Saturday, March 29, 2025
Kathmandu: March 28, 2026
The newly formed Balen Shah government in Nepal has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape immediately after taking the oath. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested on charges of negligence and abuse of power during last year’s historic ‘Gen-Z’ movement. KP Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Gundu.
In the first cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, it was decided to immediately implement the report of the high-level inquiry commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki.
Recommendation: The commission has recommended a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment for Oli, Lekhak, and several other officials for negligence during the movement.
New Spokesperson: Minister for Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, has been appointed as the new government spokesperson.
The inquiry commission has not only targeted politicians but has also raised questions about the police administration of that time. Action has been recommended against several high-ranking officials, including the then IGP of Nepal Police, Chandra Kuber Khapung. A special study team will be formed to investigate the proceedings against these officers.
In 2025, the youth of Nepal brought about a massive revolution by taking to the streets against unemployment, corruption, and the outdated political system. This very movement forced KP Oli to resign and led to the dissolution of Parliament. Now, the youth-led government that rose to power on the back of that movement has begun tightening the legal noose around the former rulers.
KP Oli’s Stance: Following his arrest, KP Oli termed the move “political vendetta” and stated that he would fight the matter legally.
