Nepal's Political Crisis: The Dangers of Violent Nihilism and the Quest for Stability
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India and its neighborhood - Nepal); Current events of international importance; Key political concepts (Presidential System, LDC).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (World History): Post-Cold War democratic movements.
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Effect of policies and politics of developing countries on India’s interests. Political instability in Nepal is a core topic for India's foreign policy.
Key Highlights from the News
The article describes the anti-government protests led by youth in Nepal, which have turned violent, as "violent nihilism," a destructive activity without a clear objective. This poses a significant threat to the country's democracy.
The author strongly argues that destroying democratic institutions like the parliament and Supreme Court is not democratic rejuvenation.
Root Causes of the Crisis:
Chronic political dysfunction, corruption, and nepotism.
High unemployment, youth out-migration, and a fragile economy heavily reliant on remittances.
Political leadership's failure to fulfill the "Naya Nepal" (New Nepal) promise given by the 2006 Jan Andolan II (People's Movement).
New leaders like Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah calling for the dissolution of parliament show their democratic immaturity.
The article suggests immediate intervention by the Nepali Army to restore peace and, as a long-term solution, constitutional reforms like a presidential system to provide stability.
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