The Circus Called Politics Of Nepal

1. Tax Misuse and Entrenched Corruption: The Foundation of Inequality

Corruption in Nepal is not just a vice; it's an institutionalized system that drains the nation's resources and perpetuates inequality. Citizens' mistrust in the tax system runs deep, with many believing that their hard-earned contributions end up funding the opulent lifestyles of politicians rather than essential public services.

• Public Distrust and Tax Evasion: A significant portion of Nepalis evade taxes due to the perception that funds are misappropriated. Remittances from millions of migrant workers abroad—amounting to over $10 billion annually—bolster the economy, yet these are overshadowed by reports of elite extravagance.
• High-Profile Scandals and Impunity: Nepal has seen numerous corruption scandals involving billions of rupees, such as embezzlement in infrastructure projects and procurement deals. Despite investigations by bodies like the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), culprits often escape justice. Leaders implicated in these cases not only avoid prosecution but sometimes secure re-election, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.
• Patronage and Clientelism: The political system is riddled with nepotism, where appointments and contracts are doled out based on loyalty rather than merit. This clientelist approach undermines development, leaving sectors like healthcare and education underfunded and inefficient.
• Economic Impact: Corruption costs Nepal an estimated 2-3% of its GDP annually, exacerbating poverty and inequality. With youth unemployment hovering around 19%, many young Nepalis see no future at home, fueling migration and brain drain.

This entrenched corruption sets the stage for other crises, as public outrage boils over into movements demanding transparency.

2. The Social Media Ban: Silencing Dissent in the Digital Age

On September 4, 2025, the Nepali government, under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Reddit, for failing to register under the Social Media Directives 2080. Only platforms like TikTok and Viber remain accessible after complying with registration requirements. This move, justified as protecting "national dignity" and curbing misinformation, has been widely criticized as an assault on free speech.

• Government Rationale and Implementation: The ban followed repeated warnings to platforms to establish local offices and adhere to Nepali laws. Telegram was banned earlier in July 2025 for alleged ties to online fraud. Internet service providers were instructed to block unregistered sites, leading to widespread disruptions.
• Backlash from Civil Society: Opposition parties, journalists, and human rights groups have decried the ban as unconstitutional. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) organized protests, warning of job losses for content creators and economic fallout. Demonstrators in Kathmandu chanted against the "hacking of democracy," highlighting risks to press freedom.
• Public Evasion and Resistance: Searches for VPNs surged by 400% as citizens bypassed restrictions. TikTok has emerged as a key platform for organizing, with users sharing protest strategies and exposing government overreach.
• Global Concerns: International organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have condemned the ban, noting its impact on information access. The move mirrors broader trends in digital repression, potentially damaging Nepal's international image and tech investments.

As protests intensify on September 8, the ban has paradoxically amplified voices against the government.

3. The “Nepo Kids” Trend: Exposing Privilege and Fueling Rebellion

The “Nepo Kids” (nepotism kids) trend has exploded on social media, particularly TikTok and Reddit, where Gen Z users call out the extravagant lifestyles of politicians' children, allegedly funded by corrupt practices. Hashtags like #NepoKids, #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal, and #NoMoreCorruption have gone viral, drawing parallels to similar campaigns in the Philippines and Indonesia.

• Origins and Spread: The trend began exposing how politicians' offspring enjoy luxury cars, foreign trips, and elite education while ordinary youth struggle with unemployment and poverty. Videos and posts question the source of this wealth, linking it to taxpayer funds and corruption.
• From Online to Offline Activism: What started digitally has spilled into the streets. On September 8, 2025, Gen Z-led protests are occurring nationwide, with demonstrators in school uniforms gathering in Kathmandu's Maitighar, Pokhara, and other cities. Protesters demand anti-corruption reforms and an end to dynastic politics.
• Debates and Criticisms: While supporters see it as a fight against inequality, critics argue it borders on cyberbullying, targeting children for their parents' sins. Even so, the movement has sparked broader discussions on political heirs and accountability.
• Political Responses: Prime Minister Oli has criticized the agitation, urging respect for the constitution, while parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) express support. Security forces are on high alert amid fears of escalation.

This trend underscores the generational divide, with youth challenging the status quo.

4. Constitutional Violations: Undermining the Foundations of Democracy

Nepal's 2015 Constitution, born from a decade of conflict and democratic struggle, enshrines fundamental rights that are now under threat from corruption, the social media ban, and unchecked privilege. These issues represent direct assaults on constitutional principles, eroding the rule of law.

• Freedom of Expression Under Siege: Article 17 guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, while Article 19 protects the right to communication. The social media ban blatantly violates these, as it restricts access to information and stifles dissent. Nine writ petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the ban's constitutionality.
• Anti-Corruption Provisions Ignored: The Constitution's Preamble and Articles 51 and 52 emphasize good governance and anti-corruption. Yet, systemic graft contradicts these, with leaders flouting accountability mechanisms. The "Nepo Kids" trend highlights how nepotism violates equality under Article 18.
• Judicial and Institutional Failures: The Supreme Court's role in upholding rights is crucial, but executive interference—such as ignoring court orders on corruption cases—weakens it. Historical reports from bodies like the U.S. State Department note ongoing issues with media censorship and human rights.
• Broader Implications: These violations risk reverting Nepal to authoritarianism, undermining the federal democratic republic established post-2008. Activists argue that without constitutional adherence, the nation's progress stalls.

This section reveals how current crises are not isolated but symptomatic of deeper constitutional erosion.

5. A Generational Demand for Change: Youth at the Forefront

With 70% of Nepal's population under 40, the youth are no longer passive observers. Frustrated by gerontocratic leadership—dominated by figures like Oli (73), Sher Bahadur Deuba (79), and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (70)—Gen Z is pushing for systemic overhaul.

• Youth Awakening and Mobilization: The convergence of the social media ban and "Nepo Kids" trend has galvanized young Nepalis. Protests on September 8 symbolize a shift, with calls for transparency, digital freedom, and anti-corruption laws.
• Support from Allies: Independent leaders like Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah back the movement, representing hope for clean governance. International appeals, including to figures like Elon Musk, amplify the cause.
• Challenges Ahead: Government warnings and potential crackdowns loom, but the movement's resilience—fueled by VPNs and offline organizing—suggests momentum.
• Global Parallels: Nepal's unrest echoes youth-led uprisings worldwide, from Hong Kong to Bangladesh, where social media catalyzes change.

Conclusion

The circus of Nepali politics, with its rings of tax misuse, corruption, social media repression, "Nepo Kids" privilege, and constitutional violations, has reached a tipping point. As Gen Z takes to the streets on September 8, 2025, their demands for accountability and reform could reshape the nation. Yet, entrenched powers resist, risking further unrest. Will leaders heed the call, or will the spectacle continue, alienating a generation? The answer lies in whether Nepal chooses genuine democracy over the illusion of control. This movement, blending digital defiance with street activism, offers a path forward—if only the ringmasters step aside.