Planning, Consultation Must Precede Action

Nepal’s youth-led government, enjoying almost two-thirds majority, has just crossed a month in office. During these 30 days, Prime Minister Shah’s growing global recognition, including being listed among influential global figures, has elevated expectations. He represents not just a political leader but a symbol of generational change. Preserving this image requires careful decision-making and openness to diverse perspectives, including those outside his immediate circle. 

This government has definitely demonstrated several actions that are completely new as compared to the past government's modality of operation. In the past, elected government, as soon as they came to power, especially the prime minister and ministers, used to be seen giving interviews and inaugurating several ceremonies, including book releases. However, this government is seen as busy with cabinet meetings and enacting the promises they made before the elections. They have not been seen in any public fanfare, but are being observed to be going to the office on time and working long hours to complete the mission they have undertaken. 

Defining test 

With demonstration of efficient work pattern even during the first month of what they planned to deliver within 100 days, this government is widely celebrated as the beginning of a new era, both at home and internationally. However, within these 30 days, the government is also facing a defining test. Two ministerial resignations—most notably that of the Home Minister—have shifted the national conversation from hope and reform to credibility and accountability. 

Now, the cleaning up of the river banks by wiping off illegal settlements in the name of landless squatters! While it is being seen that not all of the population who have made their residents along the banks of Manahara and Bagmati rivers in the Kathmandu Valley are landless squatters, it is unpleasant to see people being driven away from their dwelling places with nowhere to go. It is important to protect fragile ecosystems like the river banks but it is also important to remember that people living there are mostly there because of the fact that they have to deal with poverty and lack of access to resources to make a proper living. 

According to government data, around 1600 structures have been demolished along the banks of Manahara and Bagmati rivers at Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal and Manahara areas in the valley. There are provisions being made temporarily now for all displaced people in holding centres at Kirtipur and the Dasharath Stadium. Food, drinking water and health check-up facilities are also provided. Data is now being collected to identify who the actual landless squatters. The government then plans to give them temporary residents in several government buildings with plans of moving them into their permanent homes as per their constitutional rights. All of this sounds good and probably will be well at the end. 

However, at this particular moment when the evacuation is ongoing, there is rain and suddenly the temperature in the valley has dropped, so no matter what the good intention of the government may be, one cannot stay without sympathising for those who have been driven away from places that had been “home” for them. This government emerged from a movement — one led by a generation determined to challenge corruption and redefine governance. At the outset, the government initiated several steps aimed at cleaning up corruption that had long overshadowed Nepal’s political landscape. 

They have also initiated steps of cutting down government spending by cutting down perks given to elected leaders and now have also made laws not to pay medical bills for politicians for their treatments in foreign countries. In this zeal of carrying out their promises to the people who gave them overwhelming votes, there are cautionary advises to remind this youth led government that many times hurries lead towards spoiling the curries! 

They need to be aware that cleaning up corruption and reforming the civil service within the country where malpractices have been an open acceptance will earn them enemies. While the majority of Nepalis have expressed a desire for the success of this government and have been supporting them in the endeavours they have undertaken, including the evacuation of settlers along the river banks, some entrenched political actors and others may still be hoping for this government’s failure. 

The government needs to play its cards well. While they should capitalise on the shared aspiration that their leadership can establish a transparent, accountable system and create opportunities for the country’s youth, they should also take steps in a more calculated manner to ensure that this trust in them gets strengthened and not weakened. The resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung over allegations of suspicious investments has provided critics with ammunition to question the competence and maturity of a youth-led government. International observers have also begun to examine the tension between activist credibility and the realities of governance.

Backlash 

Mistakes in politics are not new - Nepal has witnessed them across generations of leadership. In that sense, errors by a relatively inexperienced government are not unprecedented. However, the stakes are higher when such controversies involve a key position like the Home Ministry. Gurung, once a popular figure on social media, is now facing backlash, raising questions about the risks of visibility without adequate preparedness. Leadership demands not only bold action but also foresight. In this case, both seem to have been lacking. 

To sustain itself, the government must now sit back and reflect. During the marathon to meet the 100 days target, 30 days have ended, showing ups and downs in the newly formed government. Prime Minister Shah now needs to remember that they have five years to stay. Planning properly without haste will help them in fulfilling the mandate they have promised to deliver. Rushing too much is not required; one step at a time with proper planning and consultation should be the way ahead. 

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women’s rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com or on X @NamrataSharmaP.)