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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s claim that his government achieved 70 percent of its goals in the first 100 days highlights underlying challenges in governance. The period saw some important developments, particularly in governance reforms and handling of the economy. Oli said the government could have performed even better if it were not for the devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains toward the end of September.

Although the floods and landslides wreaked havoc, claiming 391 lives, and affecting over 2,555 families, the government swiftly responded by offering financial assistance. Essential services like water, electricity and communication were restored within 15 days in affected areas. Economic reforms formed a cornerstone of Oli’s early tenure. Long-pending payments to dairy and sugarcane farmers were cleared. The government also facilitated release of outstanding payments worth around Rs 6.75bn to different construction entrepreneurs, which is expected to stimulate development projects. The government also launched an innovative youth startup loan program, offering collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 2.5m to 165 young entrepreneurs, aiming to boost youth-led businesses and employment.

Authentication of the Transitional Justice Bill and the formation of a recommendation committee to establish two transitional justice commissions show the government is serious about taking the peace process, which began 17 years ago, to its logical end.

On the broader economic front, signs of recovery were visible, with the formation of an Economic Advisory Commission fostering confidence in the private sector. A significant achievement during this period was securing investment commitments worth Rs 34bn in over 200 new industries. Federal government spending saw a modest increase, reaching Rs. 329bn, while revenue mobilization grew by 13.3 percent, totaling Rs. 248bn. These figures reflect a cautious but steady recovery from earlier economic instability.

Oli’s government also made strides in healthcare and social welfare. Free treatment for burn victims and the expansion of cancer treatment services to all seven provinces were notable achievements. The government increased compensation for the families of deceased migrant workers to Rs 1m, up from Rs. 700,000, and extended the benefit to families of those who died after returning to Nepal.

In energy and infrastructure, the trilateral agreement reached with India and Bangladesh for the export of 40 MW of hydropower to Bangladesh is an important milestone in regional energy cooperation. Tunneling breakthroughs in three major road projects have also been listed as achievements of the government. Additionally, over 4,000 km of roads were repaired, and 32.5 km were blacktopped.

Oli’s government also prioritized digital and banking inclusion, extending fiber-optic internet (FTTH) to all 77 districts and ensuring banking access in all 753 units. On the international front, streamlined procedures allowed foreign investors to gain approvals quickly, which has helped position Nepal as a more business-friendly destination.

Despite facing criticism and rumors of instability, the government has focused on systemic reforms rather than populist measures. However, the true measure of success will be in transforming these initiatives into visible improvements in people’s lives.

Jivesh Jha’s ‘Beneath The Sun: Equality for Everyone The Spirit of Chhath Festival’ offers a compelling exploration of the Chhath festival, delving beyond its religious significance to examine its profound social, cultural, and environmental implications. 

To establish its importance, Jha illuminates the festival's historical roots, intricate rituals, and the values it embodies, providing a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted nature. The book successfully interweaves personal anecdotes, scholarly insights, and references to Hindu scriptures to present a holistic view of Chhath. Jha's own experiences as a devotee add a layer of authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the festival on a personal level.

Jha effectively introduces Chhath as a unique Hindu Vedic festival celebrated with great zeal and festivity in Nepal and India. He emphasizes its dedication to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Chhathi Maiya, highlighting the belief that proximity to water fosters a connection with the divine. The author traces the festival’s origins, explaining its evolution from Suryashashthi in ancient times to its current form as Chhath, a distinctive and revered sacred ritual.

