Balen Shah’s government.

First of all, the orientation of newly elected members of Parliament was a good gesture. However, it would have been far better if the proceedings had been broadcast live on television for the news-hungry public of Nepal.

Now, the herculean task of controlling and eradicating corrupt political, bureaucratic, and commercial networks is not easy. Balen Shah cannot exercise power in the manner of the spoils system of the United States. However, his government can consider outsourcing Nepali technocrats and experts on contract to replace underqualified, inefficient, and parasitic elements who have been exploiting and monopolizing government resources.

As the saying goes, “Man proposes, God disposes,” a two-thirds majority government under Balen Shah presents both a challenge and an opportunity. However, he should not consider this majority as a magic wand or a guarantee of a full five-year mandate. Nepal has witnessed several two-thirds majority governments in the past, many of which have ultimately failed.

Balen Shah’s plan to take the oath on the auspicious day of Ram Navami reflects his respect for Nepali sentiment. This has given people hope that he will prioritize the protection and promotion of Nepal’s core interests and identity. How far Balen Shah considers and accommodates the sentiments surrounding the institution of monarchy and the Omkar family will have a long-lasting impact on his legacy and may play a crucial role in the survival of Nepal as an independent and sovereign nation-state.

For this reason, it may be both pressing and difficult to sideline issues such as MCC, SPP, and BRI, although they can wait for some time. His immediate priority should be addressing the safety and security of distressed Nepali citizens stranded in conflict-ridden Gulf countries, followed by tackling rising inflation.

“Pashupatinath le hami sabai ko raksha garun. Balen Shah ko sarkar lai sahi disha-nirdesh ra sadbudhi diun.”