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Nepal ex-PM Bhattarai says 'old guard became what it fought against, youth will rebuild nation'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 3:10 GMT by ThePrint
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Old Guard, New Youth – A Call for a Political Reset in Nepal

In a stark commentary on Nepal’s post‑monarchy political landscape, former Prime Minister Bimalendra Bhattarai (often spelled “Bhattarai”) recently warned that the “old guard” of Nepalese politics has become the very thing it once fought against. Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on the eve of the country’s upcoming municipal elections, Bhattarai urged a younger generation to rise up and rebuild a nation that has repeatedly fallen short of its democratic promises.

Who is Bimalendra Bhattarai?

Bhattarai, a veteran of Nepal’s turbulent transition to a federal democratic republic, served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2006. He was a key figure in the 1990 Jana Andolan that restored multiparty democracy and again in the 2006 Loktantra Andolan that ended the 25‑year monarchy. Over the decades, he has been a prominent voice in the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist‑Leninist) (CPN‑UML) and has held several ministerial portfolios, most notably the Ministry of Finance. His recent statements, however, mark a departure from his party’s mainstream stance, as he openly criticizes the ruling coalition and its approach to governance.

The Core of Bhattarai’s Message

Bhattarai’s main point is deceptively simple: the “old guard” of Nepalese politics has abandoned the principles they once championed. In his own words:

“We fought to end feudalism, to create a nation where every citizen could participate. Instead, we have become the same power‑hungry elite that once used their privilege to rule us.”

He argues that the 2015 Constitution, which aimed to dismantle monarchical vestiges and establish a federal republic, has in practice entrenched a new oligarchy. This new elite, he contends, continues the patterns of nepotism, corruption, and political patronage that have historically hampered Nepal’s development. He draws parallels between the old monarchy and the current ruling coalition—particularly the alliance between the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the CPN‑UML—suggesting that the parties have become "puppet masters" of a state apparatus that benefits a privileged few.

The Youth as the Rebuilder

Perhaps the most striking element of Bhattarai’s speech is his emphasis on youth empowerment. He believes that Nepal’s true democratic potential lies with the younger, educated, and increasingly politically active generation.

“The youth have shown that they can fight for their rights, demand transparency, and push for accountability. We need to give them space—no more old‑guard puppeteering.”

He cites several recent examples of youth-led activism, from the 2019 anti‑tax protests to the 2021 “One‑Day‑One‑Vote” campaign, which highlighted the need for electoral reforms and better representation. Bhattarai points out that the current political climate, which is dominated by the same individuals who were in power during the 2000s, is stifling innovation and progress.

A Call to Action

Bhattarai’s remarks carry a dual agenda: a critique of the present political establishment and a rallying cry for younger generations. He calls for:

1. Institutional Reform – Abolishing the “old guard” system of patronage and creating mechanisms for fair political competition.
2. Youth Participation – Encouraging youth engagement in local governance and ensuring they occupy key decision‑making positions.
3. Transparency and Accountability – Demanding stricter anti‑corruption measures and open government data.

While he does not propose a concrete roadmap, he suggests that the upcoming municipal elections could be a turning point, as local governments often serve as incubators for political change.

Reactions and Context

Bhattarai’s remarks have already sparked debate across political circles. The ruling coalition’s spokesperson dismissed him as “a relic of the past” who cannot grasp modern politics. In contrast, the Nepali Congress’s youth wing lauded his “courageous vision” and urged the party to adopt similar reforms.

Historically, Nepal has endured a series of political upheavals: the 1990 Jana Andolan, the 2006 Loktantra Andolan, the Maoist insurgency, and the subsequent peace process. Each transition has promised a new chapter, but the reality has been a cycle of contested power and slow progress. Bhattarai’s critique reflects a long‑standing frustration among many Nepalese citizens who feel that promises of inclusive democracy have largely been unfulfilled.

Looking Forward

The question remains whether Bhattarai’s message will resonate beyond the confines of a single press conference. Nepal’s political environment is complex, and the old guard’s grip on power is deep. However, with increasing digital connectivity, social media activism, and a politically savvy younger demographic, the potential for change is growing. The municipal elections, scheduled for later this year, might serve as a litmus test for whether the old guard can be displaced or whether the youth can indeed “rebuild the nation,” as Bhattarai asserts.

In a country that has repeatedly reinvented itself, the call for a new, inclusive political order underscores a continuing struggle: balancing entrenched power structures with the aspirations of a generation that demands accountability, transparency, and a genuine voice in the country’s future. Whether the “old guard” will indeed transform into the very thing it once opposed—or whether the youth will rise to fulfill Bhattarai’s vision—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Nepal’s political narrative is far from over, and the coming months may well determine the next chapter.