Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns amid violent protests in Kathmandu over alleged corruption

Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday afternoon after two days of violent protests against corruption, led mostly by young ‘Gen Z’ demonstrators, which left 25 people dead and dozens injured.

What Happens Next in Govt

Protesters had demanded Mr. Oli’s resignation. However, in Nepal, the Prime Minister stepping down does not automatically mean the government has fallen. The President, Ram Chandra Poudel, is the head of the government. Sources told NDTV that it is likely only a matter of time before Mr. Poudel also resigns, which could lead to the full collapse of the government.

Protests Started Over Social Media Ban

The unrest began 24 hours earlier after the government banned social media platforms like X and YouTube. The ban angered Nepal’s youth and soon turned into a larger anti-corruption movement. Even after the government lifted the ban, the protests continued.

Violence and Damage in Kathmandu

Hundreds of protesters marched through Kathmandu, shouting slogans against corruption, including nepotism, and set fire to government buildings. The Nepal Parliament was torched hours before the PM announced his resignation.

Scenes from the capital showed streets filled with smoke, burning cars, and young protesters clashing with police. Some protesters attacked the homes of Prime Minister Oli and President Poudel, vandalizing property and starting fires. The protests became so violent that Tribhuvan International Airport was shut down for domestic and international flights. With police unable to control the situation, the army was called in. Government officials accused of corruption were evacuated, and security was increased at the residences of the Prime Minister and President.

Protesters carried banners reading “Stop corruption, not social media” and “Youth against corruption,” while videos and hashtags like #NepoKid and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal spread widely online.