Author: space4knews

Film actor C Joseph Vijay has come close to leading a new government in Tamil Nadu’s political arena in southern India. Defying critics’ predictions, his party, Tamilaga Veetri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a clear majority in the recently held State Assembly elections on Monday. Vijay’s leadership has caused a significant stir in the established political framework. His political rise has been compared to the celebrated actor-turned-politician M.G. Ramachandran, who left the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1977 to form his own party and became Chief Minister.

While Vijay’s success has energized supporters and admirers alike, he still faces challenges before assuming the office of Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister. The state assembly consists of 234 seats, requiring a minimum of 118 wins to form a government. So far, Vijay’s party has won 108 seats, 10 short of a majority. This means he must form alliances with smaller parties and independent members to secure a ruling majority. Only then will he be able to stake a claim to govern Tamil Nadu.

The DMK and its main rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), have long dominated Tamil Nadu politics. In this context, TVK’s impressive performance signals a significant shift in the political landscape. Some analysts attribute Vijay’s success largely to his personal appeal. Social scientist Shiva Viswanathan remarked, “Vijay possesses exceptional zeal; he is driven by charisma, confidence, and personal competence, which gives him a unique energy.” After the elections, Vijay has been carefully cultivating his public image by addressing gatherings at temples, churches, and other venues, with images of his tours frequently appearing on television and mobile screens.

Tamil Nadu is well-known for its dramatic political transformations, where cinema and politics have been deeply intertwined. From Ramachandran to Jayalalithaa, actors have made successful forays into politics. Vijay is following this path, although his campaign differs in approach. Analysts note that while the influence of DMK and AIADMK remains strong, how personalities like Vijay convert popularity into political power is yet to be fully seen. Despite his success, the path ahead is challenging. The party faced a major setback in 2023 when a rally turned deadly, resulting in dozens of fatalities, yet voters appear to have forgiven him.

Vijay announced his entry into full-time politics in the film ‘Jananayagan’ (Leader of the People), which was scheduled for release in January but remains uncertain due to a hold by the Indian film certification board. Although he formally launched his party TVK in 2024, his political journey began much earlier. Since 2009, he has reorganized his ‘fan clubs’ to undertake relief, education, and welfare activities. In 2011, he tested his popularity by supporting coalitions of major parties to see if it translated into votes.

According to poll expert Pradeep Gupta, Vijay enjoys strong backing from young voters and women. The 18-to-39-year-old age bracket, which makes up around 42% of Tamil Nadu’s voter base and includes many first-time voters, largely supports him. Women are also increasingly drawn to his party. His support base includes marginalized communities as well. Political strategist Prashant Kishore stated, “Vijay is the new hope of Tamil Nadu.”

Social justice and welfare-oriented politics have also shown results in Tamil Nadu, with an 11.2% economic growth in the 2024/25 fiscal year. However, this progress has not diminished the demand for change. Stability brings its own challenges in attracting young voters seeking innovation. Vijay maintains a distinct standing compared to other film stars turned politicians like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Citizens of Tamil Nadu admire film heroes not only for their on-screen persona but also for their ideals of justice.

His supporters say that people disillusioned with the two major parties are longing for change. A party spokesperson noted, “People see TVK as a symbol of change.”

Dharan, Sunsari, April 23 – Suwas Gandharva has spent 25 years playing the sarangi and singing melodiously. His companion, Sujan Gandharva, has also been singing along to the sweet rhythms of the sarangi for eight years. Every day, they perform together from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shram Sanskriti Park in Dharan, blending sarangi and madal beats with song. One plays the madal while the other accompanies on the sarangi and sings, making this musical collaboration an integral part of their daily lives. Their melodious sarangi performances entertain park visitors and provide a source of livelihood as well. Spectators and tourists often offer financial support voluntarily, based on their appreciation.

Suwas Gandharva shared, “I have been involved in this profession since childhood, following my family tradition. My father raised us while playing the sarangi, and I have continued this legacy.” He added, “In the past, transportation was limited in the village, so we used to travel long distances to perform. Now, travel is easier.” He recounted his experience performing in all major cities across Nepal from east to west, as well as in Sikkim and Darjeeling in India. Most of their income comes from spontaneous contributions made by passersby and audiences during street and public space performances.

According to Suwas, he reached the battle rounds stage by participating in the ‘Voice of Nepal’ competition and also had the opportunity to perform on the ‘Indreni’ program. However, due to limited earnings from these appearances, he returned to earning a living by playing the sarangi. He has experience performing in various alleys in cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. Sujan Gandharva, after working for a long time in Darjeeling, India, returned to his village and has sustained his livelihood playing the sarangi and singing for the past eight years. He continues this traditional craft with the intent to preserve it.

