The New Parliament and the Changing Face of Nepali Politics
The opening session of the new Parliament in Nepal on April 4 was a moment that will be remembered for several reasons. The body representing the country’s sovereignty met in what resembled a godown, with MPs seated in rows of four, resembling school children. Prime Minister Balendra Shah made an unusual appearance, wearing a jacket over what looked like a T-shirt or sweatshirt. Nearby, former Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda sat subdued, seemingly acknowledging his loss of power.
The proceedings were notable for the social identities of those who spoke. Among the speakers were Harka Sampang (Rai), Bhisma Raj Angdembe (Limbu), Ram Bahadur Thapa, Barsha Man Pun, and Mahabir Pun (Magars), and Sudan (Gurung). Including the pro-tem speaker Arjun Narsingh KC, only three individuals represented the Bahun-Chhetri community, which includes Gyanendra Shahi from Jumla.
This situation echoed an earlier event in 2007 during the adoption of the new national anthem. Then, Subhas Chandra Nembang (Limbu) chaired the proceedings, with Prithvi Subba Gurung introducing the anthem, Byakul Mahila (Rai) as lyricist, and Amber Gurung as composer. Surya Kiran Gurung, the general secretary, was also present.
While these events may signal a New Nepal, the absence of women in both instances highlights the ongoing challenges. For Madheshis and Dalits, it reflects a continuation of the hill-dominated state, where Janajatis are seen as part of the same system that has historically marginalized them.
Blame Game and Political Rants
In the run-up to the elections, journalist Basanta Basnet noted, “Communists never lose an election. They are either victorious or there is cheating.” This sentiment was echoed by Ram Bahadur Thapa of the CPN-UML, who blamed the Nepali Army, bureaucracy, the Sushila Karki government, the Gauri Bahadur Karki investigation commission, the Barbara Foundation, NGOs, hidden powers, TOB, AI, algorithms, and multiple Goebbels. However, he avoided blaming his own party and leader.
Dressing Sense and Etiquette
French President Emmanuel Macron caused a stir when he wore sunglasses indoors at Davos, violating etiquette. Similarly, many Nepali political leaders have adopted this habit, often hiding their eyes behind tinted lenses during official meetings. Five new ministers continued to wear sunglasses after their swearing-in, a tradition followed by figures like Wojciech Jaruzelski of Poland and King Mahendra of Nepal.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s informal attire is acceptable, but as he takes on more responsibilities, he may need guidance on appropriate dress for official occasions. The example of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who faced criticism for appearing in combat fatigues, underscores the importance of dressing appropriately.
Youngsters at the Helm
One of the most striking features of the current cabinet is its youth. With a 35-year-old prime minister and others of similar age, this marks a shift from the usual gerontocratic leadership. Only five members are over 40, with the oldest being 51. This mirrors historical precedents, such as the 1951 cabinet led by BP Koirala, who was 36 at the time.
Despite past efforts by young leaders, structural and societal factors often limited their impact. The current government, however, has no such excuse. With performance expectations set against previous lackluster administrations, the focus should be on integrity and sincerity.
There is a line from a Costa-Gavras movie that states, “All young people who’ve done nothing yet have opinions about everything.” While this may apply to some, the hope is that the strong opinions of the young ministers are grounded in experience and knowledge.
