The Unstable Political Landscape in Nepal
Nepal has experienced a turbulent period marked by intense political unrest, which has left the nation and its people deeply affected. The so-called Gen Z uprising, while initially appearing to be a grassroots movement, has been revealed to have deeper, more sinister origins. This upheaval, fueled by populist politics and orchestrated by an unseen “deep state,” has led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
The events of September 8 and 9, 2025, were particularly devastating. What began as a protest by young people quickly turned into a coordinated attack on the country’s institutions. The deep state, it seems, exploited the movement for its own ends, leading to chaos in Kathmandu and other major towns.
A Fragile Peace and an Uncertain Government
Despite the current semblance of peace, the situation remains highly delicate. The government formed under Sushila Karki is not functioning as expected. As noted by Aahuti, a prominent Dalit leader and public intellectual, there is no clear leadership structure within the government. It appears that certain mob leaders are exerting undue influence over the Prime Minister, raising concerns about the direction of the country.
The ultimate objectives of these power players remain unclear. Their actions pose a threat to the future of democracy, republicanism, and the rule of law. One of their primary goals seems to be the dismantling of established democratic parties, which could lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few.
The Resilience of Established Parties
While the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have suffered setbacks, they have not been entirely defeated. These parties have a long history of resilience, having weathered past crises, including autocratic regimes and even an armed Maoist insurgency. They still maintain a strong grassroots support base, and there is no indication of mass resignations among their members.
In contrast, the populist movement led by the deep state lacks a clear ideology or strategy. It focuses on issues such as corruption and governance, which are important but insufficient for addressing the broader challenges facing the country. There is a noticeable absence of plans to tackle caste, class, and gender inequality, which are critical issues in Nepali society.
The Karki Government’s Challenges
The performance of the Karki government has been disappointing. The Cabinet seems to have misplaced its priorities, failing to address the pressing needs of the nation. As a former Chief Justice, Karki was expected to understand the gravity of the situation and work towards ensuring the upcoming elections in March next year.
However, the government appears to be taking a confrontational approach towards the established political parties. This has led to accusations of double standards, with some suspects involved in the destruction of government infrastructure being released, while others, including senior politicians, are being targeted for arrest.
Security Concerns and Public Safety
The government has also failed to address the growing security concerns. Approximately 14,000 convicted criminals have escaped from jails, and weapons looted from the police have not been recovered. This has created a sense of insecurity among the population, with Gulf countries reportedly blocking work visas due to fears of criminal activity.
The lack of support for the police forces further exacerbates the situation. Without a strong and morally sound law enforcement agency, free and fair elections are impossible. Instead, the government seems focused on punishing the political parties, which has alarmed many within the political spectrum.
The Future of Democracy
The conclusion is clear: attacking democratic parties is not the same as challenging an autocracy. These parties have a long history of struggle and continue to enjoy grassroots support. They will likely become more active if the government attempts to suppress them.
While accountability for corruption and other malpractices is essential, it is equally important to protect multi-party democracy. Parties can only be defeated through the ballot box, not through political suppression. The path forward requires a commitment to both justice and the preservation of democratic institutions.
