Nepal, Feb. 18 -- Constraints of social disharmony, contested constitution and institutions plagued by centuries of nepotism and favoritism will not allow Nepal to be Singapore or Switzerland anytime soon

In the art of charlatanry, Premier Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, even when not in full form, is capable of giving the best of snake oil salesman a run for his money. He hawked the trans-Himalayan railway dreams with remarkable success. His pension scheme appears promising on paper. The prospect of guaranteed employment or definite unemployment dole is music to the ears of his party cadres.

After completing a year of directionless governance, Supremo Sharma Oli did two more meaningless things to cover up his failings: Assure the public of a...