After 17 years, Nepal’s democratic system faces serious challenges. The actions of KP Sharma Oli undermined the belief that democracy was the best path forward. Since democracy was established in Nepal, the country has seen 13 prime ministers, none of whom completed their full term of five years.
This constant turnover has created a climate of instability. The current year alone has seen two major protests. In June 2025, a movement calling for the restoration of the monarchy took place throughout the country, including in Kathmandu. Three months later, Generation-Z organized violent demonstrations.
The questions arise: Why is democracy struggling in Nepal, where the population is 82% Hindu? Could the Nehru model of governance offer a solution?
What is the Nehru Model for Nepal?
In 1950, when Jawaharlal Nehru was India’s Prime Minister, Nepal faced significant political instability. Nehru intervened, which led to the end of the Rana regime and the installation of Tribhuvan Shah as king. In 1951, Nehru mediated talks in New Delhi with Tribhuvan Shah and other leaders.
These discussions led to the formation of an interim government, among other agreements. The agreement stipulated that the king would retain control of military and foreign affairs, while the Prime Minister, elected to lead the executive branch, would report directly to the King. The Prime Minister would have substantial power to govern.
Matrika Prasad Koirala was appointed Prime Minister, but political turbulence prevented him from remaining in office for long. In 1955, Tribhuvan Shah died, and his son, King Mahendra Shah, took over. Mahendra more strictly enforced the regulations established during his father’s reign.
Birendra P Mishra, Nepal’s former Election Commissioner, in his book on Nehru and Nepal, emphasized Nehru’s insistence that Nepal consult with India on any relationships it established with China and the Soviet Union.
Nehru viewed Nepal as a crucial neighbor, with a shared border of 1751 km. He believed that any instability in Nepal would directly impact India, and the two countries shared cultural and religious ties. A close bond existed between the two countries.
Relative Stability for Thirty Years
After Tribhuvan Shah’s death, Mahendra and later Birendra Bikram Shah became kings. Mahendra overthrew BP Koirala’s government during his reign. Nehru publicly criticized the King of Nepal in India’s Rajya Sabha in 1960. During Nehru’s time, Nepal avoided major political upheavals and violent events.
After Nehru’s tenure, Nepal experienced minor political shifts until 1980, yet the country maintained stability. However, the 1980s brought a period of unrest. In 1989, widespread protests emerged over employment and economic issues. The King dismissed Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha to suppress the unrest, but it continued.
In the early 1990s, some political errors made by King Birendra Bikram Shah’s family strengthened the democratic movement. By 2005, the King decided to concede to the democratic activists, and an agreement was reached in 2006. Despite these measures, Nepal continues to struggle with instability.