Kathmandu: Serious political and constitutional questions have begun emerging around the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, within a short period of taking office.

The government formed by the Rastriya Swatantra Party after securing a near two-thirds majority in the federal parliament has come under criticism over allegations of excessive centralization of power, bypassing parliament through ordinances, controversial judicial appointments and the use of force against landless settlements.

The RSP, founded only four years ago by media personality Rabi Lamichhane, emerged as the largest party following the post–Gen-G movement elections. The party won 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, including 125 direct seats and 57 proportional representation seats.

Political analysts say the rise of the RSP reflected widespread public frustration with traditional political parties, especially leftist forces that had dominated Nepal’s politics for decades but were increasingly accused of corruption, power struggles and failure to deliver promised reforms.

Concerns Over Governance Style
Criticism of the Balen government intensified after authorities used bulldozers, backed by security forces, to demolish settlements of landless and homeless people in Kathmandu and other areas. Human rights advocates and opposition parties have argued that the actions violated constitutional protections related to housing and social justice.

The government has also faced backlash for introducing eight ordinances after abruptly adjourning parliament. Critics allege the ordinances were aimed at concentrating executive power and influencing constitutional institutions.

One of the most controversial decisions involved the appointment of Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court despite three senior judges being ahead of him in judicial seniority. Opposition parties, the Nepal Bar Association and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki criticized the move as politically motivated and damaging to judicial independence.

The government defended the appointment by stating that merit and efficiency had been prioritized over convention.

Growing Debate Over Democracy and Authoritarianism
The government’s approach has led to increasing debate over whether Nepal is witnessing democratic reform or a drift toward authoritarianism.

Civil society leaders and political commentators have raised concerns over:
-the increasing role of the army in civilian affairs,
-attempts to weaken parliament,
-interference in local and provincial jurisdictions,
-pressure on unions and student organizations,
- and restrictions on dissent.

A recent statement by members of Nepal’s civil society described the government as displaying “authoritarian tendencies” and warned against attempts to weaken democratic institutions through ordinances and centralized control.

The Balen government’s decision to move ahead with controversial policies while Prime Minister Balen himself has remained largely silent publicly has further intensified political speculation. Since assuming office, he has neither addressed the nation formally nor spoken extensively in parliament.

His absence during key parliamentary discussions and his early departure from the President’s address to parliament also drew criticism from opposition parties and constitutional experts.

Ravi Lamichhane and Political Controversies
RSP President Rabi Lamichhane has also remained at the center of controversy. He previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister before losing his position after the Supreme Court ruled that his Nepali citizenship process had not been completed legally.

Lamichhane later regained citizenship and returned to politics, but continues to face allegations linked to cooperative fraud and money laundering cases connected to former business associate GB Rai. Rai is currently reported to be abroad and subject to an Interpol notice.
Internal Unease Within RSP

Reports have also surfaced suggesting growing uncertainty within the ruling party itself regarding Balen’s political direction and leadership style.

Some RSP leaders privately admit they are struggling to understand the Prime Minister’s long-term strategy and fear that controversial government actions could politically damage the party.

Meanwhile, opposition forces including the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and the Shram Sanskriti Party Nepal have intensified criticism of the government, accusing it of undermining democratic norms and constitutional balance.

As political tensions continue to rise, the coming months are expected to test both the stability of the Balen-led government and the resilience of Nepal’s democratic institutions.