The relentless cycle of politics as usual

Nepal's political scene is characterized by a persistent cycle of "politics as usual," with established parties frequently toppling governments and forming new coalitions. This pattern has continued despite the emergence of movements like Gen Z, leaving many feeling that the country is back to square one.

Leaders such as Sher Bahadur Deuba and KP Sharma Oli are central to this dynamic, with Oli's refusal to tolerate dissent within the CPN–UML and his shifting alliances with Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), reshaping provincial coalitions. Madhav Kumar Nepal, a rival within the NCP, appears sidelined by these machinations.

While the Nepali Congress, represented by Gagan Thapa, has adopted a stance against forming alliances that eliminate meaningful opposition, this principled position may not deter others from destabilizing Congress-led governments. The article highlights the intricate web of alliances, citing the example of the Madhesh chief minister leading a seven-party bloc, which itself is dependent on the support of other complex alliances with numerous acronyms.

In contrast to the old guard, new figures like Balendra Shah, the mayor of Kathmandu, remain largely enigmatic. Unlike established politicians who are vocal, Shah has maintained a low public profile, with minimal engagement beyond occasional social media appearances. The article suggests that even the country's parliament has struggled to elicit significant communication from him, underscoring a stark difference in political engagement styles.