Kathmandu, Oct. 19 -- When Bishnu Poudel became finance minister back in October 2015, he was facing an economy badly affected by the earthquakes and the Indian trade blockade. In his second stint, the ruling party general secretary is facing even a bigger economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli appointed Poudel to the Finance Ministry on October 14. It, however, has become apparent by now that the decision was not taken by the prime minister in view of the challenges facing the country's economy. Poudel's appointment as finance minister was largely guided by the internal politics that is being played out in the ruling party.

With the country facing an extraordinary situation, questions are now b...