Heirs prepare to strike back

Striking parallels are emerging between the late Tulsi Giri and current Prime Minister Balendra Shah, both of whom ascended to the head of government in their mid-thirties. Both leaders hailed from affluent and highly regarded families in the Janakpur region, with Giri's family from Siraha and Shah's from Mahottari, maintaining ties to the spiritual capital of Mithila, a common practice among the region's zamindars.

Giri's political journey, from joining the Nepali Congress to becoming foreign minister and later vice-chairman and chairman of post-coup regimes in the 1960s, was both rapid and spectacular. He was known for his refined tastes, including bespoke clothing, fine dining, premium wines, and associating with notable individuals. Shah's rise, while equally baffling, has been more dramatic. Within months of the Chartreuse Revolt of 2025, he consolidated power within the Rastriya Swatantra Party, positioned himself as a prime ministerial candidate, secured a substantial parliamentary majority, and became one of the world's youngest democratic heads of government.

While Shah's lifestyle appears healthier, with a platter of cheese, almonds, and grapes, it suggests a similar appreciation for life's comforts. His style is one of elegant informality, often in all black with contrasting white sneakers, and he wears his facial hair with flair. Even during campaigns, he opted for a supporter's Land Rover Defender. His taste in wines remains private, and his social circle appears predominantly male.

Both men are professionals who chose unconventional routes before entering politics. Giri, a trained physician, also ventured into innovative restaurateurship in Patna. Shah, a civil engineer, gained fame as a rapper in Kathmandu. It's even conceivable that their families knew each other, as zamindars from Janakpur often met at the newly constructed manor of Bada Hakim Ram Shamsher.

The comparisons continue with their public personas. Both are known for speaking sparingly. Giri was reputed to be a patient listener, a trait not evident in the current premier. Giri, dubbed the 'Mother of Panchayat,' was known to challenge the monarch, even resigning over minor issues, confident in his ability to negotiate his return on his own terms. Shah, while lacking such illusions, also exhibits a tendency to leave events midway, such as presidential addresses, seemingly believing his idiosyncratic behavior is acceptable. His recent cryptic midnight social media post hinted at patience and the potential divergence of reality from perception, suggesting a willingness to face challenges alone.

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It takes time for the right moment to arrive. It may be delayed, but it won’t be wrong. Don’t worry. Reality can sometimes differ from what is seen and heard. Sometimes one has to fight alone. This is not the first time.