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The nation’s main communist party, the CPN-UML, is now dealing with internal problems. Following the expulsion of senior leader Bhim Rawal and the suspension of two female leaders, Binda Pandey and Ushakiran Timalsena, carried out under the watch of party chair KP Sharma Oli, an alarming trend of intolerance towards dissenting voices emerged, implying that the party lacks democratic culture. Rawal was removed after years of criticizing Oli, which prompted him to run for chairman of the party at the 10th convention in Chitwan. Pandey and Timalsena were suspended for voicing concerns about the party and its leadership receiving land contributions for party offices from a tainted businessman accused of tax evasion and the Lalitaniwas land scam.

A week after his dismissal, Rawal established his new patriotic but non-communist party, accusing Oli of turning the UML into a personal domain in which fealty to him is essential for life. This tendency of purging or marginalizing opponents inside the UML is not new, but it has become more prominent under Oli’s term. Notable senior officials have left the UML due to internal disagreements. Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal, both former prime ministers, quit the party to create the CPN (Unified Socialist) after years of disagreement with Oli’s leadership. Similarly, senior leader Bam Dev Gautam has removed himself from the party, claiming that it has no space for leaders like him since he, too, is a critic of Oli. These departures indicate a culture of intolerance.

Political experts claim that under Oli’s leadership, the UML has become a party controlled and dominated by the Oli supporters. Leaders such as Shankar Pokhrel, Ishwar Pokhrel, Bishnu Rimal, and Gokul Baskota are often seen attacking individuals who criticize Oli. Meanwhile, personalities like Pradip Gyawali, Yogesh Bhattarai, Yuv Raj Gyawali, and others who have demonstrated a hatred for following Oli’s lead, have been marginalized. Open discussion on party leadership choices has been restricted, increasing concerns among those who hold grudges against Oli and his staunch supporters. Following Rawal’s expulsion and the suspension of others, many UML leaders remained silent, highlighting the party’s underlying fear.

The infighting within the UML is not unique. The CPN (Maoist Center) faces a similarfaces a similar problem: almost no one can speak out against party head Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s policies or actions. Inside the Maoist party, Dahal has faced claims of marginalizing dissidents while consolidating his control as the party chair.

Former Maoist leaders Baburam Bhattarai, Mohan Baidhya Kiran, Biplav, Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, and Top Bahadur Rayamajhi are among the leaders who left the party after falling out with Dahal.

The examples described above show Nepal’s socialist parties’ hypocrisy. Despite their dictatorial character, these parties often claim to be the advocates of democracy. The UML, for example, has often declared its support for democratic ideals in manifestos and public statements. However, the behaviors of its leaders reveal a different tale.

Rawal’s removal, together with the suppression of other dissident voices, points to this inconsistency. As Rawal pointed out in his harsh critique, Oli’s leadership has reduced the UML to a “shadow of its former self,” violating the very principles on which it was founded. The same may be argued for other communist parties, particularly the Dahal-led Maoist Centre, that have disliked opposition in parties, though they have claimed that they followed democratic norms in the nation’s polity.

Unlike the communist parties, the Nepali Congress (NC) has taken a more democratic approach to controlling internal dissent. While the NC is not as ideal as many of its staunch supporters believe, it has tolerated major disagreement inside the party without resorting to expulsions or suspensions. NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, and senior leader Shekhar Koirala often disagree on key matters pertaining to the party, politics, and the nation, yet the party has managed to retain a sense of tolerance of dissenting voices.

The contrast between the NC and the leftist parties underscores the need for introspection within Nepal's communist factions. To maintain credibility and cohesion, parties like the UML and Maoist Centre must cultivate a democratic culture that values dissent as an essential component of organizational health. Leaders must recognize that open debate is an opportunity to address flaws, not a threat to authority.

If the UML continues its authoritarian trajectory under Oli, it risks further fragmentation, as seen with previous high-profile defections. Similarly, the Maoist Centre must learn from these lessons and prioritize inclusivity and transparency. Only by fostering democratic values within their structures can Nepal’s political parties claim legitimacy as proponents of democracy on the national stage.

