Cabinet controversy may hurt Nepal’s premier

Significance

He distributed posts across his multi-party coalition. His appointment of party colleague Gajendra Hamal as industry minister aroused widespread controversy, with critics suggesting it was made on the recommendation of Hamal’s brother-in-law, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana. Hamal resigned on October 10.

Impacts

• Popular calls for Rana to step down will increase.
• Regardless of whether Rana remains in post, concern will grow over the judiciary’s influence on Nepali politics.
• Political instability will endure amid government infighting and clamour among opposition politicians for snap polls.