Author: space4knews

Nepalese politics has reached another historic turning point. At just 35 years old, senior leader Balendra Shah (commonly known as Balen) of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to assume the role of Prime Minister. Following the parliamentary elections held on February 21, where the RSP achieved nearly a two-thirds majority, Balen’s ascendancy to power is now assured. Prior to the election, when Balen was the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, a seven-point agreement was reached between him and the RSP, nominating him as the party’s candidate for Prime Minister. The RSP’s surprising victory has granted it the authority to form the government and implement its agenda over the next five years.

This electoral triumph is not merely a shift in Nepal’s political priorities but also reflects the strong desire of the Nepali people for change. Frustrated by the existing practices of ruling parties, the electorate has expressed hope for government reform through new and effective leadership.

Recent public opinion indicates that Balendra and his party have been chosen as capable leaders to steward Singha Durbar for the next five years. The sizable majority won by the RSP was previously considered nearly impossible given Nepal’s constitutional challenges where many parties find it difficult to secure an outright majority over the opposition. While electoral support signals the start of change, it does not guarantee successful governance. To transform this mandate into effective leadership, Balen must pass five crucial tests, which are outlined in detail below.

1. Building an Effective Governing Team

The success of Balen’s five-year term will largely depend on how his cabinet and advisory team perform. He must decide whether to lead this process directly or collaborate closely with RSP Chairman Ravi Lamichhane. Each approach carries its own risks. Forming a cabinet based primarily on party loyalty could reinforce traditional political patterns, whereas including experts without political ties may lead to weak local and national awareness within the administration.

Balen will need to establish this governing structure promptly, as circumstances will not wait for him.

Government ministers and advisors must be well-acquainted with the country’s challenges and possess the capability to implement the policies and programs announced by the party effectively. Moreover, the team must clearly understand recent regional and global political shifts and their geopolitical implications. Any missteps in team selection may cause weaknesses not only early in the administration but throughout its entire duration.

2. Making Wise and Balanced Decisions

Balen is set to face three major demands simultaneously as he assumes the premiership: good governance, public service reform, and job creation. The public expects clear improvements in these areas within the early months of the new government.

Additionally, there is pressure to hold accountable those responsible for the violence and destruction during youth protests on September 8 and 9. There is widespread anticipation for serious investigation of long-standing corruption and for perpetrators to be brought to justice through legal channels. Though valid and legal, these demands carry political risks if not handled cautiously.

Aggressive moves on such sensitive issues could spark confrontations with opposition forces both in parliament and on the streets. Therefore, Balen must prioritize these matters carefully and establish strict enforcement strategies. How he navigates these demands will be critical to his administration’s effectiveness.

3. Strengthening and Reforming Civil Service Administration

Nepal’s civil service and security agencies can either be the engines driving forward Balen’s goals or significant obstacles. This issue is more complex than it appears. Decentralizing power and resources to local and technical levels is not just an administrative change; it is a political decision involving power balance, rights redistribution, and the essence of governance.

Balen’s success depends not only on his decision-making and leadership but also on establishing wise alliances, strategic coordination, and a long-term vision with the civil service. Although the constitution positions the civil service as pivotal to development and service delivery, a historically centralized mindset has weakened it by limiting decision-making authority to higher levels.

Without effective civil service reforms, government policies cannot be implemented successfully. Security and stability are essential priorities that do not occur naturally; they form the foundation for development, a business-friendly environment, and social harmony. Balen must collaborate with these institutions and apply pressure for meaningful improvements without provoking political instability.

4. Managing Relations with Local and Provincial Governments

Winning a working majority is politically difficult, but governing according to public expectations is even more challenging.

This may be the least discussed but among the most critical challenges. The protests on September 8 and 9 caused damage to nearly 300 local governments, including provincial capitals and their institutions. Many provincial governments are struggling to strengthen themselves. These local and provincial bodies deliver services such as health, education, infrastructure, and administration to the people. If Balen’s government neglects these levels, policies formulated at the federal level will fail to reach the population effectively.

The distances between Kathmandu, hill, and remote mountain regions are not only geographical but also institutional. Now is the time for the federal government to prioritize and invest in enhancing the capacities of local and provincial governments rather than delay these efforts.

5. Balancing Relations with Neighboring and Friendly Nations

Situated between two major global powers, India and China, Nepal must maintain balanced relations with both, as well as with Western partners. Balen has inherited the responsibility of managing this delicate diplomatic balance. Any tilt toward one side risks increasing domestic criticism and opposition support.

