Last month, Kathmandu’s streets swelled with massive crowds. At first glance, it looked like a grand rally in support of the new government. But no—it turned out people were marching to bring back the monarchy! Loud chants of Raja aau, desh bachau (King, come back and save the nation) echoed through the streets. Some arrived in Gandhian style, carrying garlands, while others looked ready for a revolution. Meanwhile, government supporters stood confused. Didn’t we just vote for political parties? And now, people are searching for a king? What is going on? Two decades ago, these same streets roared with protests shouting "Hang him!" and now, the same streets are demanding the exact opposite. Ah, the wonders of democracy!

But isn’t this our habit? First, we hurriedly turn someone into a god, and as time passes, we grab a hammer and smash their statue. It seems Nepalis take the phrase ‘out with the old, in with the new’ way too seriously! The same thing happened when the new government was formed.

When the new ‘government’ came into power, you must have been thrilled, feeling excitement bubbling inside you. Maybe you even joined the rallies. It might have felt as if you had become a minister. And for a moment, you probably checked your pocket to see if a red passport had magically appeared! The excitement was so overwhelming that you could barely contain yourself. Finally, change is here! Your mind exploded with golden dreams.

Your home and finances may have been in shambles, but you believed that this government will deliver paradise. You had high hopes: food, shelter and clothing for your family, free healthcare for your parents, affordable and quality education for your children, and a good job or business opportunity for your siblings. The good times were finally near—or so you thought.

But governments have a signature move. When they need power, they become your humble servants. They fold their hands, touch your feet and act like long-lost relatives. Before elections, they perform stunts never seen before—climbing on shoulders, enduring insults and even getting slapped. At election time, politicians have thicker skin than Chitwan’s rhinos. And yet, they bow their heads, claiming, "We are the people’s servants!" The first time they touched your feet, your chest puffed with pride. Wow, I am important! When you hesitated, saying, "No need to touch my feet," you probably ended up holding the government’s hand instead. And at that moment, it felt like a mild electric shock. Luckily, your fuse didn’t blow! If it had, the government would have blamed the "regressive forces”.

You weren’t sure what had just happened. But if you had thought a little deeper, you would have realized—the battery was fully charged! Some shocks are weirdly enjoyable. Suddenly, you felt an urge to sacrifice everything for the nation! Fortunately, a mental paracetamol kicked in, cooling that feverish devotion. If only we had the same enthusiasm when paying taxes! 

Then came the big day. The day when the government’s true colors appeared. As per tradition, it sat on your left side, looking obedient, almost like a programmed robot—ready to execute your every command. Your spine straightened with pride. You felt as if you were about to hold every title, from chairperson to president. At that moment, the government bowed and softly said, "You are the master, I am your servant”. Hearing that, your feet might have lifted off the ground. A light, airy feeling filled your body, as if you were floating on clouds. You strolled around, basking in happiness. Even your neighbor’s dog seemed to wag its tail in your honor! And so, the government continued its daily routine—painting new dreams, making fresh promises, building castles in the air.

One day, the government even said, "If you have a son, we should name him ‘Development,’ okay?"

You asked, "What if it’s a daughter?"

"Then we’ll name her ‘Progress’ or ‘Prosperity.’"

Such vision! Such planning! Who knew governance was just baby-naming with extra steps? You were so deeply lost in the dream of development and prosperity that you even started hoping for twins! Meanwhile, the government kept growing fatter, but development? Nowhere to be found. As elusive as ever. No matter how many tests were conducted, the results always came back negative. If development had a Facebook profile, its last ‘seen’ would be from the Stone Age!

One day, you finally gathered the courage to ask, "Government, you once said, ‘Master, my life is yours. I’ll follow you wherever you go, always by your side. Have you forgotten?"

It smiled slightly and replied, "Oh, that? That was just talk. Why so serious? Don’t dwell on it. The government is yours and will always be yours. That’s no small thing! Be proud!"

You stood there, stunned. But the government wasn’t done yet.

"You elected me, so you must sustain me. Your earnings are not enough. Get a side job. Pay more taxes. How else will your government function?" Suddenly, it felt like you had adopted the government instead of electing it!

Shocked, you pressed, "Where is the development? Where?" The government, slightly irritated, responded, "That’s your fault."

Just then, a flowerpot in your house crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces. The government didn’t flinch. Instead, it immediately ordered:

"Hey! Clean this up right now. Pick up the trash and make sure the place is spotless. Watch the glass!"

And that’s when you finally realized—this is your own government. So, what now? Will you quietly grab a broom and sweep? Or join the streets, clapping for those shouting 'Raja aau, desh bachau’? Or will you just sit back and sip tea, as if nothing is happening?

Once the government feels "I am secure”, it stops serving and starts ruling. And you? You never even noticed when your dream of turning your food, clothing and shelter into heaven withered and dried up. By the time you wake up, even your dream might have to pay taxes!

(This article was originally published in  April 2025  issue of New Business Age Magazine.)