Kathmandu, September 9: Nepal’s political crisis deepened on Tuesday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid nationwide Gen Z-led protests over corruption, government restrictions, and police brutality.
President Ramchandra Paudel officially accepted Oli’s resignation hours after he stepped down following two days of violent demonstrations that left at least 19 dead and more than 500 injured, according to The Himalayan Times.
The unrest, triggered by the government’s social media ban and fueled by long-standing anger over corruption and alleged heavy-handed policing, has spread across the country despite curfews and heavy security deployments.
Protesters Target Political Leaders’ Homes
On Tuesday, protesters set fire to the house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung and attacked the residences of Deputy PM Bishnu Paudel, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswo Paudel, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.
The Nepali Congress central office and homes of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha were also vandalised, while CPN-UML party offices in Lalitpur were attacked.
Calls for Calm as Government Appeals for Peace
Top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Army Chief, Home Secretary, and Police Chiefs, issued a joint statement urging citizens to maintain calm and avoid further violence.
“With the resignation of the Prime Minister now accepted, we urge all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through political dialogue,” the appeal said, offering condolences to families of those killed and injured.
RSP Leader Addresses Protesters from Prison
Amid the turmoil, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, detained over a cooperative savings case, was brought out to address protesters outside Nakkhu Prison after crowds surrounded the facility. His message, shared on social media, urged calm but expressed solidarity with calls for accountability.
Oli Prepares to Leave Nepal Amid Chaos
Despite curfews, protests show no sign of slowing down, with youth activists vowing to continue demonstrations until political reforms and justice for victims are ensured.
Meanwhile, sources told India Today that KP Sharma Oli is preparing to leave for Dubai, citing medical treatment, as protests continue to roil the country and his government suffers multiple ministerial resignations.
A private carrier, Himalaya Airlines, has reportedly been placed on standby for the trip, while Oli has assigned acting responsibilities to his Deputy Prime Minister ahead of his planned departure.