North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: The biggest news of this time is coming from the corridors of power of Nepal. Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s ‘Rashtriya Swatantra Party’ (RSP) has done something in Nepal’s politics which even experienced pundits had not imagined. In the initial trends and results, RSP is maintaining a one-sided lead, due to which the ground has slipped from under the feet of powerful leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba and KP Sharma Oli.
‘Extermination’ of veterans, ’emergence’ of new faces
This general election held in Nepal is being called ‘Gen Z Election’. Former Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah himself has surprised everyone by giving a tough fight to former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in his stronghold ‘Jhapa-5’.
Nepali Congress and CPN-UML defeated: Big faces of parties that have been in power for many decades are struggling to save their seats.
Majority figure: If current trends translate into results, the RSP may come close to a majority without a major coalition for the first time in Nepal’s history.
What will be the impact on India-Nepal relations?
The possible victory of Balen Shah and his party has also intensified the discussion in the diplomatic circles of Delhi. Balen Shah is considered a ‘staunch nationalist’ and ‘pragmatic’ leader.
Border disputes and treaties: Balen Shah has been vocal on ‘Greater Nepal’ and border issues in the past. Experts believe that he can take a tough stand with India on issues like the 1950 treaty and Kalapani.
China Factor: The biggest concern for India will be whether Balen Shah will lean towards Beijing or pursue an independent and balanced foreign policy.
Youth Aspirations: Balen’s entire focus is on employment and corruption, in such a situation he can pursue economic and hydropower agreements with India on new terms.
Why did ‘old politics’ fail?
The people of Nepal have seen 14 governments in the last 18 years. Fed up with instability, corruption and unemployment, the youth have chosen an engineer-rapper instead of the ‘old rice’ who communicates directly on social media. Balen Shah’s victory is not only the victory of one party, but is being considered as the defeat of the old political system of Nepal.
The way forward: instability or a new dawn?
If RSP gets absolute majority, the instability of coalition governments that has been going on for years in Nepal may end. However, Balen Shah does not have the experience of running a government at the national level, which will be the biggest challenge for him. Will he be able to give a new direction to Nepal or will he be reduced to the role of ‘king maker’?
