KATHMANDU: Social activist Iih has analyzed the political upheaval and behind-the-scenes power plays that emerged in Nepal following the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9 and during the formation of the new government.

According to Iih, the initial efforts to form a new government were limited to a small inner circle, with major political parties and power centers remaining largely inactive.

He revealed that the first priority after the turmoil of September 9 was to appoint Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) as prime minister.

However, when the situation worsened, Balen withdrew from the proposal, Iih claimed.

After the fall of KP Sharma Oli’s government, Rabi Lamichhane was considered the second option, but his influence weakened amid the political chaos.

On September 10, an attempt was also made to appoint former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha as prime minister, but differences over constitutional matters prevented consensus.

Ultimately, Iih said, it was felt that Nepal needed a trustworthy and broadly acceptable figure, leading to the selection of Sushila Karki as prime minister.

He added that Balen lost his chance due to political and ideological ambiguity, while Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal played a key role with a firm but lawful approach.

Iih also claimed that Balen and his circle are now attempting to replace Aryal as home minister with either Metropolitan Police Chief Raju Pandey or Meera Chaudhary, signaling ongoing geopolitical and internal power competition.

“If the home minister weakens, the prime minister’s position could also change,” he said, calling the current situation a contest of domestic and geopolitical forces.

Questioning the heavy loss of life during the protests, Iih described the events as a tragedy and a disgrace, urging greater caution from all sides.

He emphasized that those responsible for crimes during the September protests must face justice through due legal process — not just for public accountability, but for the establishment of rule of law.

He further stressed that elections must be held on time, and that political resolution and adherence to constitutional procedure are essential to overcome the current crisis.

Iih concluded by warning that politics driven by personal or ideological interests, fueled by violence and unrest, offers no lasting benefit, and called for a lawful, accountable path toward timely elections as the only sustainable way forward.