Greetings from Kathmandu!
There has been a significant drop in the production and dissemination of news, as Nepali journalists are busy celebrating the Dashain festival. Political activities are minimal, except for leaders issuing Dashain greetings. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has urged residents to remain alert about dengue infections in the Valley. The local authority stated that it is adopting preventive measures to control the disease. Since 2021, the number of dengue cases has been gradually rising across Nepal. Once limited to the Terai districts, dengue has now spread to all 75 districts of the country.
The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of the country this week, due to the likely formation of a depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal. This could impact people traveling home for Dashain celebrations. Government agencies have issued travel advisories, urging the public to remain cautious during the rainfall.
The Nepali Congress has objected to the government’s decision to bar KP Sharma Oli from traveling abroad. In a press statement, the party urged the government not to take revenge against opposition leaders or promote impunity. It also criticized the government’s directive to the police not to arrest or take action against individuals involved in vandalism and arson, calling it a mockery of the rule of law. Earlier, the CPN-UML had also objected to the decision. Leaders from both parties have expressed concern that such actions could hinder the environment necessary for holding free and fair elections on Oct 1.
The multiple GenZ protest groups, divided by different demands and political ideologies, are now attempting to unite on common causes such as ending corruption, promoting good governance, providing relief to the families of those killed during protests, and ensuring successful elections. However, there are concerns that some forces may try to exploit the GenZ protestors to serve their own agendas. There are reports that GenZ protestors are planning another demonstration in Kathmandu on Oct 9. However, some leading activists have released video messages denying such plans, expressing a desire to avoid violence in the coming days.
There is growing public concern over Mayor Balendra Shah, who was previously seen as a driving force behind the GenZ protests but has remained silent after the violence. He is under scrutiny for reportedly failing to send fire trucks when protestors set Singha Durbar on fire. Since the protests, Shah has mostly stayed quiet but has ramped up public relations efforts highlighting the progress made by the Metropolitan City. Though he remains popular among youth, his approval rating has slightly declined for the first time since being elected mayor in 2022.
Within the CPN-UML, some leaders are projecting former President Bidya Devi Bhandari as a potential party chairperson to replace the incumbent KP Sharma Oli. Recently, Bhandari held consultations with several politicians and intellectuals regarding the current political situation. Despite facing internal challenges, Oli has indicated he does not intend to step down, claiming he remains "popular among the people." However, his public reputation has taken a hit. In previous crises, Oli often played the "nationalist card" to regain support, but this time, it appears to be ineffective now.
Nepalis are now preparing for the main day of the Dashain festival on Oct 2, when people receive Tika and blessings from elders and respected members of their families. This year, President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki will not be offering Tika to the public in light of the deaths of over 74 people during the GenZ protests. According to Nepal Police, more than one million people have left Kathmandu to celebrate Dashain, leaving the Valley nearly empty. Except for essential shops, most markets remain closed. On a positive note, major highways across Nepal remain functional despite minor landslides in some areas.
People who have reached their hometowns to celebrate the Dashain festival appear joyful. They are sharing short videos of their villages, highlighting their deep connection to their birthplace, local environment, culture, and warmth of family love and reunion. I am really missing home and plan to leave early tomorrow morning.
Even during the Dashain festival, the newsletter will continue without interruption.
Happy Dashain to all.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Editor
