<h2 data-start="284" data-end="357">Nepal&rsquo;s Political Earthquake: Oli&rsquo;s Resignation Rekindles Old Ghosts</h2>
Kathmandu was once again at the centre of political turmoil on Tuesday, as Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resignedamid a wave of violent Gen Z-led protests that entered their second day. What began as demonstrations against a controversial social media ban has spiralled into one of the deadliest episodes in years, leaving 19 young lives lost and a government in ruins.
Only a day earlier, Nepal&rsquo;s Home Minister stepped down, bowing to public anger. Oli&rsquo;s exit marks the fall of yet another government in Kathmandu &mdash; the 14th in just 17 years since the <a title="Nepal" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/kmc-fines-ex-king-gyanendra-for-protest-violence/8841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monarchy</a> was abolished in 2008. This revolving door of leadership not only exposes the fragility of Nepal&rsquo;s democracy but also rekindles nostalgia for the 239-year-old monarchy, which many citizens now view as having provided more stability than successive republic governments.
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<h3 data-start="1223" data-end="1255">A Story of Broken Promises</h3>
The resignation comes against the backdrop of a youthful population &mdash; nearly 43% of Nepalis are between the ages of 15 and 40. This demographic is not only restless but also disillusioned. Their grievances extend far beyond the banning of social media platforms. Corruption, inequality, lack of opportunity and political nepotism have left an entire generation feeling abandoned.
The sight of thousands of young protesters braving tear gas, baton charges, and live bullets is a chilling reminder that this dissent did not erupt overnight. It has been simmering beneath the surface for years. The mass exodus of youth seeking work abroad, coupled with the nation&rsquo;s dependence on remittances for over a third of its GDP, is a glaring sign of a government unable to secure its own future.
<h3 data-start="2064" data-end="2098">A Fragile Democracy in Peril</h3>
Since the Federal Democratic Republic was declared in 2008, Nepal has lurched from one coalition to another. The 2022 general election promised stability, yet by mid-2024, Kathmandu was already grappling with its fourth coalition reshuffle. Oli&rsquo;s government, which leaned on ordinances instead of parliamentary procedure, was accused of bypassing democratic norms.
Meanwhile, pro-monarchy demonstrations earlier this year, teachers&rsquo; strikes over education reforms, and controversies surrounding appointments in major institutions all fed the narrative of a government adrift.
As Nepal inches closer to its planned graduation from &lsquo;Least Developed Country&rsquo; status in 2026, its political volatility risks undermining that milestone.
<h3 data-start="2855" data-end="2900">Geopolitics and the Neighbourhood Watch</h3>
Nepal&rsquo;s crisis is not unfolding in isolation. Its visa-free arrangement with India has long cemented New Delhi&rsquo;s influence, with bilateral trade accounting for 64% of Nepal&rsquo;s external trade. Yet, Kathmandu has simultaneously courted Beijing, joining the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2017. Multiple Chinese-backed projects are underway, but debt concerns have stirred unease.
In December 2024, Oli&rsquo;s visit to Beijing brought fresh commitments, even as scepticism at home about Chinese investments grew. His sudden resignation now throws India and China&rsquo;s competing stakes in Nepal into uncertainty. For Kathmandu, it is another reminder that domestic instability weakens its leverage abroad.
<h3 data-start="3623" data-end="3653">Lessons from the Streets</h3>
Nepal&rsquo;s tragedy is that its politics has become a theatre of instability. Frequent government changes, unchecked corruption, and an alienated youth are hollowing out democracy. The monarchy&rsquo;s shadow looms large, with many Nepalis openly questioning whether democracy has delivered on its promises.
For now, Oli&rsquo;s resignation may calm tempers on the streets, but it does little to heal the deeper malaise. The protests of today are the culmination of years of broken promises. Unless the political class confronts corruption and governance failures, dissent will continue to erupt &mdash; with tragic consequences.
As one young protester said before police bullets silenced him: &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t about Facebook or TikTok. It&rsquo;s about our future.&rdquo;

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli resigns and Gen Z protests

From monarchy to democracy, 17 years of turmoil keep Nepal trapped in instability

Nepal PM Oli quits as protests escalate

From monarchy to democracy, 17 years of turmoil keep Nepal trapped in instability

September 9, 2025 | 16:21 IST