When Balendra (Balen) Shah took the oath of office as the Prime Minister of the country on the holy day of Ram Navami, many citizens expected the advent of 'Ram Rajya' (an ideal, just state) in the nation. It was only natural for the public to expect good governance and maturity from this new leadership, established on the strength of the Gen-Z movement. However, the 'stubbornness' and 'authoritarianism' exhibited by Prime Minister Balen after reaching the center of power have raised a serious question mark over that expectation of Ram Rajya.
Childhood stubbornness is mostly innocent, but when that same stubbornness takes the form of power and authority, where does it lead the country? This has become a complex question in Nepali politics today.
1. Two Instances of Stubbornness: Child Krishna's Fascination with the 'Moon' and Youthful Obstinacy
According to mythology, a full moon rose one evening. Seeing the bright moon in the sky, child Krishna stubbornly told Mother Yashoda— "Mother, I want that shiny toy." Even when his mother explained that it was too far away and could not be caught, Krishna refused to listen. Instead, he threw himself on the ground, declaring, "Until I get the moon, I will neither drink milk nor sleep." Eventually, Mother Yashoda placed water in a large plate, showed him the moon's reflection in it, and pacified him. This was a 'childish whim' (Baal-Hath), easily calmed by a mother's loving ingenuity.
On the other hand, the song "Aama Malai Tehi Keti Chahinchha" (Mother, I want that exact girl), sung by singer Prakash Poudel about two decades ago, depicts another form of youthful stubbornness prevalent in Nepali society. The core theme of this song is the obstinacy a young man shows to fulfill his desires when falling in love. However, the stubbornness the country is experiencing right now is neither innocent like child Krishna's nor like the romantic obstinacy of a youth. It has become pure political 'ego' and a stubbornness of power.
2. The Series of Prime Minister Balen's Political 'Obstinacies'
In the political arena, Balen's recent moves have taken 'stubbornness' to new heights. While there might undoubtedly be numerous hidden, underlying obstinacies, some prominent examples seen publicly are as follows:
● The Arson at Singha Durbar and Threats: While serving as the Mayor of Kathmandu, he threatened to 'burn down Singha Durbar' when the vehicle his wife was traveling in was stopped for a traffic check. Later, during the Gen-Z movement, Singha Durbar was ultimately set on fire. Some critics have linked this incident to Balen's old grudge and planning.
● Bulldozer Terror and Squatter Settlements: Balen, who was aggressive in removing squatter settlements as Mayor, became even harsher after becoming Prime Minister. He unleashed a bulldozer terror using state power, causing a large portion of the public to agitate against him today.
● Autocratic Practices in Power: Bypassing his ally Ravi Lamichhane to form a unilateral government, solely supporting the Deputy Speaker, unilaterally recommending the Chief Justice, and introducing unilateral decisions through ordinances clearly demonstrate his political authoritarianism. His recent move to dismiss officials appointed under old rules by bringing in a new ordinance is also surrounded by extreme controversy.
3. The 'Ego' Clash with Former Prime Minister Sushila Karki
This disease of stubbornness is not limited to Balen alone. The same immaturity is evident in the behavior of former Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who led the transitional government after the Gen-Z movement. Karki, who once considered Balen like a 'son', is now dissatisfied with him. Going around saying, "Balen lacks knowledge of the judiciary," when a journalist addressed her as 'Mother', her reply was— "Your mother has already changed; call Balendra's wife 'mother'."
If Balendra is considered a son, his wife should automatically be the daughter-in-law. Dragging his wife into the middle of a political grudge with Balen and turning it into a media spectacle akin to a family squabble between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exposes the stubbornness of a person who has held the highest judicial office and the dignified post of Prime Minister. Remaining silent on such matters would have better suited the grace of leadership.
4. Risks Ranging from 'Greater Nepal' to the Presidential Election
There are no signs of Balen's obstinacy stopping here. Some of his moves have raised serious questions about the country's geopolitical balance:
● Diplomatic Immaturity: As Mayor, he placed a map of 'Greater Nepal' in his office. However, the map solely included territories to the east, west, and south (towards India), without mentioning the land encroached upon by China to the north. What is his official stance on this issue now that he is Prime Minister? There are discussions that he has imposed an undeclared 'blockade' on his own country in the name of strict rules prohibiting goods worth more than 100 rupees across the border and customs/MRP checks. Doesn't this signal the provocation of a new conflict with India?
● Upcoming Presidential Election: According to analysts, it is almost certain that Balen's same 'my way or the highway' stubbornness will be seen in the upcoming presidential election as well.
Conclusion: What Kind of Stubbornness is Balen's?
Mother Yashoda calmed Child Krishna's stubbornness by showing the moon in a plate of water, but who will become the 'Yashoda' and the 'plate of water' in current politics to calm Prime Minister Balen Shah's political obstinacy? On one side lies the 'ego' of older generation leaders, and on the other, the unilateral stubbornness of a young Prime Minister.
What is the nature of Balen's stubbornness? Is it an innocent, nation-building 'fascination for the moon' like that of child Krishna, or is it a frenzy of 'I want that exact girl (power/authority)' regardless of the consequences, as in singer Prakash Poudel's song? As for where this obstinacy of Balen will lead the citizens who have woven dreams of Ram Rajya, the exact answer will only be provided by the time to come.
