Kathmandu — Nepal plunged into deeper political uncertainty on Tuesday after Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli tendered his resignation amidst a rising wave of anti-corruption protests that have spread across the country. The announcement came following a day of intense demonstrations, some of which turned violent, as public anger boiled over regarding the widespread practice of nepotism within Nepal’s political elite.
In a brief statement signed and released by the Prime Minister’s Office late Tuesday evening, Oli stated that he had resigned to allow a constitutional solution to the current crisis, signaling a possible attempt to reduce tensions and stabilize a rapidly deteriorating situation. The move follows weeks of mounting pressure on the ruling coalition, which has faced allegations of shielding the political and bureaucratic elite from scrutiny, especially those accused of favoring their children—derisively labeled as “nepo kids”—for key public roles and state benefits.
Protests Sweep Across Kathmandu and Major Cities
From early morning, tens of thousands of protesters gathered across the capital, Kathmandu, shouting slogans against corruption, nepotism, and oligarchic politics. The protests, largely driven by student groups, civil society activists, and young professionals, soon expanded into other major cities including Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj.
Clashes with police were reported in multiple areas. Eyewitnesses say security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators attempting to march toward Singha Durbar, the government’s administrative headquarters. Several videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of confrontation, with some protesters throwing stones and others setting fire to effigies of political leaders.
By late afternoon, government buildings, political party offices, and residences of senior politicians were targeted in what authorities have called coordinated acts of vandalism. Notably, Oli’s own residence came under attack, along with the home of Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who leads the opposition Nepali Congress party. Party headquarters of the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress in Kathmandu were also vandalized.
Tragic Toll: Deaths and Injuries Reported
The day’s turmoil took a tragic turn when two individuals died during the protest, confirmed Mohan Regmi, Executive Director of the Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu. Speaking to the BBC, Regmi said the deceased had suffered severe injuries, but further details on the cause of death have not been disclosed pending postmortem reports.
As of Tuesday night, 90 injured protesters are being treated at various hospitals across the city. Many are believed to have sustained injuries from rubber bullets, tear gas shells, and beatings. Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into police actions, alleging excessive use of force.
Public Anger Rooted in Allegations of Political Nepotism
The current wave of protests appears to have been sparked by a growing public outcry against what many see as entrenched nepotism and systemic corruption within Nepal’s governing class. The term “nepo kids”, now widely used in protest slogans and on social media, refers to the sons and daughters of influential politicians and bureaucrats who are perceived to benefit from privileged access to government jobs, contracts, and diplomatic postings.
Several investigative reports published over the past year have highlighted how relatives of politicians have been appointed to lucrative roles in embassies, state-run enterprises, and parliamentary committees. While such practices have long existed in Nepali politics, this time, it appears that public patience has run out.
Anger was further inflamed last month when a leaked document revealed how top government officials allegedly manipulated civil service examinations and procurement contracts to benefit their children. The government’s attempt to dismiss these revelations as politically motivated only further angered protesters.
Parliament in Crisis as Political Vacuum Looms
With Oli’s resignation, Nepal’s fragile political landscape now faces a vacuum at the top. There is currently no clear successor, and the process of appointing a new prime minister under the constitution could become contentious.
Nepal’s parliament, long criticized for partisan deadlock and inefficiency, will now be tasked with electing a new leader or forming a consensus government. But with opposition parties themselves mired in scandal and public distrust, it remains unclear who could emerge as a unifying figure.
Senior leaders of the ruling CPN-UML, already fractured by internal divisions, are expected to meet Wednesday to discuss their next steps. Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress has called for a national unity government, though critics accuse it of merely attempting to ride the anti-corruption wave for political gain.
Civil Society and Youth Voices Grow Louder
One of the most striking features of the protests has been the overwhelming presence of young people, students, and civil society organizations, many of whom have historically remained politically disengaged. Demonstrators say they are disillusioned not just with individual leaders but with the entire system, which they see as rigged in favor of the elite.
“This is not about one party or one politician anymore,” said Aayush Karki, a 22-year-old university student protesting in Maitighar Mandala. “We’re fed up with the whole corrupt structure. We don’t want a recycled set of leaders. We want change.”
Activists say they plan to continue protests until a new code of ethics is introduced that bars family members of politicians from holding government office during their relatives’ tenure. Some are even demanding a constitutional amendment to institutionalize anti-nepotism laws.
International Reaction and Concerns
Nepal’s international partners, including India, China, the United States, and the European Union, have expressed concern over the escalating unrest. While most have called for restraint and dialogue, there is also growing anxiety about the potential for instability in the Himalayan nation, which lies strategically between two regional giants.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have issued statements condemning the deaths and injuries during the protest. They have urged Nepali authorities to ensure the right to peaceful protest and avoid heavy-handed tactics.
Army Denies Coup Rumors, Urges Calm
In the midst of the political vacuum, rumors of a possible military intervention have begun circulating online. However, the Nepal Army issued a formal statement late Tuesday, categorically denying any intention to seize power. “The Nepal Army stands firmly in support of the constitution and democratic process,” the statement read.
Nonetheless, analysts warn that if political parties fail to form a new government quickly and transparently, institutional trust could erode, potentially opening the door for more radical proposals or even unconstitutional power shifts.
Media, Judiciary Also Under Scrutiny
Alongside political leaders, Nepal’s media houses and judiciary have also come under fire from protesters. Many accuse the mainstream media of underreporting the scale of nepotism, while others believe the judiciary has failed to prosecute powerful figures fairly.
Several journalists covering the protests were detained, and press associations have demanded their immediate release. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is expected to hear a public interest litigation case filed by a group of lawyers seeking judicial intervention to block the appointment of family members to public posts.
What Comes Next?
With Oli gone, Nepal enters a critical period of political reorganization. Whether this will calm the unrest or further stoke the flames remains to be seen. The underlying issues—deep public distrust, institutional decay, and elite entrenchment—remain unresolved.
For the protesters, the resignation is just a first step. Demonstrators are calling not only for new elections but also for systemic reforms that would hold public officials accountable, ensure transparency in appointments, and dismantle the deeply rooted networks of privilege that have long defined Nepali politics.
As night fell on Kathmandu, protesters remained on the streets, holding candles in memory of those who lost their lives earlier in the day. Chants of “No more nepo kids!” and “Down with corruption!” echoed through the capital, a sign that the movement is far from over.
The resignation of Prime Minister Oli marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s political landscape, driven by a grassroots uprising against decades of nepotism and corruption. As the country braces for what comes next, all eyes are on the political leadership to respond not just with new faces, but with real reform that restores public trust in democratic institutions.