In an effort to strengthen its position, the CPN (Maoist Center) is preparing to revive some radical agendas, including the right to self-determination and ethnicity-based autonomous provinces—issues the party abandoned during the constitution drafting process in 2015. A political document presented by Maoist Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal during the party’s Central Committee meeting proposes reactivating the ethnic and caste-based structures established during the insurgency and the subsequent peace process. These structures were compromised during the constitution drafting process to reach consensus with other parties.

The Maoist party had originally proposed 14 autonomous provinces based on ethnic groups. However, this proposal was strongly opposed by the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, who argued it could lead to national disintegration. As a result, the Maoists were forced to compromise. “The issue of identity-based federalism has been overshadowed, and we must apologize for this,” Dahal said at the ongoing Central Committee meeting. He emphasized the need to rebuild relationships with indigenous communities, Janajatis, and other marginalized groups—the party’s core constituencies—while reviving regional and caste-based party organizations.

Dahal has also expressed that the party should collaborate with revolutionary forces rather than parliamentary parties like the NC and UML. However, many Maoist leaders argue that Dahal raises such radical agendas only when relegated to the opposition bench in Parliament. A senior leader remarked, “Once he gains power through alliances with the NC or UML, he completely forgets these communities and even embraces rightist and Hindu fundamentalist agendas.”

From 2008 until the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, the Maoists, then the largest party, vigorously championed these issues. However, the party gradually abandoned them after its relegation to third place in the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections. Dahal has now urged party members to apologize and self-criticize for not prioritizing these agendas after the constitution drafting process. Despite becoming prime minister twice post-constitution promulgation—in alliance with the NC and UML—Dahal did little to address these issues.

The political document also outlines the party's position on constitutional amendments. The Maoists propose replacing the current system with a directly elected presidential system, a longstanding agenda they have pushed since joining the peace process. Additionally, they are preparing to reiterate their support for a fully proportional representation (PR) electoral system, which other major parties are unlikely to accept. Currently, the electoral system is a mix of PR and First-Past-the-Post (FPTP). The likelihood of major party agreement on adopting full PR remains minimal.

One of Dahal’s key proposals is to increase women’s representation in state organs from the current 33 percent to 50 percent, an initiative aimed at attracting female constituencies. These proposals are part of a broader strategy to revive the party’s waning influence. Despite maintaining its position as the third-largest party in the past two national elections and serving as a decisive force in government formation, the party’s overall strength has diminished. While it retains strongholds in some districts of the far and mid-western regions, its urban presence has weakened. Dahal acknowledges this in his document and proposes a roadmap to rebuild the party’s urban support.

The roadmap includes providing opportunities for youth within the party, increasing membership, maintaining financial transparency, and exposing the current government’s misdeeds. To regain urban support, Dahal emphasizes launching targeted campaigns in Kathmandu Valley, cities, and highway areas. He underscores the importance of establishing a strong presence in the capital, vital for implementing the party’s policies and strategies. Notably, the Maoists failed to secure a single seat in Kathmandu Valley during the 2022 elections, even with an electoral alliance with the NC.

To address urban challenges, Dahal’s document proposes tackling issues such as urbanization, traditional and cultural heritage preservation, waste management, water supply, drainage, and public transportation. He recalls the party’s failed 2009 urban revolt, which was quickly abandoned following protests from Kathmandu’s elite, whom he had derisively referred to as “Sukila Mukila.”

While Dahal’s proposals aim to rejuvenate the party, his underlying priority appears to be returning to power and destabilizing the current coalition government. Reports indicate that a faction of NC and Maoist leaders is discussing forming a new alliance. This has led some party leaders to question Dahal’s sincerity in advancing the party’s position. A senior Maoist leader, speaking anonymously, stated, “Once Dahal gains power, he forgets all these agendas and even avoids convening party meetings.”

