Nepal, June 21 -- September 8-9 government that got off the ground by breaking established, but questionable norms, the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 probably sought to do the same on several fronts. Yet, allegations of wrongdoing by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle have overshadowed the post-budget debate over its good and bad aspects. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah swept into power by crushing the traditional parties in the March 5 elections, with a promise to end corruption and ensure good governance. But the controversy surrounding Wagle's budget leaves room for criticism.

Shah assumed office on March 27. Yet, kudos to his leadership, some well-established norms that were ...