The book provides a detailed account of the festival's rituals, outlining the four-day observance that includes rigorous fasting, ceremonial bathing, and prayers to the setting and rising sun. Jha meticulously describes the preparations involved, from cleaning water bodies to crafting winnowing baskets and pottery. The rituals include Machh-Maruwa Barnai (The Vow of Purity), Nahay-Khay (Bathing and Eating), Kharna (The Fast Begins), Sandhya Arghya (Evening Offerings) and Usha Arghya (Morning Offerings), which Jha describes with devotional passion. This attention to ritual details allows readers to visualize the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and the meticulous efforts undertaken by devotees.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of Chhath’s significance beyond mere religious observance. Jha argues that the festival serves as a powerful symbol of social cohesion, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status. He cites examples of Muslim women participating in the festival, further highlighting its inclusive nature. This inclusivity is also reflected in the absence of male priests or the necessity of reciting Sanskrit mantras, empowering women to take on a decisive role.

The author also sheds light on the festival's economic implications, particularly for artisans and farmers. He notes the significance of using locally sourced agricultural produce in the offerings, promoting agricultural productivity and boosting local economies. The book skilfully demonstrates how Chhath intertwines religious devotion with social and economic well-being, creating a sense of shared prosperity and community.

Jha advocates for the festival's inherent message of environmental consciousness. He meticulously describes rituals such as bathing in natural water bodies and cleaning Ghats, symbolizing purification and reinforcing the importance of maintaining clean water sources. He highlights the use of biodegradable materials like bamboo and clay, emphasizing the festival’s eco-friendly approach.

The author connects these practices to broader themes of sustainable development, aligning Chhath’s rituals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He argues that the festival’s emphasis on clean water, soil conservation, and the use of organic produce contributes to achieving goals related to poverty reduction, good health, and environmental sustainability. This connection to global development initiatives elevates the festival’s relevance in contemporary society.

Jha eloquently captures the vibrant cultural tapestry woven into the Chhath festival. He describes the traditional art form of Mithila painting, often used to depict the festival's rituals and significance. Additionally, he dedicates a section to the devotional folk songs sung during the festival, emphasizing their role in narrating its significance and conveying messages of equality, social harmony, and environmental conservation.

The author’s inclusion of these cultural elements enriches the book’s narrative, providing a glimpse into the artistic expressions that accompany the festival’s religious observances. The vivid descriptions of the songs, along with their translations, allow readers to appreciate the depth of emotion and cultural significance embedded within them.

While ‘Beneath The Sun’ offers a comprehensive overview of the Chhath festival, there are a few areas where further exploration could enhance its depth. The book provides compelling examples of Muslim participation in Chhath; however, it would benefit from a more nuanced discussion of how different communities within Hinduism experience the festival. The source mentions that Dalit communities may celebrate Chhath separately. A deeper exploration of these dynamics could provide a more complete picture of the festival’s inclusivity.

Jha passionately advocates for the festival's commitment to environmental conservation. However, the book could benefit from acknowledging the challenges to maintaining clean water bodies and promoting sustainable practices, especially in the face of urbanization and pollution. Addressing these challenges would strengthen the book’s call for environmental stewardship.

While the book mentions the use of social media and digital platforms in celebrating Chhath, it could benefit from further examining the impact of globalization and modernisation on the festival’s traditions and practices. Exploring how these forces shape the festival’s future would add a valuable layer to the analysis.

There are minor grammatical errors in the book. The following sentence stands out as an example: “Its the festival which promotes socialism, equality and fraternity among the community members” (Page 25). The correct usage would be “It’s the festival…”. Instead of the ideologically loaded word ‘socialism’, the author could have used the word ‘social harmony’. 

Despite these potential areas for expansion and grammatical glitches, ‘Beneath The Sun’ stands as a valuable contribution to understanding the Chhath festival’s significance. Jha’s meticulous research, coupled with his personal insights, provides a captivating account of a festival that celebrates faith, family, community, and nature. The book effectively highlights the festival’s ability to transcend religious boundaries and promote values of equality, environmental consciousness, and social cohesion.

By illuminating the richness and depth of the Chhath festival, Jha encourages readers to appreciate its enduring relevance in contemporary society. His work serves as a testament to the power of cultural traditions to inspire social harmony and environmental stewardship, offering a hopeful message for a world increasingly seeking sustainable and inclusive ways of living.