In his document, Dahal has adopted a tough stance against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli while maintaining a softer approach toward NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, reflecting potential power-sharing considerations. Although Dahal and Oli frequently clash publicly, Dahal and Deuba rarely criticize each other in public forums.

Dahal’s proposals reflect an attempt to address both the party’s declining influence and the grievances of marginalized communities. However, internal skepticism remains about his commitment to these agendas, given his track record of abandoning them when in power. The Maoists face significant challenges in rebuilding their urban and national support base, particularly as they compete with stronger, more established parties.

In an era where global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and urbanization demand urgent attention, the role of smart technologies in fostering sustainability has become more critical than ever. These innovations, spanning artificial intelligence, renewable energy solutions, and digital connectivity, are not just reshaping industries—they are redefining how humanity interacts with the environment. For Nepal, a country blessed with natural beauty and rich biodiversity yet grappling with developmental challenges, the integration of smart technologies offers a pathway to sustainable growth, balancing progress with environmental conservation.

From optimizing renewable energy use to revolutionizing agriculture and urban living, smart technologies provide Nepal with the tools to tackle its unique challenges head-on. By leveraging these advancements, the nation has the potential to not only meet its sustainability goals but also position itself as a model for innovation in South Asia. Embracing this transformative approach isn't just about adopting new tools—it’s about empowering future generations to thrive in harmony with nature.

Smart technologies and their role in sustainability

Smart technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and renewable energy solutions, are revolutionizing how we manage resources and interact with the environment. Far beyond enhancing efficiency, these innovations serve as powerful enablers of a greener, more sustainable future.

For Nepal, these technologies hold immense promise in addressing critical challenges such as urban pollution, energy dependency, agricultural inefficiencies, and the escalating impacts of climate change. By embracing smart solutions, Nepal can pave the way for a harmonious balance between development and conservation, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come.

How smart technologies can transform Nepal?

Renewable energy management

Nepal’s energy sector is dominated by hydropower, which, while renewable, is vulnerable to seasonal variations and climate change. Smart technologies like IoT-based energy management systems can optimize energy use and integrate alternative renewable sources like solar and wind power. For instance, microgrid solutions equipped with AI can provide reliable electricity to remote communities, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental degradation.

Smart cities for cleaner environment

Urban centers like Kathmandu face pressing challenges, including traffic congestion, air pollution, and waste management. Smart city technologies present effective solutions to these issues. IoT-powered traffic monitoring systems can optimize traffic flow in real-time, reducing congestion and cutting vehicle emissions. Digital platforms and sensor-equipped smart bins can streamline waste collection and encourage recycling, improving waste management efficiency. Additionally, AI-driven air quality monitoring systems provide actionable insights, helping policymakers address pollution more effectively. With ongoing efforts to develop smart cities in areas like Bhaktapur and Pokhara, Nepal has the potential to set benchmarks for sustainable urbanization, especially with the integration of advanced technologies.

Agriculture and food security

Agriculture, the backbone of Nepal’s economy, faces significant challenges from erratic weather patterns and outdated practices. Precision agriculture, driven by technologies like satellite data, IoT sensors, and drones, offers transformative solutions. These innovations enable farmers to monitor soil health and moisture levels, predict weather patterns, and optimize planting schedules. By precisely applying fertilizers and water, waste is minimized, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, digital marketplaces bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, ensuring fair pricing and reducing food waste. These advancements hold the potential to revitalize Nepal’s agricultural sector and bolster food security.

Tackling climate change

Nepal’s fragile ecosystems, from Himalayan glaciers to Terai forests, are acutely vulnerable to climate change. Smart technologies offer critical solutions, such as using remote sensing and GIS to monitor deforestation, glacial melt, and land use changes. AI-driven climate modeling provides valuable insights for proactive policymaking, while blockchain-enabled carbon trading creates opportunities to monetize forest conservation efforts. Together, these innovations can help Nepal mitigate climate impacts and safeguard its natural heritage.

