Nepal Government Takes Hardline Stance: No Immunity for the Guilty, Says PM Balendra Shah

KalimNews, Kathmandu, March 30, 2026 :  Nepal is currently witnessing a significant political shift as the government led by Balendra Shah moves forward with a firm strategy to bring all individuals implicated in past incidents and cases under legal scrutiny. The government has made it clear that no guilty person should escape accountability, while at the same time ensuring that innocent individuals are not wrongfully implicated.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shah instructed ministers and senior government secretaries to carry out their duties without any political bias and strictly within the framework of the law. He emphasized that justice must be upheld without compromise. According to officials, he also warned that those who find it difficult to work under such standards are free to step aside, signaling a strong push for accountability and efficiency within the administration.

The Prime Minister is preparing to extend similar directives to provincial leaders, chief ministers, provincial secretaries, and chief district officers in the coming days. His office has indicated that the enforcement of law must be impartial, without being either lenient or harsh toward any individual.

At the political level, Shah and Rabi Lamichhane have reportedly reached an understanding to investigate the assets of high-ranking officials and leaders who have held positions since 1990. The government maintains that its actions are not driven by political revenge but by a commitment to justice and accountability.

Security agencies have already been mobilized following instructions from Prime Minister Shah and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. Acting on these directives, Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau has begun probing alleged money laundering and asset-related cases involving several former prime ministers, including Jhala Nath Khanal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Baburam Bhattarai, along with former ministers, their families, and close associates. According to sources, the investigation formally began on Sunday, and there is a strong possibility that more high-profile arrests could follow. Former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka has already been taken into custody.

The government is also actively consulting legal experts before making major decisions, aiming to ensure that all actions remain within legal and constitutional boundaries. Officials have stated that the administration is proceeding without external pressure, influence, or political motives.

In addition, the government is preparing to revoke political appointments made by the previous administration. Individuals holding such positions have reportedly been asked to step down voluntarily, with the possibility of formal dismissal if they refuse. The administration is under pressure to deliver visible results within its first 100 days, with leaders acknowledging that failure to do so could be seen as a betrayal of the public mandate.

Industry Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stated that the government is committed to producing tangible, people-oriented outcomes within this timeframe, emphasizing that the mandate was earned through the sacrifices of citizens and must be honored through performance.

Meanwhile, legal expert Yubaraj Sangraula has noted that while the government has full authority to investigate and take action against those found guilty, it should exercise restraint and follow due process, especially when dealing with former high-ranking officials. He suggested that prior notice before arresting former prime ministers and ministers could have reduced public anxiety and strengthened the government’s credibility. He also advised that those accused should engage in legal and reasoned defense rather than resorting to street protests.

Earlier, immediately after taking the oath of office, Prime Minister Shah held a brief meeting with government secretaries at Singha Durbar, where he issued direct and uncompromising instructions. He told them to work in line with the government’s “speed” and “spirit,” and warned that those unable to meet expectations could step aside. He stressed that officials should not use legal provisions as excuses to delay or avoid responsibilities, nor should they attempt to “lecture” ministers. Instead, he made it clear that their role is to deliver results.

According to officials present at the meeting, it was one of the shortest interactions they had experienced with a prime minister, with Shah speaking decisively and allowing little room for discussion. He reiterated that government employees must focus on solutions rather than obstacles, and align their work with the administration’s broader mission.

Overall, the government’s current approach signals a strong emphasis on legal enforcement, administrative discipline, and political accountability. While it presents itself as a move toward justice and reform, its success will ultimately depend on how effectively it balances firmness with fairness in the days ahead.