Balendra Shah Government Launches Inquiry into Assets of Former Leaders

In a groundbreaking initiative, the newly established Balendra Shah government in Nepal has inaugurated a five-member judicial panel aimed at investigating the assets of public officials from 2006 to the 2025-26 fiscal year. This move represents the most extensive examination of the nation’s political and bureaucratic elite since the abolition of the monarchy.

Comprehensive Scope of the Investigation

The judicial panel’s inquiry will scrutinize various high-profile figures, including former king Gyanendra Shah, three former presidents, and all heads of government from 2005-06 onwards. This includes interim administrations and a wide array of ministers, constitutional officials, and senior bureaucrats.

Key Figures Under Scrutiny

Among those expected to be investigated are:

• Former Presidents: Ram Baran Yadav, Bidya Devi Bhandari, and current President Ram Chandra Paudel.
• Former Prime Ministers: Girija Prasad Koirala, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, Baburam Bhattarai, KP Sharma Oli, and Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with interim heads Khilraj Regmi and Sushila Karki.

Expanding the Inquiry’s Reach

The investigation is also set to encompass individuals associated with Shah’s political affiliation, including current Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and ministers Birajbhakt Shrestha and Shishir Khanal. Furthermore, it will examine the assets of deceased leaders, scrutinizing their political heirs, notably the families of Girija Prasad Koirala and Sushil Koirala.

Formation of the Judicial Panel

The five-member commission, led by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, was established shortly after Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party won the March 5 elections, driven largely by youth-led anti-corruption protests the previous year.

Government’s Commitment to an Impartial Investigation

Cabinet spokesperson Sasmit Pokhrel emphasized that the panel will conduct an impartial investigation based on legal standards and evidence. “The report and recommendations will be implemented by relevant government agencies,” he stated.

A Two-Phase Approach to Probing Corruption

Under Shah’s 100-point governance reform plan, the initial phase will focus on those in office from 2006 to the present fiscal year. The subsequent phase will target the period from 1991 to 2005.

Political Reactions and Calls for Legal Framework

The Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, acknowledged the necessity for such a commission but argued for establishing permanent legal provisions to prevent politicization. Spokesperson Devraj Chalise emphasized the importance of a fair, evidence-based investigation.

Support from Other Political Entities

The CPN-UML party also expressed general support for the inquiry but insisted that the commission operate based on factual findings.

Activists’ Perspectives

Gen Z activist Rakshya Bam, who played a significant role in the September 2025 uprising, welcomed the decision, stating, “Our protest highlighted corruption in high political circles. However, true accountability hinges on political will.” She noted that a previous property inquiry panel established during the Deuba administration in 2002 had submitted a report in 2003, but its findings were never disclosed.

This investigation represents a pivotal moment in Nepalese politics, aiming to foster transparency and accountability among former leaders. The actions taken by the Balendra Shah government could set a precedent for future governance in the country.