“Playing the sarangi and singing is the ancestral profession of the Gandharva community; it is our culture and identity,” Sujan said. “But nowadays, the new generation is turning towards other professions, putting this traditional art at risk.” He also noted that developments in modern technology and changing entertainment mediums present additional challenges in preserving the Gandharvas’ traditional occupation. Both musicians expressed hope to continue their craft as long as their health permits. The Gandharva caste, considered endangered in Nepal, primarily resides in districts including Bhojpur, Kaski, Tanahun, Lamjung, Gorkha, Chitwan, Baglung, Palpa, Dailekh, and Surkhet. Known as carriers of folk life, the Gandharva community has long protected, promoted, and developed Nepali folk music and theater. Their traditional musical instruments, the sarangi and madal, symbolize their cultural heritage. Today, Gandharvas are embracing folk singing as a sustainable profession and continuing their ancestral vocation.

Rambahadur Rokaha, 23 Baisakh, Syangja – A young man has been arrested on charges of harassing a woman under the pretext of offering her a motorcycle lift. The arrested individual has been identified as 20-year-old Divas Sunar from Putalibazar Municipality-9. This information was provided by Deputy Superintendent of Police Prasanna Raj Chaudhary of the District Police Office, Syangja.

According to reports, the incident occurred on the public road section in Malebagar, Putalibazar Municipality-1, where the youth had offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle. As per the complaint filed by the victim, on Tuesday morning at around 7 a.m., Divas Sunar asked for her phone number after giving the lift. When she refused to provide it, the young man reportedly behaved inappropriately toward her, as stated in the complaint.

Following the incident, the police team dispatched to the scene apprehended Sunar while he was attempting to flee. Authorities have indicated that legal proceedings have been initiated against the arrested individual. Meanwhile, the police have urged the public, especially women, to exercise caution when strangers offer lifts on motorcycles.

Rural road in Baglung. File photo

Due to the absence of blacktopping on the 10-kilometer Kusmiserā–Rāṅkhānī road section, thousands of residents of South Baglung have been facing difficulties. Although the construction company took charge in October 2019, only 78 percent of the work has been completed so far, with the deadline extended five times. The Gandaki Province government, funding the project at a cost of NPR 245.8 million, has seen work stalled as the company cites price hikes as a reason for the delay.

April 23, Dhorpatan (Baglung) – The Kusmiserā–Bareng–Shantipur road is an important route in South Baglung. Due to the first section of the road lacking a blacktopped surface, thousands of locals continue to endure hardships. The 10-kilometer stretch from Kusmiserā to Rāṅkhānī remains unpaved largely due to delays by the construction company. Assigned on October 10, 2019, Sharma/Caravan JV was given two years to complete the blacktopping, but it remains unfinished, causing significant problems for travelers and freight transport.

The blacktopping was supposed to be completed by October 2021, but only 78 percent of the work has been done. The Gandaki Province government initiated the blacktopping project with a budget of NPR 245.8 million. According to Engineer Prakash Shris from the Infrastructure Development Office in Baglung, the construction company has shown little enthusiasm to progress since the start and recently halted the work, citing cost increases as their excuse.

Despite pressure to complete the project, the company has defied orders, preventing progress. “The company has already had five extensions. The last deadline expired on March 17. Currently, discussions are underway regarding whether to extend the deadline again or terminate the contract. However, the company has already received payments for the work done so far,” Engineer Shris stated. He added, “We have urged the company numerous times to complete the work, but the company has ignored these requests. The work should have been finished five years ago, but now they claim inflation is the reason for delays.”

Meanwhile, the Rāṅkhānī–Bareng section of the road was blacktopped two years ago. However, the construction company had been out of contact for a long time. Bhaktabahadur Thapa of Gemini Municipality-10, Rāṅkhānī, expressed his dissatisfaction: “Seven years have passed hoping the road would be blacktopped. Vehicles pass daily on the village road, but in winter dust gets everywhere and during the rainy season, mud enters homes.” According to Thapa, “It’s been many years since the road was promised to be paved, but it remains as it is. Dust in winter covers even the kitchen, and potholes during rainy season spill into fields causing problems. There’s no clear solution in sight.” Local resident Pushpa Shris added that the dilapidated road condition causes serious difficulties for transporting materials and traveling. Drivers reportedly charge higher fares over short distances, using the poor road condition as an excuse.

April 23, Kathmandu – Following recent heavy rainfall and the resulting floods and landslides, several key highways in different parts of the country that had been blocked are now reopened for traffic. However, some sections of the BP Highway and the Mid-Hill Highway remain closed.

