Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli faces unprecedented challenges as a youth-led uprising against corruption and political stagnation gains momentum, leaving him increasingly isolated.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli of Nepal is finding his options dwindling as a youth-led uprising disrupts the political landscape. The unrest, which began just two days ago in response to the government’s decision to restrict access to social media platforms, has escalated into a nationwide revolt against corruption, unemployment, and decades of political stagnation.
From the capital city of Kathmandu to the border towns of Jhapa and Dhangadhi, streets are filled with Generation Z protesters expressing their frustration with the entrenched political system. These demonstrators are demanding an end to the “old politics” that has seen the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party alternating in power for years. The protests represent the most significant challenge Oli has faced to date, marking a sweeping rejection of Nepal’s political elite reminiscent of the 2006 uprising that abolished the monarchy.
The violent clashes have resulted in at least 19 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, as security forces have responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. In retaliation, protesters have set fire to the residences of prominent political figures, including Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, and President Ram Chandra Poudel. Additionally, a school associated with Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba was attacked, highlighting the widespread discontent that transcends party lines.
Sources indicate that protesters rushed to Tribhuvan International Airport amid rumors that Oli might attempt to flee the country, further illustrating the depth of anger directed at him. Four ministers, including the influential home minister, have already resigned, leaving Oli with limited options. “The prime minister is left with very few choices: resign, leave politics, or flee,” stated Babu Ram Bishwakarma, a senior journalist based in Kathmandu and editor of Nepalnews.com. “The public anger, especially among the youth, is far deeper than just social media access. The old system is collapsing before our eyes.”
Notably, young members of prominent non-political families have joined the protests, indicating a broad coalition of discontent across different societal segments. What complicates Oli’s situation further is the stance of the Nepal Army. Senior military officials are reportedly holding emergency meetings, but sources suggest that the army is hesitant to align itself with Oli against the protesters. Without military support, Oli’s government appears increasingly vulnerable.
The government’s attempts to quell the unrest by restoring social media access and offering compensation to victims have failed to alleviate the situation. Protesters are not merely seeking access to platforms; they are calling for a generational shift in leadership and governance.
Independent Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who has studied in Bengaluru, and members of the newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party are notably the only politicians not facing public ire. The current atmosphere in Nepal bears a resemblance to the recent youth-led demonstrations in Bangladesh that led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. However, unlike the unrest in Dhaka, there is no indication of foreign involvement in Nepal’s protests; this anger is homegrown, and for Oli, the walls are closing in.
Source: Original article