KATHMANDU, March 14: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Ram Chandra Paudel assumed office as the President of Nepal two years ago. He took on the role as the country’s third President on March 13, 2023.
After the first Constituent Assembly meeting on May 28, 2008, abolished the monarchy, the country’s head of state position was opened to ordinary citizens. However, even though elected individuals now hold the position, critics argue that the presidency has not moved away from monarchical traditions.
As the President, Paudel broke the past practice of halting traffic for hours during his movements. However, despite changing some traditions, other decisions have kept him entangled in controversies.
Paudel, who was known for his easy accessibility and simple nature during his time in politics, failed to maintain that openness as President. Many had hoped he would bridge the growing public disillusionment with the federal democratic system, but he has remained largely confined within a circle of security personnel, family, and close aides.
The President does not intervene in government affairs but can provide constructive suggestions for the nation and its people. However, controversy has surrounded his secretariat and advisors, heating up discussions about Sheetal Niwas (the President’s Office).
His economic advisor, Chiranjivi Nepal, resigned last year, and legal expert Baburam Kunwar has also faced criticism. Before becoming President, Paudel’s chief personal secretary, Chiranjivi Adhikari, was dissatisfied with the advisors’ work style and left for the US a few months ago.
Previous Presidents have also been criticized for not effectively upholding the constitution and laws. Paudel faced the challenge of proving himself different, but he, too, has not remained unstained by the same allegations.
Although the President has certain privileges, Paudel approved the recommendation to pardon prisoners Regal Dhakal and Resham Chaudhary based on a Cabinet decision. This move sparked widespread criticism, and the Supreme Court overturned the decision, ruling that pardoning convicted individuals is not solely within the discretion of the President or Cabinet.
After assuming office, Paudel’s medical treatment abroad became another subject of controversy. His office later issued a statement saying he intended to bear the expenses himself. However, when state funds were ultimately used, criticism intensified.
The appointment process for the Federal Parliament’s General Secretary was also delayed by the President’s Office. Later, Paudel made an appointment without clear justification, leading to accusations that he acted under the influence of the Congress-Maoist coalition.
In July 2023, a coalition between NC and UML led to the formation of a new government under KP Oli. The government bypassed a parliamentary session and instead recommended several ordinances. Paudel approved five of them immediately.
However, he initially withheld an ordinance related to land issues but later approved it. This ordinance, which facilitates the transfer of public land to private individuals, faced strong opposition in both parliament and the streets, preventing the government from advancing it for approval.
During the previous parliamentary session, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari refused to authenticate the citizenship bill passed twice by parliament. She was accused of acting in favor of her former party, UML. After taking office, Paudel signed the bill into law in May 2023, just hours before Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal left for a visit to India. This last-minute move had also sparked strong criticism.