According to police reports, traffic services have resumed on the Kantillok Path section in Bhalukhola, Bagmati Rural Municipality-3, Lalitpur; the internal road section from Hanggangdang Thukimba to Dobhan in Meringden Rural Municipality-5, Taplejung; the Arniko Highway blocked by a landslide at Ikhu in Kodari, Bhote Koshi Rural Municipality-2, Sindhupalchok; and the Kantillok Path section at Bharyangdanda, Bhimfedi Rural Municipality-8, Makwanpur.

The Mid-Hill Highway in Bochim, Bhojpur Municipality, and the Beni-Jomsom road section at Jalthale, Annapurna Rural Municipality-3, Myagdi are currently operating with one-way traffic. Similarly, the internal unpaved road from Salakpur Dakhep in Rong Rural Municipality-6, Ilam to Jhapa, the BP Highway sections in Chaukidanda, Namobuddha Municipality-6, Kavrepalanchok and Ghumaune Charsaybensi, Roshi Rural Municipality-7, as well as the Mid-Hill Highway section at Bimirebhanjyang, Madhy Nepal Municipality-10, Lamjung remain completely blocked, the police confirmed.

All vehicle operations on the Khurkot-Nepalthok-Katunjebesi route in Kavrepalanchok have been suspended. As the rainfall persists and the threat of floods and landslides remains high, the police have urged the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety while traveling on the affected and one-way highways.

The Ministry of Health and Population has issued a directive to ensure that the daily operations of the Health Science Academy, health institutions, and hospitals are not disrupted. The ministry has instructed officials and department heads who have not been removed from their positions to continue providing medical services, administrative work, and educational activities without interruption. April 5, Kathmandu.

Following the issuance of an ordinance on the removal of public officials by President Ram Chandra Paudel on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, many officials in the health sector were automatically dismissed. The ministry released a notice emphasizing that, to avoid any impact on medical services, administrative work, and educational activities, the respective department heads have been assigned the responsibility to continue work uninterrupted.

After the government dismissed officials from the Health Science Academy, health institutions, and hospitals, concerns grew about potential disruptions to operations, prompting the ministry to issue this directive. Officials who have not been removed and the respective department heads have been explicitly instructed to manage daily administrative tasks, healthcare services, and educational activities regularly.

“To ensure there are no disruptions in medical services, daily administrative duties, and academic educational activities, officials who have not been dismissed and concerned department heads have been directed to regularly carry out these tasks,” the notice states. It also advises contacting the ministry if any issues arise during this process. The ministry has urged all involved parties to work responsibly to ensure that medical treatments and educational programs at hospitals continue unaffected.

Former Administrative Court Chairperson Kashiraj Dahal stated that employee trade unions and labor trade unions are distinct issues, and it is inappropriate to interpret them in the same way.

The government has established a task force chaired by Professor Balchandra Luintel to conduct a timely review of the National Curriculum Framework 2076. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced that the task force aims to update the national curriculum to align with the changing environment and to incorporate moral education.

According to the decision made at the 98th meeting of the National Curriculum and Evaluation Council, the task force includes members such as Dr. Lekhnath Paudel and Dr. Minakshi Dahal. Other members of the task force are Dr. Amina Singh, Pavitra Bahadur Gautam, Pramod Bhatt, Gyanendra Mall, Sangendra Shrestha, Richa Nyaupane, and Revati Karki. The Director General of the Curriculum Development Center serves as the member-secretary.

The government has formed this task force to review the National Curriculum Framework and provide new directions. The Ministry emphasized that this initiative seeks to make the curriculum timely in response to evolving circumstances and to integrate moral education effectively.

Following the publication of a special ordinance in the official gazette that facilitates the removal of public officials, approximately 1,600 officials have been dismissed. Among them, 36 officials from nine entities under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology were also relieved of their duties. These affected entities include the Gorkhapatra Corporation, Press Council Nepal, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Advertising Board, Security Printing Center, Nepal Public Service Broadcasting, National Information Commission, Film Censorship Committee, and the Minimum Wage Fixation Committee.

Kathmandu, 22 Baisakh – As soon as the government’s special ordinance related to the removal of public officials was published in the official gazette, around 1,600 officials from various bodies were simultaneously dismissed. This includes officials from nine bodies under the Ministry of Communication. The ministry released a statement listing the 36 dismissed officials by name. It confirmed that officials from Gorkhapatra Corporation, Press Council Nepal, Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Advertising Board, Security Printing Center, Nepal Public Service Broadcasting, National Information Commission, Film Censorship Committee, and the Minimum Wage Fixation Committee have all been removed from their posts.