The rise of populism and a crowded political culture threaten Nepal’s democracy. Although this perspective may be controversial, I believe in the need for a transparent and democratic political system that allows Nepalis to thrive in diverse ways. Nepali voters are understandably frustrated with current governance and political instability. However, it is alarming when educated and influential figures fuel political division, spread populist ideas, and engage in conspiracy theories—actions that undermine Nepali democracy. Nepal is still on its path to becoming a fully democratic state, and this journey may take generations. This does not mean Nepal’s democracy has failed; rather, it is evolving. Several factors, however, have weakened Nepal's democratic system, including the rise of populist trends, radical political groups, and the constant shifts in agendas since the 1990s reforms. Traditional political ideas have also struggled to uphold democratic values, causing a rift between voters and political parties.

In recent years, populism has gained momentum in Nepal’s political landscape. Notable figures like Rabindra Mishra, a former journalist, entered politics with strong anti-corruption rhetoric, earning public trust. Yet, his shift from democratic to authoritarian ideologies exposed him as a deceptive leader. TV journalist Rabi Lamichhane entered politics with vague and false promises, using his media influence to gain power without offering clear policies. He quickly became one of the most controversial figures, embroiled in scandals involving passport fraud, citizenship issues and financial misconduct. Lamichhane founded the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which performed well in the 2081 general election and attracted educated candidates. However, the RSP remains a populist party without a solid ideology, relying on blame tactics and controversial leadership. Lamichhane's involvement in coalition politics appears to be a strategy to shield himself from legal consequences, and his negative populist rhetoric continues to endanger Nepal’s democratic and legal system.

Recently, authorities arrested Lamichhane for his alleged involvement in a credit union fraud scheme, based on evidence collected by a parliamentary investigative committee and the police. Although the investigative process may lack full transparency, his arrest was properly carried out by government authorities and investigative bodies. Unfortunately, many of his political supporters, including some self-proclaimed intellectuals from his party, took to the streets and engaged in violent protests. This behavior presents a serious threat to Nepali democracy and the rule of law.

As a journalist, Lamichhane loudly criticized other political parties for violent or unethical actions. Now that he faces similar accusations, it raises questions about his integrity. It is crucial to remember that other high-profile political leaders are currently in jail, and their party members have not interfered with police investigations or the judicial process. Nepali leaders and the public must recognize that Lamichhane is not above the law and must cooperate with government and legal institutions like anyone else.

Nepal’s democracy has faced challenges from both radical left- and right-wing ideologies. Some leaders cling to outdated beliefs in socialism or communism, despite these systems failing in countries like China, Russia, Israel, India and the UK. Others advocate for a return to monarchy, an idea that has been tried and failed. These are merely opportunistic attempts to gain power. 

Meanwhile, democratic leaders have struggled to meet the Nepali people’s expectations. The bureaucracy remains inefficient, and successive governments have failed to address the country’s social, economic and foreign policy challenges. Since the 1990s, Nepal has dealt with crises like the Maoist insurgency and regional conflicts, yet political leaders have not been able to offer a unified, long-term vision for the country’s progress.

The rise of populism and divisive political culture poses a significant threat to Nepal’s fragile democracy. While frustration over current political instability is understandable, influential figures fueling populist sentiments and spreading conspiracies undermine the democratic process. Figures like Mishra and Lamichhane have introduced dangerous populist trends that distract from the real progress Nepal needs. Lamichhane's recent legal troubles and the violent protests from his supporters demonstrate how populist leaders can destabilize the rule of law. No one, including prominent leaders, should be above the law. Both the public and political figures must prioritize the integrity of democratic institutions over personal ambitions. For Nepal to move forward, leaders must provide transparent governance and long-term visions, while the public must stay vigilant against populist movements that offer no real solutions. True progress lies in a unified commitment to democratic values and accountability.

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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented the achievements of his government during the first 100 days in office, highlighting various steps taken to address recent challenges, including natural disasters, economic revitalization and public service improvements.

