Protesters stormed Parliament, torched ministers’ homes, and forced Oli to resign after a failed social media ban ignited wider anti-corruption anger.
BY PC Bureau
September 9, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events that plunged Nepal into deeper political chaos, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday afternoon, just hours after protesters stormed government buildings and torched the homes of top officials.
The resignation—confirmed by Oli’s secretariat—came amid a violent, Gen Z-led uprising that claimed at least 19 lives and injured over 300 people in two days of nationwide unrest. Triggered by a controversial ban on major social media platforms, the protests swelled into a wider anti-corruption revolt, exposing frustrations with governance failures, curtailed freedoms, and worsening economic woes.
Oli, a veteran leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), submitted his resignation to President Ram Chandra Paudel, citing the “extraordinary situation prevailing in the country” and the need for a “constitutional solution.” His tenure, which began in July 2024 under a fragile coalition with the Nepali Congress, lasted just 14 months—his fourth term ending in unprecedented turmoil.
The move followed cascading ministerial resignations and mounting pressure from opposition parties, civil society, and even the military. Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel reportedly urged Oli to step down earlier in the day, warning that the armed forces could stabilize the situation only after his exit. Sources indicated Oli delegated responsibilities to Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister (acting) while exploring safe passage abroad—possibly to Dubai—under the pretext of medical treatment. Borders were placed on high alert amid fears of his flight.
Big Political Development from Nepal
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigns from his post after mounting political pressure and loss of majority support.
KP Sharma oli residence Done and dusted #NepalGenZProtest
— Ashish 𝕏|…. (@Ashishtoots) September 9, 2025
The Spark: A Social Media Ban Ignites Youth Fury
The unrest began Friday, September 5, when the government abruptly blocked 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X, TikTok, and Instagram, citing national security. The move, framed as enforcing registration laws, was seen as an assault on free speech in a nation where over 60% of the population is under 30.
READ: Nepal Protesters Set Ablaze Parliament, Narayanhiti Museum, Palaces, and Homes
Gen Z activists mobilized via VPNs and underground networks, flooding the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. What began as opposition to the ban quickly expanded into anti-corruption demands and calls for Oli’s resignation. The ban was lifted on Monday, but too late to stem the anger.
Escalation to Violence
By Monday, demonstrations turned deadly. Protesters breached restricted zones near Parliament and Singha Durbar. Security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds, leaving 19 dead—mostly young demonstrators—and over 300 injured. Hospitals were overwhelmed.
Protesters stormed Parliament, set parts of it ablaze, and targeted ministers’ homes. Oli’s own residence in Bhaktapur was torched, while the homes of President Paudel, several ministers, and party offices were vandalized. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was reportedly assaulted. Army helicopters evacuated cabinet members, and Tribhuvan International Airport was temporarily shut down.
Slogans for restoring the monarchy echoed alongside calls for systemic reform. Opposition leaders, including Rabi Lamichhane and Gagan Thapa, condemned the crackdown, declaring the government had lost legitimacy.
A History of Instability
Oli’s downfall caps a career marked by resilience and controversy. Born in 1952, he served as prime minister three times before (2015–2016, 2018–2021, briefly in 2021). His most recent term began in July 2024 after withdrawing support from Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government. Known for nationalist stances and ties with China, Oli faced growing accusations of corruption and cronyism.
The social media ban—initially defended as “non-negotiable”—came to symbolize wider frustrations in a country struggling with youth unemployment, economic stagnation, and a fragile democracy plagued by frequent government changes.
Political Fallout and Path Forward
Oli’s exit leaves a leadership vacuum. President Paudel must now invite the largest party, likely Nepali Congress, to form a new government or dissolve Parliament for elections. But with coalition fractures and multiple ministers resigning, the path ahead looks uncertain.
READ: Five Days On, Manipur Peace Pact Fails to Ease Highway Movement
India has issued a travel advisory, while China remains silent. Analysts warn of spillover into ethnic tensions and border instability. Meanwhile, social media—restored just before Oli’s resignation—is buzzing with calls for a “people’s government,” drawing parallels to Sri Lanka’s 2022 uprising.
As smoke still rises over Kathmandu, Oli’s resignation may cool immediate tensions, but without systemic reforms—curbing corruption, ensuring digital freedoms, and addressing youth grievances—Nepal risks sliding into deeper turmoil.