Within the RSP itself, there are diverse views on foreign policy. A constitutional, well-structured, and impartial foreign policy is not only diplomatically prudent but also essential to keeping the party united and preventing foreign policy from becoming a source of internal conflict.

Enthusiasm Alone Is Not Enough

The fifth challenge ties into all the others. Desiring change and being capable of implementing it successfully are two very different things. Many governments have failed precisely because they could not bridge this gap. Balen carries not just the trust placed in him from outside the political system but also the confidence of a confused populace within. However, if he fails to channel energy and enthusiasm into effective governance, that trust may soon erode.

Ultimately, Nepal is a small landlocked country caught between sensitive geopolitical neighbors and faces its own serious internal challenges. Managing these realities requires not just vision but practical plans, capable partners, an implementable governmental structure, and consistently vigilant leadership. Balen must establish this foundation quickly, as circumstances will not wait for his preparation.

The next five years could represent a rare opportunity for Nepal if Balen turns his majority not simply into a means to retain power but into a tool for genuine transformation. Tasks left unfulfilled by previous governments — reforming the civil service, making services consumer-centric, fostering a culture of real accountability, and adopting a balanced foreign policy focused on national interests — can finally commence.

If these efforts succeed, this period will not merely be a story of government change but a turning point in how the state itself is managed. Yet, this will not happen automatically; it will require sound decisions and strong commitment. Balen and his team must deeply understand their responsibilities and dispel the misconception that winning the election was the hardest task. Winning was not difficult; governing well will be far tougher. The public desires not just new faces in leadership but tangible improvements in their lives. This real test has already begun.

(The author Bhattarai is a visiting research fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, USA. He focuses his studies and research on Nepal’s politics, peace, good governance, and social policy.)

March 23, Parvat – A jeep accident occurred along the Kaligandaki Highway near the Kaligandaki riverbank on the Kusma-Falawas road in Mudikuwa-4 of Falawas Municipality, resulting in the death of the driver, Sajjan Pariyar.

The jeep, bearing the number G1J 8029, was traveling from the district headquarters Kusma Bazaar towards Falawas Municipality carrying urea fertilizer when it fell approximately 30 meters down the roadside on Monday evening.

According to Inspector Dinesh Paudel of the District Police Office, the 35-year-old driver was alone in the vehicle. Pariyar was rescued and was being transported to the Provincial Hospital but died en route.

Authorities stated that slippery uphill roads caused by the rain may have contributed to the accident. Armed Police Force Chandika Battalion and personnel from the District Police Office carried out rescue operations under difficult conditions, according to Armed Police Force Deputy Superintendent Khitij Kshetri.

Image source, Reuters

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Both Nepal and India claim the Lipulekh area as sovereign territory. However, recent Chinese advances towards the tri-junction border points have caused dissatisfaction in Nepal.

In August, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India, the two countries agreed to restart trade via the Lipulekh pass. Nepal had meanwhile alerted its concern, emphasizing Lipulekh as integral to Nepalese territory and objecting to the use of this route for trade.

A member of the National Independent Party’s international relations division expressed support for resolving border issues through dialogue and commented that current public information contains inaccuracies.

What Are the Responses Within Nepal?

The National Independent Party, which gained the highest number of votes in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21, is reportedly studying the issue thoroughly and preparing to provide a suitable response regarding the news of India and China resuming border trade.

Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma told the BBC, “We are studying this issue and considering our next course of action.”

PTI had quoted District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhattarai confirming preparations for trade operations from June to September.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reportedly issued a ‘No Objection Letter,’ and Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra communicated with Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan authorizing trade through the Himalayan border.

The letter also indicated that India’s Home Ministry and Ministry of Commerce and Industry had granted their permission.

Nepalese officials said talks occurred after the news broke and that Nepal will respond in some form.

An informed official stated, “It is common not to issue an immediate reaction based solely on news reports. Once the government’s position is clear, we will respond accordingly. We are currently trying to understand the matter.”

In August, Nepal issued a statement reiterating that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, areas west of the Mahakali River, are integral parts of Nepal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Nepal’s official maps clearly establish those territories as integral parts of Nepal per the constitution.”

Nepal requested that India refrain from any road construction or trade activities in the disputed area and had also informed China.

Nepal also reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the border dispute diplomatically, emphasizing the longstanding friendly and close ties with India.

India has rejected Nepal’s claims as historically unfounded and argued that these claims lack justification.

A spokesman of India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged Nepal’s claims but dismissed the idea of accommodating unilateral territorial expansion.

India asserts that it has been conducting trade with China through the Lipulekh pass since 1954.

What Is the National Independent Party Leader’s View?

