Kathmandu, Feb. 10 -- Speakers at a " The People's Panel" session of the Kantipur Conclave 2026 said frustration with traditional politics and media has pushed non-traditional voices into the mainstream, reshaping public debate and political engagement in Nepal.

Medical entrepreneur and activist Durga Prasain, political commentator Rishi Dhamala, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Khushbu Oli and journalist Santosh Deuja shared the stage on the second day of the conclave, reflecting on how public trust has shifted away from established institutions.

Journalist Santosh Deuja questioned the long-held belief about who gets to speak in public discourse, saying Nepal for years maintained a narrow definition of who qualified as a journalist. H...