“Godot Has Arrived!”

Abstract

This chapter examines the process and modalities of constitutional reform that led to the federal restructuring of Nepal’s unitary state. It first considers the context that led to the question of federalism in Nepal, focusing on identity politics and the role of mainstream political parties and political elites during the period 1990–2006. It then looks at the period of constitutional engagement, taking into account the establishment of the first Constituent Assembly (CA1) and its eventual dissolution. It also discusses the outcome of federalization as well as the lessons that can be drawn from the process, especially with regard to territorial restructuring, identity politics, and the range of institutional responses to demands for social inclusion. A new Constitution was promulgated on September 20, 2015, but it did not bring about radical institutional restructuring and was met with growing protests in the Terai plains near the Indian border.