Image source, Byas Rural Municipality

The National Independent Party stated in September that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are sovereign parts of Nepal based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty and other historical agreements.

The party’s international relations head issued a statement: “The party stands firm like the Himalayas on this issue, supported by historical, geographical, political, and legal evidence that unambiguously establishes Nepal’s rights.”

Their election manifesto promised to address border disputes through high-level diplomatic dialogue.

“We will initiate top-level diplomatic efforts to permanently resolve border disputes and historical agreements not through sentiment but grounded in facts and evidence,” the statement added.

Vikram Timilsina, a member of the party’s international department, commented, “The situation may not be exactly as reported. It is better to prevent escalation and not let the dispute worsen through negotiations.” He added, “No one can decide beyond what Nepal’s constitution defines. Both sides should seek solutions through bilateral talks.”

India and China’s ‘Neglect’: What Do Experts Suggest?

A decade ago, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Beijing, a 41-point joint statement included an agreement to increase trade through three border points, including Lipulekh.

In May 2015, the then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala’s government issued diplomatic notes expressing Nepal’s disagreement with the trade via that disputed route to India and China.

Koirala’s foreign policy advisor Dinesh Bhattarai recalls Nepal’s firm position at that time.

Bhattarai stated, “We clearly stated in the note that any actions taken without our knowledge and approval are unacceptable and that what has been done so far does not change reality. We asked for rectification.”

However, India and China did not respond to those notes. Later, in November 2019, after India included the Kalapani area in its political map, the border dispute has become more complex.

Nepal responded by issuing a new map showing Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal’s territory, which India rejected, straining bilateral relations.

As the National Independent Party prepares to form a government with a parliamentary majority in Kathmandu, some experts say the Lipulekh dispute will test the new government’s diplomatic skills.

Bhattarai commented, “This is a major test. It remains to be seen how calmly and effectively the new government addresses this. A restrained yet impactful diplomacy is necessary.”

He added, “How the government protects national interests is crucial. It must behave disciplinarily and prudently in improving ties with India.”

Bhattarai suggests Nepal should continuously raise this issue with both India and China.

In 2014, Prime Minister Modi’s address to Nepal’s Constituent Assembly received wide acclaim.

While the joint statement then tasked the foreign secretaries of both countries to resolve the dispute, experts express concern that no foreign secretary-level meetings on the border issue have occurred over the past 11 years.

Related videos and other content are also available on Nepali YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter platforms.

March 23, Rolpa – Rolpa is set to host its first-ever veterans conference. The event targets retired soldiers who receive pensions from the Nepali Army, as well as single women veterans, and is named Veterans Conference 2082.

Organized under the coordination of the Nepali Army’s Gangi Adda management and the Nepali Army Welfare Board, the conference will take place at the Suryadal Battalion Libang Barrack in Rolpa on Chaitra 22, according to Ishwar Thapa, chief soldier of the Suryadal Battalion Rolpa.

“To participate in the conference, we have set up a registration desk at the battalion from Chaitra 1 to 17,” said Soldier Thapa. “Registration is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

According to Khim Bikram KC, president of the Veterans Association Rolpa, there are currently 110 veterans residing in the district. “Among them, 10 are single women,” he added. “Some live outside the district, but our aim is to have everyone present; we are yet to see the final turnout.”

Conferences to Be Held in Other Districts as Well

The Central Office of the Nepali Army has also announced a veterans conference on Chaitra 22 under the Mid-Western Command Headquarters for 2082 BS.

For veterans residing in Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi-West, and Nawalparasi-East districts, the main venue will be the Yogikutti Barrack in Butwal.

Similarly, veterans living in Dang, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum West, Rukum East, Salyan, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, and Palpa will participate at respective sub-centers located within Nepali Army units in their districts.

Further conferences are scheduled to be held under the Western Command Headquarters on Chaitra 25, at the Mid-Eastern Command Headquarters at Bardibas Military Camp, Mahottari on Baishakh 3, 2083, and at the Khadgad Dal Battalion Ramchechhap Barrack on Baishakh 4, 2083.

March 23, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign exchange rates for today. According to the determined rates, the values of the US Dollar, UK Pound Sterling, and Swiss Franc have increased today. The buying rate for the continuously rising US Dollar has been fixed at NPR 150.07 and the selling rate at NPR 150.67 per unit.

Similarly, the European Euro’s buying rate is NPR 173.53 and the selling rate NPR 174.23, UK Pound Sterling’s buying rate NPR 200.50 and selling rate NPR 201.30, and the Swiss Franc’s buying rate NPR 190.25 and selling rate NPR 191.01 per unit.

