EDITORIALS FROM 27^th Sep 2025

EDITORIAL 01

The turmoil in Kathmandu, the road ahead for Nepal

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-turmoil-in-kathmandu-the-road-ahead-for-nepal/article70098948.ece

Issue: The Gen Z protests that began in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, symbolized a generational revolt against corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation.

What started as a youth-driven movement against state repression soon triggered a nationwide uprising, forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign and leading to the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Interim Prime Minister.

The episode marks a new phase in Nepal’s democratic evolution, reflecting both hope and fragility.

Immediate Political Developments

After days of unrest and excessive police action, PM Oli resigned on September 9, creating a political vacuum.
The Nepal Army Chief, Gen. A.R. Sigdel, mediated discussions between the Gen Z protest leaders and the state.
Sushila Karki, known for her integrity, was sworn in on September 12, 2025, as Interim Prime Minister with the mandate to hold fresh elections on March 5, 2026.
Parliament was dissolved, an apolitical cabinet of experts is being formed, and relative calm has returned to the streets.

Yet, uncertainty looms — the ability of youth protesters to organize politically and the readiness of traditional parties remain unclear.

Regional Context: A Decade of Upheavals

The Nepal crisis fits into a broader pattern of political turbulence across South Asia in the 2020s:

Myanmar (2021): Democracy collapsed; military seized power.
Afghanistan (2021): Taliban’s return following U.S. withdrawal.
Sri Lanka (2022): The Aragalaya movement ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Pakistan (2023): Protests after Imran Khan’s arrest; army reasserted dominance.
Bangladesh (2024): Sheikh Hasina forced to resign after mass youth protests.
Common features:
- ➡ Youth-led uprisings,
- ➡ Deep frustration with governance failures,
- ➡ High unemployment and corruption, and
- ➡ Decline of democratic accountability.

Socio-Economic Drivers

Youth unemployment: While overall unemployment in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka averages 4–5%, youth unemployment exceeds 16–20%, the highest being in Nepal.
The post-COVID slowdown, poor industrial growth, and heavy dependence on remittances have limited opportunities for youth.
Rising costs, inequality, and nepotism deepened alienation from ruling elites.
Gen Z protests, therefore, represent not just political dissent but a crisis of economic aspirations.

Nepal’s Political Evolution

1990 Jan Aandolan: Ended the Panchayat system; established multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy.
1996–2006 Maoist Insurgency: Claimed 17,000 lives; exposed inequalities and state neglect.
2006 Jan Aandolan II: Restored parliament; ended King Gyanendra’s direct rule.
2008: Nepal declared a Republic, ending 240 years of monarchy.
2015 Constitution: Created a federal democratic republic with a mixed electoral system — FPTP and Proportional Representation.

Since 2015, however, seven governments have come and gone — led repeatedly by Oli (UML), Prachanda (Maoist Centre), and Deuba (Nepali Congress) — producing instability and corruption rather than genuine governance.

What are the Causes of the 2025 Crisis?

Generational anger: Youth disillusioned with political elites who used coalition politics for personal enrichment.
Administrative decay: Weak delivery of public services and misuse of federal funds.
Economic stagnation: Few jobs, rising cost of living, and limited private investment.
Constitutional misuse: President Ramchandra Paudel’s dependence on the army under Article 61, which merely mandates upholding national unity, raised legitimacy questions.
Civil-military overlap: The army’s mediation role blurred constitutional lines, reflecting institutional weaknesses.

Priorities of the Interim Government

PM Sushila Karki outlined three core tasks:
Ensure free and fair elections by March 5, 2026.
Investigate police excesses and protest-related violence.
Expose and prosecute corruption among senior politicians.
However, challenges persist — political infiltration of protests, a slow judicial process, and entrenched elites may obstruct accountability.

Debate on Constitutional Reforms

There is growing debate that the 2015 Constitution prevents the formation of stable governments due to fragmented mandates:
Proposals include:
- Directly elected executive,
- Dilution of federalism,
- Empowering local governments.
Risks: Such reforms could alienate Madhesi, Janjati, and Tharu communities, who view federalism and proportional representation as guarantees of inclusion.
Hence, constitutional experimentation without broad consensus may trigger new unrest.

India’s Diplomatic Approach

India has maintained diplomatic restraint, avoiding any perception of interference.
PM Modi’s phone call (Sept 18, 2025) congratulated Ms. Karki, expressed condolences over loss of lives, and assured support for democratic transition.
This measured response has prevented anti-India narratives in Nepali media — a positive shift from earlier sensitivities.

What are the Challenges?

Nepal faces a political trust deficit and an institutional credibility crisis.
The success of March 2026 elections will depend on:
- Ensuring security and transparency in the voting process,
- Avoiding elite manipulation, and
- Maintaining civilian control over the military.
The interim government’s ability to reform the bureaucracy and restore confidence among youth will determine stability.

What needs to be done?

Conduct timely, credible elections to restore legitimacy.
Rebuild institutions to curb corruption and ensure transparency.
Promote youth employment through investment and vocational initiatives.
Avoid hasty constitutional reforms; instead, pursue inclusive dialogue.
Regional cooperation: India and other partners should extend support based on non-interference and democratic strengthening.

Nepal’s 2025 Gen Z uprising signals a historic generational shift — a call for accountable governance and democratic renewal.

If the March 2026 elections are free, fair, and transparent, Nepal can re-anchor its democracy on a foundation of youth energy and institutional integrity.

But if vested interests or military overreach dominate, the country risks sliding back into instability, undoing decades of progress toward an inclusive, federal, democratic republic.

EDITORIAL 02

Upgrading shipyards: On strengthening India’s shipbuilding infrastructure