A stunning electoral upset in Nepal has catapulted the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to power, toppling veterans like former PM KP Oli by nearly 50,000 votes in Kathmandu. Arun K. Suwedi, advisor to ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, shared insights in an IANS interview, stressing that the new regime ignore India at its peril.
‘Constitutional tweaks are essential,’ Suwedi asserted. Current provisions on foreign affairs, he argued, are antiquated and force parity with nations like Pakistan despite India’s proximity and interdependence. Nepal’s shared borders, similar economies, and cultural bonds demand prioritized ties with New Delhi.
Energy realities underscore this: Nepal imports all fuel and gas via Indian channels, sans domestic refineries or pipelines. Suwedi hopes India continues securing these supplies reliably.
Rejoicing in the leftist collapse, Suwedi urged non-left banners to consolidate. For Nepali Congress, revival lies in ditching rigid socialism for progressive capitalism and popular conservatism. ‘Emulate Modi’s or Trump’s success through unity and modernization,’ he prescribed.
Populism, he cautioned, offers fleeting wins but falters on economic management and diplomacy. The left’s ouster stemmed from bungled policies—economic flops and communist-tainted foreign decisions, even as Congress helmed the foreign ministry.
Shifts in voter behavior trace to government missteps like social media bans and regulatory voids on digital assets, alienating educated youth. ‘This wasn’t underprivileged unrest but savvy Gen-Z pushback,’ Suwedi explained, heralding a new era of accountability.