Nepal's parliament descended into political turmoil on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers staged a mass walkout in a powerful display of dissent against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The dramatic protest erupted over the controversial appointment of a new home minister, a move opposition parties have decried as a blatant power grab that threatens the nation's fragile democratic balance.
A Chamber in Chaos
The session, intended for regular government business, quickly transformed into a heated confrontation. Opposition MPs rose from their seats in unison, voicing strong objections before filing out of the chamber in a coordinated act of defiance. The protest left the assembly hall notably emptier and highlighted the deepening political fractures within the Himalayan nation.
The Heart of the Contention
At the centre of the storm is Prime Minister Oli's decision to handpick the home minister, a role wielding immense power over the country's internal security and police forces. Critics argue the appointment was made unilaterally, bypassing established conventions of consensus and consultation.
This move has ignited fears of an increasingly authoritarian streak in Oli's leadership, with opponents accusing him of concentrating critical power within his inner circle and undermining Nepal's hard-won democratic institutions.
Implications for Nepal's Stability
The walkout is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a significant escalation in Nepal's ongoing political tensions. A paralysed parliament struggles to function, potentially delaying crucial legislation and hampering the government's ability to address pressing national issues.
This political instability raises concerns about Nepal's governance at a time when the nation is grappling with economic challenges and the ongoing recovery from recent crises. The standoff signals a period of prolonged political uncertainty, with no clear path to reconciliation in sight.