Eco-tourism and cultural preservation

Tourism is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, but embracing sustainability is essential for its future. Smart technologies can transform eco-tourism by offering virtual tours, digital guides, and AI-powered apps to enhance visitor experiences while monitoring the impact on fragile ecosystems and heritage sites. These innovations ensure the preservation of Nepal’s natural and cultural treasures, securing their legacy for generations to come.

Challenges on path to smart sustainability

While the potential of smart technologies is immense, Nepal faces significant hurdles in their adoption:

Infrastructure deficits: Limited internet connectivity and electricity access in rural areas hinder the implementation of digital solutions.

Digital literacy: Many Nepalis are unfamiliar with advanced technologies, necessitating widespread digital education initiatives.

Policy gaps: Coherent policies integrating smart technologies into sustainability efforts are lacking.

Financial constraints: High initial costs for technology deployment can deter investments, particularly in underdeveloped regions.

Steps toward smarter, sustainable Nepal

To fully harness the potential of smart technologies, Nepal must take proactive and strategic steps. Expanding internet connectivity and renewable energy infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is crucial, alongside fostering public-private partnerships to share resources and expertise. Promoting digital literacy through educational programs targeted at youth and marginalized groups will ensure equitable access to these technologies. Integrated policies should incentivize green technology adoption and offer regulatory clarity for private-sector investment. Supporting local startups and innovators to develop affordable, context-specific solutions tailored to Nepal’s needs is equally vital. Finally, international collaboration with organizations and countries experienced in sustainable smart technologies can provide valuable insights and resources, enabling Nepal to leap forward on its path to a smarter, greener future.

Role of citizens in green transition

Smart technologies are essential for achieving sustainability, but they cannot succeed without active public participation. Citizens play a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of these technologies by adopting environmentally conscious habits and engaging in community-driven initiatives. Simple actions like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste, supporting eco-friendly products, and opting for sustainable practices such as composting and recycling can collectively make a substantial difference. Additionally, participating in tree-planting campaigns, clean-up drives, and local conservation efforts fosters a sense of shared responsibility and encourages positive change within communities.

Awareness campaigns and grassroots movements are equally vital in inspiring citizens to embrace sustainable lifestyles. Educational programs, social media outreach, and workshops can effectively spread knowledge about green practices and the importance of protecting the environment. These efforts empower individuals to make informed decisions and promote a culture of sustainability. Together, with the combined force of technology and citizen involvement, we can create a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.

Vision for Nepal’s sustainable future

The fusion of smart technologies and sustainable practices provides Nepal with a transformative opportunity to address its environmental challenges while driving economic growth. From advancing renewable energy to modernizing agriculture, tackling urban pollution, and safeguarding cultural heritage, the potential for progress is limitless.

Though the path to a smarter, greener Nepal may face hurdles, strategic investments, inclusive policies, and collective citizen participation can turn this vision into reality. By leveraging the harmony between technology and sustainability, Nepal has the potential to lead as an innovator in sustainable development on the global stage.

In a world rapidly transitioning toward sustainability, Nepal stands poised not only to keep up but to inspire others. With its unparalleled natural beauty, cultural richness, and untapped potential, Nepal’s future shines bright—and smart. By embracing these opportunities, we can empower tomorrow and build a sustainable legacy that will endure for generations.

At just 21, Ganesh Devkota, popularly known as GanEsH GD on YouTube, has made a name for himself in the digital world. Hailing from the picturesque but remote village of Mugu, near the pristine Rara Lake, Ganesh’s journey to fame is a story of resilience, passion, and innovation.

Despite Mugu’s unreliable internet and lack of technological advancements, technology found a foothold in his home, thanks to his father’s fascination with electronic gadgets like mobile phones and laptops. “My family, especially my father, had a keen interest in electronic technologies,” says Ganesh. “Even as a child, I used to make videos of my friends on my Nokia phone.” This early exposure to technology sparked a curiosity and creativity that would later define his career.

Ganesh’s foray into the digital world started in grade eight when he discovered YouTube. He was captivated by the platform’s potential, drawing inspiration from Indian YouTubers and their diverse content. One particular video, titled ‘Top Five Ways to Earn Money’ caught his interest. He became intrigued by the idea of earning through YouTube. Fueled by this, he launched his own technical channel, emulating the style and success of Indian tech creators.

