Arrest of Nepal's ex-PM
In a bold move in Nepal politics, former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and a former home minister were arrested for the human and material damage caused during the Gen Z protests last September. Both politicians are likely to be charged under provisions carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years. They have since been released.
The arrests came after the newly formed government under rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, decided to implement the report prepared by the probe commission led by former Special Court Chair Gauri Bahadur Karki. The immediate test for Shah as an instrument of change was implementing the findings of the Karki Commission, formed to investigate the killings and property damage during the protests that left 77 people dead and many injured. The first cabinet meeting has shown positive signs in this regard.
Shah was sworn in as prime minister on Friday after his party secured a landslide victory in the country’s first election since last year’s youth-led protests. President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed him as prime minister. At 35, Shah represents a symbol of change, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Before taking office, hereleased a rap urging unity. “Undivided Nepali, this time history is being made,” he rapped in Nepali in a track that quickly gained attention on social media.
Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, founded barely four years ago, has made history by securing 182 of 275 seats, the largest mandate in Nepal’s modern electoral era. He defeated Oli by a wide margin in Jhapa-5. For years, power in Nepal rotated among major parties, including the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (of which Oli was chairman) and the Maoist Centre. Voter anger toward entrenched parties had been evident, but this result signals a deeper willingness to reset the political order.
Nestled between China and India, Nepal has long struggled with political instability. A revolving door of coalition governments, corruption allegations, patronage networks and weak service delivery have eroded public trust. Youth unemployment remains high, pushing many to seek work abroad. Recent protests have shown how quickly frustration can escalate.
The real test for the new government will be turning public aspirations into lasting change. It must focus on ending corruption, ensuring good governance, creating jobs, improving service delivery and promoting economic development and social justice.
As mayor of Kathmandu, Shah was behind notable initiatives. He took action against unauthorized buildings, improved urban infrastructure by widening pavements and strengthened waste management systems, including daily road cleaning. These efforts now need to be scaled nationally.
The government should prioritize the basic demands of the people. However, governing Nepal has always been more difficult than campaigning. It requires managing bureaucracy, navigating political pressures, and sustaining reforms.
The road ahead is steep and expectations are high. Yet, there is cautious optimism. Shah’s young cabinet has shown encouraging signs, emphasizing transparency, accountability and citizen-focused governance. Early actions, including implementing the investigation report and streamlining ministries, indicate intent.
If Shah maintains this momentum, Nepal may finally move forward together.
Brabim Karki is a businessman and writer based in Nepal.