THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Kathmandu, Sept 9: Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel resigned on Tuesday, just hours after KP Sharma Oli stepped down as Prime Minister, plunging the country into a deep political crisis.
Their exits came under intense public pressure, with Oli targeted over corruption allegations and Poudel facing anger over the government’s social media ban.
Oli resigned, bowing to mounting pressure after one of the country’s deadliest crackdowns in years left at least 19 people dead. His resignation comes as nationwide protests, largely led by young demonstrators under the Gen-Z banner, escalated into a second day of violent unrest.
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Nationwide Unrest
On Tuesday, despite a curfew, protesters returned to the streets, venting frustration over widespread corruption, unemployment, and the government’s controversial ban on social media platforms, which had cut access to Facebook, YouTube, and X, which had been lifted late Monday in an attempt to ease tensions.
The unrest reached a peak when demonstrators stormed and set fire to the Parliament building, highlighting the intensity of public anger.
Oli’s departure is expected to trigger intense political negotiations as parties scramble to form a new government, marking a critical moment in Nepal’s ongoing political crisis.
Protests have spread to multiple areas including Kalanki, Kalimati, Tahachal, Baneshwor, Chyasal, Chapagau, and Thecho. Youths chanted slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (KP thief, leave the country) and “Don’t kill students,” reflecting widespread anger over corruption, suppression of free speech, and government mismanagement.
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Targeting Political Leaders
The protests turned destructive as demonstrators stormed and set fire to the Parliament building and vandalized the residences of several political figures. Prime Minister Oli’s residence at Balkot in Bhaktapur was torched, though he remained at his official residence in Balwatar.
Homes of former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung were also attacked in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
In Kalanki, protesters blocked roads by burning tires, while some pelted stones at Gurung’s residence in Sunakothi. Police responded with firing, baton charges, and tear gas, injuring several demonstrators.
Protesters’ Demands
Beyond Oli’s resignation, the demonstrators are calling for strict action against corrupt politicians, guaranteed freedom of expression, and the introduction of a retirement age for political officeholders.
They have also leveraged platforms like Reddit and Instagram to expose the extravagant lifestyles of ministers’ children, questioning the sources of their wealth.
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Political Fallout
In response to the violent crackdown, three ministers resigned in protest: Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, Health and Population Minister Pradip Poudel, and the Home Minister, who stepped down yesterday. Several other ministers remain in Oli’s cabinet as parties prepare for intense negotiations to form a new government.
