- Nepal’s opposition parties formed a united front, demanding an immediate parliamentary session to address government transparency, communal clashes, and rule by executive ordinance.
- The coalition announced a dual-track strategy involving parliamentary maneuvers and nationwide street protests starting October 24 to pressure the ruling administration.
- Internal rebellion within the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has intensified, with lawmakers publicly criticizing the government’s handling of inflation, nepotism, and agricultural issues.
- The government faces mounting scrutiny following controversial border remarks, the abrupt prorogation of the monsoon session, and policy reversals regarding education taxes.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Growing discontent with the government’s recent decisions and governance style has prompted opposition parties in Nepal to form a united front. Demanding the immediate summoning of a House of Representatives session, the coalition has devised a dual-track strategy to step up pressure on the ruling administration through both parliamentary maneuvers and street demonstrations.
This strategic alignment was solidified during a meeting at the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party office, where leaders concluded that an active parliamentary session is imperative to hold the government accountable. The multi-party meeting brought together key leaders from the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), Nepali Communist Party, Shram Sanskriti Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).
Demands for Transparency and Accountability
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe emphasized that the government must provide transparent answers regarding recent communal clashes in Kaptanganj, the financial disclosure of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, and its reliance on executive ordinances to rule. Echoing these concerns, Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa demanded an independent parliamentary panel to investigate allegations of institutional "setting" and intermediary interference across the judiciary, government offices, and the police force.
Adding momentum to the opposition's campaign, Nepali Communist Party leader Premraj Hamal stressed that public welfare—ranging from national sovereignty and democratic norms to post-disaster reconstruction—must remain the government's primary focus. Party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal further escalated the pressure, announcing a nationwide awareness drive scheduled from October 24 to December 10 (Kartik 7 to Mangsir 25), followed by full-scale street protests after the upcoming festive season.
Internal Rift Brews Within Ruling RSP
Compounding the opposition's assault, the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is facing internal friction as several of its own lawmakers openly criticize the government's direction. Key RSP figures—including General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, Chief Whip Krantishikha Dhital, and MPs Amaresh Kumar Singh, Jagadish Kharel, Purushottam Yadav, Ramesh Prasai, and Ranju Darshana—have voiced concern over pressing social and economic issues.
Their grievances center on human rights considerations during squatter relocations, unaddressed agricultural distress, persistent inflation, sluggish job creation, and a perceived lack of meritocracy in state appointments. Taking a direct jab at leadership, MP Jwala Sangroula questioned the integrity of recent public appointments, alleging that relatives of senior presidential and prime ministerial advisors were favored over qualified candidates.
These public outbursts have split the party's internal consensus. Rebuking his colleagues, RSP leader Kabindra Burlakoti argued that dissenting opinions and policy critiques should be confined strictly to internal party forums rather than aired in public.
Escalating Tensions: Border Controversy and Prorogation
This political confrontation builds on months of hostility between the executive and legislative branches. Tensions flared on May 31 (Jestha 17) following controversial remarks in Parliament by Prime Minister Balendra Shah regarding border disputes and territory claims. Unhappy with the statement, opposition parties launched a prolonged deadlock that stalled parliamentary business through August 17 (Bhadra 1).
Although Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal had formally scheduled the Prime Minister to address the House on August 26 (Bhadra 10), proceedings were disrupted by severe flooding along the Bhote Koshi River. Consequently, the government abruptly prorogued the monsoon session, leaving the Prime Minister without a platform to issue his formal clarification—a move that further infuriated the opposition.
Mounting Pressure on the Executive
These political troubles follow a series of policy missteps by the administration. The government was recently forced to backtrack on a controversial proposal to levy a 3% tax on private healthcare and education services following intense public backlash. Furthermore, Prime Minister Shah's habit of announcing official policy decisions on social media before formal Cabinet ratification has drawn widespread criticism from policy experts and lawmakers alike.
Despite holding a majority in the House of Representatives, the administration faces growing scrutiny over public accountability and decision-making transparency. Squeezed between internal rebellion within the RSP and an increasingly vocal opposition coalition, the government faces a daunting political road ahead.