Summary: The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to advise the government not to deploy bulldozers in unorganized settlements except for landless squatters. The government is expected to complete the data collection and verification of landless Dalits, squatters, and unplanned settlers by 13 Jestha. With the dissolution of the Land Problem Resolution Commission and the pending formation of a new task force, the government’s efforts to resolve landlessness issues have been delayed. (April 22, Kathmandu)

During the bulldozer operation last Saturday in squatter settlements such as Balaju and Swayambhu, the RSP’s secretariat meeting at its central office in Banasthali decided to recommend the government halt bulldozer activities in all settlements except those inhabited by landless squatters living in vulnerable conditions. The party’s resolution emphasized, “The government should promptly establish an authority to address the widespread unplanned settlements and prioritize the resolution of genuine landlessness issues. We urge avoiding actions that may cause distress and focus on securing housing for those forced to live in unsafe conditions.”

This directive aligns with point number 82 in the RSP’s manifesto. The party suggests that, aside from cases involving landless squatters, no action should be taken until the authority’s report is submitted. The RSP has also resolved to advise local governments conducting bulldozer drives against encroached structures to follow this same guidance. “Similarly, the party will urge local governments, when exercising their jurisdiction by demolishing structures, to manage the situation accordingly,” the decision states.

Following the displacement of over 10,000 residents from settlements including Thapathali, Manohara, Shantinagar (Gairigaun), Banshighat, Shankhamul, and Balkhu, the ruling party’s sudden change in stance raises questions. “There are various reasons for this, the foremost being a policy to avoid alienating voters,” a RSP secretariat member explained. Parliamentary representatives of RSP anticipate that implementation of this decision would satisfy the urban middle class.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), daily incomes ranging from NPR 300 to NPR 3,000 (approximately 2 to 20 USD) classify individuals as middle class. In urban areas like Kathmandu, monthly incomes between NPR 40,000 and NPR 100,000 also define this group. Multiple studies show that the middle class can afford private healthcare, send children to boarding schools, and live in owned or secure rented housing. Surveys by Nepal Living Standards, Tribhuvan University, the World Bank, and ADB estimate the middle class comprises between 20% and 35% of Nepal’s population.

Experts observe that a significant portion of the middle class resides on government land (aillani and partti) without formal certificates. Even if land is officially recorded as forest, those who have settled long-term and constructed homes are classified under the Land Act as “unplanned settlers.” Across Nepal, the number of unplanned settlements is roughly three times higher than that of landless Dalits and squatters. According to the latest data from the Land Problem Resolution Commission, there are 930,790 unplanned settler families nationwide. The National Census 2078 estimates an average household size of 4.37 persons, placing the total population in unplanned settlements at over four million people.

This figure excludes landless Dalits and squatters. Section 52(g) of the Land Act stipulates that those residing in unplanned settlements for over 10 years (considered 16 years under the 2076 amendment) are eligible to pay a set amount to acquire allocated land. The RSP’s decision appears geared to benefit those who have lived on aillani, partti, or government-recorded land for at least 16 years. However, secretariat members say the decision results from multiple factors.

Concerns such as some homes being located on aillani or partti land, a higher than expected number of genuine landless individuals, and intense criticism have led the party to adopt a cautious “wait and see” approach. An anonymous member noted, “Most may be illegal settlers, but 5–7% are real squatters who could have been housed in hotels temporarily; however, the reality turned out differently.” Protests have also occurred in Bardiya, Dang, Rupandehi, Jhapa, and other locations.

Political science professor Krishna Khanal suggested that RSP’s retreat came in response to the public backlash following settlements’ clearance campaigns. He said, “The party seems fearful after seeing the response to the government’s bulldozer operations.” While removing illegal settlements is not disputed, criticism focuses on the failure to provide alternative housing for the displaced. Analyst Shyam Shrestha remarked, “Houses have been demolished without alternative plans. Although the RSP-led government is taking action, the approach backfired, forcing them to reverse course.”

The government had pledged to distribute land ownership certificates to genuine landless squatters within 1,000 days and promised to complete data collection and verification within 60 days. Despite dissolving the Land Problem Resolution Commission through the Nepal Act amendments, the government must complete verification for landless Dalits, squatters, and unplanned settlers by 13 Jestha. With just three weeks remaining and no new commission formed—only plans to set up a task force or committee—the government seems to be forced to shift into reverse, according to analysts. Analyst Mumarama Khanal said the government’s superficial attempt to solve land issues has placed it on the defensive. “The squatters’ problems are not uniform; the RSP tried to highlight this but ended up underestimated,” she concluded.

Following the publication of a special ordinance regarding the dismissal of public officials in the official gazette, twenty officials under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport have been relieved of their duties. This includes thirteen officials from the Nepal Engineering Council, including its chairman, four from the Nepal Road Board, and three from the Nepal Railway Board.

Alongside this ordinance, approximately 1,600 officials from various ministries have also been dismissed simultaneously. This development is expected to bring significant changes to government administration. The list of dismissed officials has also been made public.