However, even after uploading over a 100 videos, he found himself struggling to gain traction on YouTube. “I hardly got any response,” he says. Determined not to give up, he turned to Indian YouTubers for inspiration once again. Their success in comedy sparked a new idea, leading him to experiment with humor. This shift in focus gave birth to his channel, GD Vines, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his YouTube journey.

One of his early videos garnered over 20,000 views in a single day—a milestone that marked his arrival as a content creator. However, his journey was far from smooth. The excitement was short-lived when his channel was hacked. “It felt like my world had ended,” he says. Then he started another channel, GanEsh GD.

With the new channel, Ganesh shifted his focus entirely to comedy and entertainment, tapping into his natural talents and interests. Drawing inspiration from Indian YouTube creators, he found his space in this genre. His big break came with the success of his video ‘15-Year-Old Boy in Britain Got Talent’ which amassed over 50,000 views within the first 24 hours.

“For me, that was when my YouTube journey officially started,” he says. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, he began uploading comedy videos consistently, day after day, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the digital entertainment space.

But his road to success has been anything but smooth. His YouTube channel was hacked four times, with some incidents leaving him locked out for an entire week. “Those were the hardest times,” he says. “I had no clue whether I would get access to my channel again.” The recovery process with YouTube was slow and frustrating, often taking up to 20 days.

To make matters worse, even after regaining access, the channel would sometimes reset as if it were brand new, erasing its progress. Yet, Ganesh refused to be defeated. “I didn’t let that pull me down,” he says. “I kept uploading content.”

At just 15 years old, Ganesh became Nepal’s youngest YouTuber to receive YouTube’s prestigious silver play button, an award for creators who surpass 100,000 subscribers. For him, it was a career-defining moment and a source of immense pride. His next goal is to achieve the golden play button from YouTube.

While most of his fans recognize him for his humorous and relatable comedy sketches, Ganesh’s passion for filmmaking has led him to experiment with short films as well. Observing his audience’s growing interest in these cinematic ventures, he saw an opportunity to delve deeper into storytelling.

Through his platform, he uses short films to shed light on the hidden stories of Nepal’s villages—tales that often remain untold. By exploring the vibrant yet challenging realities of rural life, he brings authentic narratives to his audience, blending entertainment with cultural insight.

Audience feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping Ganesh’s content. “I look at the comment section the most,” he says. “My supporters will always say nice things, but it’s the critics, sometimes even the haters, who are the most honest.”

Rather than being disheartened by negative comments, Ganesh embraces them as opportunities for growth. “I try to take them positively and work on the points they raise. These comments and reviews are what teach me to improve myself and my work.” 

While his comedy videos have a loyal audience, his experiments in other genres have not always had the same following. His short horror film DOLL-E fell short of his expectations and the lukewarm response left him disheartened. 

“I was sad that all my efforts had gone to waste,” he says. But then he reminded himself that not every project will succeed and that sometimes things won’t go as planned. With this mindset, he turned the setback into a learning experience, motivating himself to improve, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of his creativity.

It has been nearly eight years since Ganesh embarked on his YouTube journey, a path marked by both triumphs and challenges. Reflecting on his journey he says, “I might just be one of the last YouTubers standing.” This observation stems from the increasing shift towards shorter content like reels, which has led to a decline in the number of active YouTubers in Nepal. Ganesh believes that achieving success on YouTube has become difficult over time, contributing to the growing popularity of shorter formats.

Ganesh plans to focus more on filmmaking in the next five years, with the goal of transitioning into Nepali cinema. With a deep passion for filmmaking, he hopes to experiment with new genres, such as sci-fi, and aims to inspire Nepali audiences to embrace a wider variety of storytelling. But he will never give up on YouTube, he says. He is determined to use the platform to make an impact in the society by producing relevant content that addresses various social issues in Nepal.