KATHMANDU, April 14: The year 2082 BS (April 14, 2025 to April 13, 2026) proved to be one of deep political upheaval in Nepal. Yet, as the year drew to a close, the nation received a clear mandate and a definitive roadmap for peace, stability, and prosperity.
Around the middle of 2082 BS, a rebellious movement led by "Generation Z" intervened decisively in the country's political trajectory, forcing a shift in direction. Riding the wave of the Gen Z uprising, the then-government led by KP Sharma Oli was ousted, and the House of Representatives was dissolved. An interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki conducted parliamentary elections on March 5. The nation subsequently secured a new government with almost two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives
In the historic election, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) succeeded in securing 182 seats, just two short of a two-thirds majority, stirring a political earthquake that left the traditional parties that had led Nepal's democratic movement marginalized by the year's end.
The Nepali Congress saw internal change, electing Gagan Kumar Thapa as party leader through a special general convention, while the earlier establishment faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba remains dissatisfied. Disputes over authority within Congress are still pending in court.
The CPN-UML held its second statute convention and 11th national convention this year. While KP Sharma Oli was re-elected to lead the party, the question of political generational transition has not escaped criticism. Following the party's electoral defeat, calls for a special convention or generational change have intensified within the UML.
The newly formed Nepali Communist Party (NCP), which had absorbed over two dozen leftist factions and groups, failed to deliver expected results. The CPN (Maoist Centre) — the mainstream party led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, which emerged from the "people's war" — is now preparing for a special general convention after influential leaders such as Janardan Sharma and Sudan Kirati quit the party, raising questions over its policies and leadership.
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The year 2082 BS will be remembered as the year old parties were discredited and a new political force emerged as the largest party. Breaking the pattern of no single party securing a majority under the existing electoral system, the RSP won 182 seats on its own, ending the necessity of coalition governments. This marked the first time since the promulgation of Nepal's Constitution in 2015 that a single party achieved a clear majority in a general election.
Fulfilling its pre-election pledge, the RSP installed senior leader Balendra Shah as Prime Minister. Parliament's dissolution, the subsequent election, and the formation of a new government stand as the year's most significant political events. On March 27, Shah, as parliamentary party leader of the RSP, was appointed Prime Minister under Article 76(1) of the Constitution.
The current Shah-led government is comparatively inclusive, with youth representatives, and smaller in size. From its earliest days, the government has begun implementing a 100-point agenda on governance reforms as promised in its election manifesto.
Prime Minister Shah has signaled that past shortcomings will not be repeated. Rather than meeting with heads of diplomatic missions and ambassadors individually, he convened a collective meeting to communicate the new government's priorities and message. He appears focused on systemic reform of the state machinery.
These positive efforts suggest that the reformed politics of 2082 BS will serve as a source of inspiration for the coming year.
Gaurishankar Lal Das, a centenarian and former member of the National Human Rights Commission, described 2082 BS as a political "tsunami." He stated that the government must move forward according to the people's sentiment and called the current government's initial steps highly positive.
The newly elected House of Representatives has also selected its leadership. Dol Prasad Aryal has been elected Speaker and Rubi Kumari Thakur Deputy Speaker, setting parliamentary activities in motion.
Gen-Z Uprising and Its Aftermath
The youth-led uprising on September 8 and 9 claimed 76 lives. Forty-five individuals were declared "Gen Z Martyrs," and the state provided relief and compensation. During the protests, significant heritage sites and structures, including Singha Durbar (the main administrative center), the Federal Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and Shital Niwas, were burned and damaged. Government data shows losses amounting to approximately Rs 76 billion across government and private sectors.
Controversial Civil Service Bill
The Federal Civil Service Bill emerged as a notable controversy in 2082 BS. When the bill was passed by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, the alleged political lobbying by high-ranking officials including the Chief Secretary over the "cooling period" clause, coupled with the committee president's negligence, was recorded as a shameful episode in parliamentary history.
Visit Visa Scandal
The issue of irregularities in "visit visas" not only flared up dramatically in parliament but also led the then-opposition RSP to demand the resignation of then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, resulting in prolonged parliamentary obstruction and boycott.
Former PM Oli, Ex-Home Minister Lekhak Detained
The newly formed government, acting on the recommendations of a high-level commission formed to investigate the Gen Z uprising, took former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak into custody for investigation — a development that drew national and international attention. They are currently released on court-ordered bail.
