The man who mastered Nepali politics couldn’t master himself
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Sher Bahadur Deuba, a long-serving Nepali politician and former Prime Minister, is characterized by his reticence rather than oratory skills.
- His political career, spanning over six decades, saw him rise to power through struggle and organization-building, despite facing criticism for his quiet demeanor.
- Recent Gen Z protests, which saw Deuba and his wife manhandled at their home, indicate a shift in public perception and a challenge to the established political elite.
The Kathmandu Post delves into the complex political persona of Sher Bahadur Deuba, a figure who has long dominated Nepal's political landscape. The article paints a picture of a leader whose strength lies not in fiery speeches but in a quiet, strategic approach, famously summarized by his own words: "Those who talk a lot shoot themselves in the foot. Those who talk less finish others off." This reticence, often a source of criticism, has paradoxically been a key to his enduring power, suggesting that in Nepali politics, mastery of the art of governance can transcend the need for charismatic oratory.
Our party president does not talk much.
Deuba's journey from a student leader in the 1980s to a five-time Prime Minister is a narrative of resilience, marked by periods of struggle, imprisonment, and active participation in democratic movements. His rise from the far-west of Nepal, a region often lagging in development indicators, to the pinnacle of national power, is a testament to his organizational skills and deep understanding of political maneuvering. However, the article points to a concerning shift, suggesting that the democratic values he once championed have begun to diminish over time, a sentiment amplified by recent events.
The general secretary has already said a lot, so I will say just one thing: I speak less. Those who talk a lot shoot themselves in the foot. Those who talk less finish others off.
The recent Gen Z-led protests have dramatically altered the public's view of Nepal's socio-political structure, directly impacting figures like Deuba. The incident where he and his wife were manhandled and their home set ablaze signifies a profound public discontent and a rejection of the political elite. This marks a stark departure from the past, where such leaders were often viewed with a mixture of respect and deference, even amidst criticism.
But then the time came when the fall started. His political arc is such that he rose and rose, but then the democratic values he once espoused began to diminish—one step at a time.
From a Nepali perspective, Deuba represents a generation of leaders who navigated the country through significant political transitions. While Western media might focus on the dramatic aspects of the protests or the international implications of Nepal's political stability, the local narrative is deeply intertwined with the legacy of leaders like Deuba. His story is a microcosm of Nepal's own political evolution—a journey from struggle for democracy to the current challenges of governance, public trust, and generational shifts in political engagement. The article's focus on his quiet strength and the subsequent public backlash offers a nuanced view of a leader whose influence is undeniable, yet increasingly contested.
I walked on foot to reach Dhangadhi. Then crossed over to India to
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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