Nepal Drowning in Chinese Debt: Kathmandu Mayor’s Poetry Sheds Light on China’s Grip

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has chosen the unconventional path of satirical poetry to convey his discontent with the government. The mayor’s poetic expression, shared on social media, has sparked a broader conversation about governance effectiveness and the economic implications of China-financed projects in Nepal.

Mayor Shah’s poetic criticism unfolded in a post where he wrote, “I always desire to remain vacant for you, similar to Pokhara Airport. I wish to freely compose like today, like the full-stop heart of the government. Neither your backing, nor do I soar, kill like as if you are a debt. I will drown as China does.”

In his poetic critique, Mayor Shah uses metaphorical language that raises eyebrows and invites deeper analysis. The reference to “remaining vacant like Pokhara Airport” gains significance in light of recent challenges faced by the China-built Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA). Inaugurated on January 1, 2023, with substantial financial support from China, PRIA has encountered operational hurdles, hosting a mere five international charter flights and generating meager earnings of 0.4 million rupees since its inception.

The mayor’s metaphorical expression, “freely compose like today, like the full-stop heart of the government,” suggests a pointed criticism of bureaucratic inertia, hinting at a lack of dynamism and effectiveness in governmental initiatives. This poetic choice underscores the mayor’s frustration with the perceived stagnation within the bureaucratic machinery.

Furthermore, his statement, “I will drown as China does,” adds another layer to the narrative, aligning with the ongoing discourse surrounding the economic consequences of substantial Chinese investments. Mayor Balen Shah’s use of satirical poetry serves as a powerful means to ignite public discourse on the economic future of Nepal and its complex relationship with China.

This unique mode of expression by the mayor has sparked widespread interest and debate, prompting public reflection on the efficacy of current governance strategies and the economic consequences of engaging with China. As discussions intensify, Mayor Balen Shah’s satirical poetry emerges as a thought-provoking commentary on the delicate balance between autonomy, governance, and economic partnerships in Nepal. The ongoing debate is likely to shape future conversations around these issues, with the mayor’s poetic critique serving as a catalyst for deeper introspection and dialogue.

Notably, on August 31, 2023, Mayor Balen Shah decided to call off his scheduled visit to China. The visit, initially planned for tourism promotion and cultural exchange, was at the invitation of the Chinese government. This decision came in response to the release of a Chinese map that inaccurately portrayed Nepal’s territory, placing Nepali land within India’s borders.

Expressing his concerns, Mayor Shah stated that this move by China goes against Nepal’s sensitivities and sovereignty. He voiced disappointment that the map did not respect Nepal’s territorial integrity and was not consulted with Nepal before its release. Consequently, Mayor Shah announced on social media that he would not be proceeding with his planned 5-day trip to China, citing ethical considerations.

Read this: Kathmandu Mayor Cancels China Visit Amid Map Dispute