Concerns emerge over process as Nepal PM Balendra Shah pushes ahead

Nepalis have not heard Prime Minister Balendra Shah speak since March 27, when he took the oath of office, following the first election since last year’s Gen Z protests. His silence has stood out as his government, still in its early days, prioritised rapid action over communication and consultation.

Within hours of its formation, the Shah government swung into action — in the name of “honouring the spirit and the mandate of the people,” with an emphasis on speed. On March 28, former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested over alleged negligent killings during the September protests. More arrests followed. Some members of the business community were detained for questioning in money laundering cases.