At a time when public trust in state institutions is dwindling, Nepal’s Parliament has remained completely dysfunctional for over two weeks. Opposition parties are obstructing proceedings, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over the visit-visa scam—despite a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the scandal.
Parliamentary obstruction, regardless of pretext, undermines public confidence—a chronic issue since the restoration of democracy in 1990. The problem is not just the current deadlock; if political parties are truly committed to strengthening the system, they must refrain from such disruptions and allow the people’s representatives to function independently.
Due to incessant power struggles, the parliament has been unable to legislate or provide effective oversight of state mechanisms. There must be a broad consensus among parties to end this practice, or public faith in the political system will further erode. Citizens expect substantive debates on pressing issues—not political theatrics. Negotiations between the Nepali Congress and opposition parties suggest a possible compromise. However, forming panels to investigate controversies has become a hollow ritual, with little impact over the past three decades.
Meanwhile, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken a proactive stance, filing corruption cases one after another—raising hopes of accountability in a system plagued by graft. If sustained, these efforts could help curb corruption, a major threat to Nepal’s democracy.
Within the CPN-UML, a debate over a proposed 70-year age limit for party leadership has resurfaced as the party prepares for its statute convention. While some advocate for the cap, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli (74) appears set to seek re-election as party president. Meanwhile, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari dismissed reports of growing tensions with Oli during her visit to eastern Nepal. Observers are closely watching whether the two will reach a consensus or engage in a leadership contest, as dissenting UML leaders rally behind Bhandari.
Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) has performed Nepal’s first successful male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. The six-hour procedure, conducted on a 25-year-old transgender patient from Janakpur, involved reconstructing female genitalia using male genital tissues. The surgery was part of a special camp organized by TUTH’s Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Dr Jayan Man Shrestha, head of the department, announced plans to establish a dedicated gender affirmation clinic to provide comprehensive care for transgender individuals.
Monarchist forces, which had staged protests in recent months, have largely suspended their campaign. Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden cited the monsoon season as a reason to halt large demonstrations. However, deep divisions within the royalist camp have also surfaced, with leaders airing grievances on social media. While King Gyanendra and his supporters had framed the protests as decisive, internal debates now question whether the RPP should continue advocating for monarchy and a Hindu state. Some argue that, given the improbability of restoring the monarchy, the party should pivot to corruption and development issues ahead of the 2027 elections—a relief for mainstream parties wary of royalist resurgence.
The Prime Minister’s Office has raised concerns over unauthorized staff appointments at Tribhuvan International Airport’s Immigration Office, following a complaint to the CIAA. The Home Ministry stands accused of exceeding approved quotas in multiple departments, including immigration.
Within the Nepali Congress, rival factions continue to voice discontent with the ruling coalition. Senior leader Shekhar Koirala has called for the NC to lead the government, citing the country’s deteriorating situation. Though General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa and Koirala recently held talks, they remain at odds. Both, however, are pressuring party President Sher Bahadur Deuba to convene a timely general convention. Despite internal friction, the coalition government faces no immediate threat.
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has begun drafting its monetary policy for FY 2025-26, consulting stakeholders for input. The new governor, Biswo Poudel, has pledged to align monetary policy with fiscal goals while strengthening financial oversight. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel expressed confidence in improved policy coordination to tackle economic challenges.