The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 104.85 with a selling rate of NPR 105.27, Canadian Dollar’s buying rate NPR 109.25 and selling rate NPR 109.69, and Singapore Dollar’s buying rate NPR 117.39 and selling rate NPR 117.86.

For the Japanese Yen (per 10 units), the buying rate is NPR 9.45 and selling rate NPR 9.49, Chinese Yuan’s buying rate NPR 21.78 and selling NPR 21.86, Saudi Arabian Riyal’s buying rate NPR 39.97 and selling NPR 40.13, and Qatari Riyal’s buying rate NPR 41.06 and selling NPR 41.22.

According to the central bank, Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.62 and selling NPR 4.64, UAE Dirham’s buying rate NPR 40.86 and selling NPR 41.02, and Malaysian Ringgit’s buying rate NPR 38.09 and selling NPR 38.25.

South Korean Won (per 100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 10.06 and selling rate of NPR 10.10, Swedish Krona’s buying rate is NPR 15.99 and selling NPR 16.06, while Danish Krona’s buying is NPR 23.22 and selling NPR 23.32.

The Rastra Bank has also fixed the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate at NPR 19.16 and selling rate at NPR 19.24, Kuwaiti Dinar’s buying rate at NPR 489.47 and selling NPR 491.42.

Bahraini Dinar’s buying rate stands at NPR 397.48 and selling rate at NPR 399.07, and Omani Riyal’s buying rate NPR 389.79 and selling rate NPR 391.35.

Furthermore, the Indian Rupee for 100 units is set at a buying rate of NPR 160 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.

The Rastra Bank stated that it reserves the right to amend these exchange rates at any time as needed. The rates set by commercial banks may differ, and updated exchange rates will be available on the central bank’s official website.

Kathmandu — Following the recent election defeat, CPN-UML leader Surya Thapa stated in a television interview last week that people were ‘brainwashed’ by screening films on night buses.

He mentioned that the film “Jharipachiko Indreni” (Indreni After the Rain), based on the story “Ghantriprati Aayeko Lahar” (Wave Towards the Bell), along with “Dimag Kharab” (Brain Malfunction) and “Senti Virus,” were shown on night buses.

Thapa criticized Balendra Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which won nearly two-thirds of seats, by saying that Balendra Shah was involved from the promotion to the music of “Jharipachiko Indreni.”

Thapa’s remarks attracted significant attention and sparked various reactions.

Meanwhile, actress and filmmaker Swastima Khadka reacted to Thapa’s statement on Facebook. She posted a photo of herself alongside her husband, Nischal Basnet, director of the film “Dimag Kharab,” with a response that, while not directly naming Thapa, questioned, “How can someone lazy to even wash their face be believed to have been brainwashed?”

Swastima’s comment has generated widespread discussion. Former Miss Nepal and member of parliament Anushka Shrestha showed support for Swastima’s remark by liking the post.

The film “Dimag Kharab,” released two years ago, was directed by Nischal Basnet and starred Swastima Khadka in the lead role.

March 22, Kathmandu — Narnarayan Shah ‘Manu,’ the General Secretary of Nepali Congress for the Sudurpashchim Province, reminded former minister Prem Bahadur Ale of the ‘chat history’ he had shown him.

Responding to Ale’s challenge via Facebook on Monday, Shah recalled their two meetings and noted that Ale had claimed to show chat histories with Congress leaders. “Dear friend! Prem Aleji, you met me twice recently: once at Bells Cafe and another day at the OTC office,” Shah wrote. “I also met you as per your wish, and I am pleased about that.”

He mentioned that their meetings addressed current political matters. “You told me about support from some party leaders and showed me the chat history saved on your mobile, which I now wish to remind you of again,” Shah said.

However, when Ale said he would send the details, Shah claimed he responded that he did not need them at this time. Shah added, “Therefore, I do not have any concrete evidence. But frankly, I had to say some unpleasant things about you.”

Shah insisted that he did not intend to defame or character assassinate Ale with ill motives. “I have never engaged in spreading misinformation to divide society and never will,” he affirmed.

In the election held on February 21, both Shah and Ale contested from Kailali-5 but were defeated by Anand Bahadur Chand of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa).

Following the election, Shah, the Congress candidate, alleged in a recent interview that 57 Congress leaders had received money from Ale, the candidate of the Nepali Communist Party, claiming that this allegation was based on information obtained from Ale himself.

This claim created a tense atmosphere in the constituency. In response, Ale released a statement expressing outrage, accusing Shah of making these statements to defame him. In the same statement, Ale challenged Shah to publish the list he referred to.