Submit your Article

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is holding a discussion with the newly elected lawmakers of the Sudurpaschim Province at the Office of the Prime Minister in Singha Durbar on Tuesday. 

The meeting, which began at 11 am, focused mainly on identifying regional problems and understanding local demands. 

He also met with newly elected lawmakers from Karnali and Koshi Provinces yesterday.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) Nepal Chairman Mahantha Thakur held a meeting today. 

During the meeting held at Lamichhane's private residence in Budhanilkantha, the two discussed the country's present political scenario as well as upcoming projects of priorities for the Madhes Province. 

Both sides also agreed to collaborate for a broader development agenda of the nation as per the latest public mandate, according to Lamichhane's Private Secretariat.

The decision by the Balendra Shah-led government to form a task force to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendment signals renewed political intent. Yet, despite years of rhetoric and electoral promises, translating that intent into action remains deeply challenging.

At the heart of the difficulty lies the arithmetic of power. Although the ruling bloc—particularly Rastriya Swantra Party—appears to command close to a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, this strength does not extend to the National Assembly. Since constitutional amendments in Nepal require approval from both houses, the absence of sufficient numbers in the upper chamber poses a structural hurdle. Even with potential support from smaller parties, securing the required majority in both houses remains uncertain.

Beyond numbers, the lack of political consensus presents an even more formidable barrier. While almost all major parties—including Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, Nepali Communist Party, and RSP—have expressed commitment to amending the constitution, they diverge sharply on what those amendments should entail. 

The most contentious issue is the form of governance. The debate over executive power has resurfaced strongly. RSP and Maoist forces are advocating for a directly elected president, arguing that it could ensure stronger and more stable leadership. However, the Nepali Congress has consistently opposed this model, favoring the existing parliamentary system. This disagreement is not new—it dates back to the original constitution-drafting process of 2008 to 2015, when parties ultimately rejected a directly elected presidential system, citing risks for a politically fragile country like Nepal.

Such foundational disagreements make consensus-building extremely difficult. Constitutional amendments are not merely technical adjustments; they involve redefining the structure of the state. Without alignment on core principles like governance models, progress is likely to stall.

Adding to the complexity is the absence of a clear roadmap. The government has formed a task force to draft a discussion paper, but has not yet established a formal constitutional review mechanism. This raises questions about whether the process has sufficient institutional grounding to move forward effectively.

Political ambiguity further complicates the process. Many parties, including NC and UML, have acknowledged the need for amendments but have refrained from specifying concrete proposals. Even parties with clearer positions, such as RSP—which has advocated for a directly elected executive and a fully proportional electoral system—may face pressure to moderate their stance in the post-election political environment.

Electoral reform is another sensitive issue. While concerns have been raised about the current system’s inability to produce stable single-party governments, recent electoral outcomes have somewhat weakened that argument. This reduces urgency and consensus around reforming the electoral framework.

Finally, broader ideological issues—such as secularism—could emerge as flashpoints during the amendment process, further complicating negotiations.

In sum, constitutional amendment in Nepal is not just a legislative exercise but a deeply political process requiring broad consensus, institutional clarity, and numerical strength across both houses of Parliament. The current scenario reveals gaps on all three fronts. As a result, despite renewed momentum, the path toward amendment remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s early days in office have signaled a striking departure from traditional governance. From his restrained public presence to his assertive administrative reforms, Shah’s approach suggests an attempt to redefine how executive power is exercised. 

One of the most visible shifts has been his communication style—or the lack thereof. Unlike previous prime ministers, who typically engaged with the media immediately after assuming office, Shah has remained notably silent. He has neither addressed the press nor issued public statements, signaling a preference for action over rhetoric.

Even celebratory political norms were curtailed; his party instructed lawmakers not to organize victory rallies, and Shah himself kept his sole appearance brief and speechless.

Diplomatic conventions have also been disrupted. Traditionally, ambassadors from major nations meet a newly appointed prime minister within a day of the oath-taking ceremony. Shah, however, has limited such engagements, meeting diplomats only during the official ceremony. By avoiding customary congratulatory exchanges, he has maintained an unusually quiet Prime Minister’s Office.

At the same time, Shah has embraced symbolic gestures rooted in tradition. He followed Hindu rituals during his oath-taking and conducted a special pujabefore entering the official residence in Baluwatar. 

Structurally, Shah moved quickly to streamline the government. He reduced the number of ministries from 24 to 15, emphasizing efficiency. He also directed government secretaries to either accelerate their work or step down, demonstrating a results-oriented approach. 

Policy-wise, Shah’s administration has taken bold steps. The government issued a public apology to Dalits and historically marginalized communities—an acknowledgment of centuries of systemic oppression. This commitment is part of a broader 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the cabinet.

On the day of his swearing-in, the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by the Ministry of Home Affairs sent shockwaves through the political landscape, underscoring Shah’s willingness to maintain accountability. 

 Further reinforcing this stance, the cabinet decided to form a high-level commission to investigate the assets of public officials dating back to 1990.

Perhaps the most significant break from the past lies in cabinet formation. Shah has prioritized merit and professional expertise over political compromise, resisting pressure from party insiders. Senior leaders expected to secure ministerial positions were sidelined as Shah asserted his authority to choose his team independently. This has allowed him to maintain tighter control over his cabinet and demand greater accountability.

In a positive sign for legislative stability, he has begun reaching out to other parties in Parliament. He has consulted with lawmakers across the political spectrum to gather their views on the budget and the government’s priorities.

Furthermore, as the Rastriya Swatantra Party pledged to amend the constitution in its election manifesto, the government has formed a committee led by Ashim Shah, the PM’s chief political advisor, to prepare a foundational document for constitutional amendment.

 Balen Shah’s premiership is marked by a blend of administrative assertiveness, cultural symbolism, and political independence. While his opaque style and limited communication may invite criticism, his decisive actions and reform-oriented agenda set him apart from his predecessors. Whether this unconventional approach will yield long-term stability remains to be seen, but it has already redefined leadership expectations in Nepal.