The four-time PM began his speech by mentioning significant tragedies that occurred during the period, including a missing bus incident and multiple aviation accidents, along with severe floods and landslides from Oct 10 to 13, resulting in more than 7,000 disaster-related incidents. The prime minister said these incidents prompted the government to prioritize rescue and relief operations.

The families of 391 deceased individuals received relief payments of Rs 200,000 each, while 2,555 affected families were given immediate assistance totaling Rs 45m. Additionally, Rs 430m was allocated to 71 local bodies in crisis-hit areas for essential service restoration.

The prime minister assured the public that efforts would be made to reconstruct houses damaged by last year's earthquake while rehabilitating those affected by this year’s floods. He acknowledged the impact of these disasters on government operations but asserted that progress has been steady.

In terms of youth employment, Oli emphasized the distribution of startup loans of up to Rs 2.5m to 165 youths, enabling them to initiate businesses. A total of 5,158 entrepreneurs submitted proposals for start-up loans, with selections planned for disbursement by December.

Oli also announced legal action against over 600 individuals involved in cooperative fraud, with 575 already imprisoned. He outlined plans to draft the Cooperative Authority Act to facilitate the return of depositors' savings, establish a Cooperative Credit Information Center, and create a Loan Recovery Tribunal.

Oli stressed the importance of systemic governance in combating corruption. He noted that corrupt elements were attempting to destabilize the country to protect their interests, but the government remains committed to national integrity without compromise.

Oli also reported signs of economic improvement, attributing increased confidence among entrepreneurs to the formation of key commissions, including the Economic Advisory Commission. To enhance petroleum supply and storage capacity, the prime minister said agreements were finalized to expand pipelines from Siliguri, India, to Charali in Jhapa and from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan, alongside the construction of storage facilities.

To improve public service efficiency, Oli said a trial system for tracking files through QR codes was initiated to prevent bureaucratic delays. The Department of Industry implemented an automated system enabling foreign investments up to Rs 500m to receive immediate approval without investors' physical presence. Oli said an online service tracking system is operational in 58 survey offices, and provisions for senior citizens and disabled individuals have been made in 267 land revenue offices.

Prime Minister Oli also announced an increase in compensation for families of deceased foreign workers from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 1m, and stated that families of individuals, who die of associated conditions even after receiving medical treatment, would also receive this amount.

Oli also mentioned ‘concrete steps’ taken for the utilization of newly-built international airports—the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara Regional International Airport. The government arranged international flights by reducing the price of aviation fuel for Bhairahawa and Pokhara to attract flights. Starting Nov 10, the prime minister said flights from Dubai to Bhairahawa and from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa will commence, with Fly Dubai operating daily flights and Jazeera Airways approved for direct flights three days a week between Bhairahawa and Kuwait.

Prime Minister Oli mentioned what he called ‘significant progress’ in infrastructure projects with a breakthrough in the Dhhedre tunnel (Makwanpur), part of the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track project, and completion of the lining of the Nagdhunga main tunnel. In road construction and maintenance, over the past 100 days, 4,038 km of roads have been repaired, and 32.5 km have been blacktopped, contributing to road safety.

In the energy sector, generation of 30 MW of electricity has begun at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project while the Chilime Hub GIS Substation and Trishuli Hub Hybrid GIS Substation have also become operational, strengthening the national grid.

Prime Minister Oli took the occasion to highlight the consensus reached on over four dozen acts, regulations and procedures across various ministries as one of the administration’s achievements. The government and political parties have successfully pushed the remaining tasks of the peace process, initiated 17 years ago, toward a logical conclusion, he said while mentioning the Parliament’s endorsement and the presidential authentication of the Bill to amend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act.

Oli said that while the two major ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have a long history of political rivalry, they came together because of their shared commitments to political stability, development and good governance. While opposition has persisted since the government's inception, the prime minister said the government will remain resolute in its shared commitments for the greater good of the country.