How have Nepal residents reacted to PM K.P. Sharma Oli's resignation amid protests?

Kathmandu, Sep 9 (NationPress) Following the resignation of Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli amidst widespread protests, the response from the populace ranged from anger to relief. Citizens have accused him of governing a corrupt and oppressive regime, with some stating that Oli’s ego has turned to ashes.

IANS engaged with numerous residents of Nepal, who voiced their thoughts on the resignation, deeming it a foregone conclusion after days of civil turmoil and escalating youth-led protests.

“This was to be expected. Prime Minister Oli had no other choice but to resign. His administration was corrupt and entirely disconnected from the population’s needs,” remarked one resident.

“Over 42 cabinet ministers have resigned. There’s no order left. I fear a military takeover may be imminent,” said another individual.

A protestor stated: “Oli’s departure was inevitable. Ministers are quitting one after another. We’ll see what unfolds next.”

One citizen condemned the force used during the protests, asserting: “It’s intolerable that guns were directed at protestors. What transpired was wrong. But now, Oli has finally stepped down.”

Highlighting systemic issues, another remarked: “Corruption flourished under Oli’s leadership. The people of Nepal received nothing in return. The youth, especially students and teenagers, took action—and it’s commendable.”

Another protestor added: “The circumstances left Oli with no alternative. His ego has now turned to ashes.”

“We’ve set fire to the Parliament and residences of corrupt parliamentarians. I wish to demolish every house of those who have betrayed the nation,” said another.

Emphasizing a shift in power, another resident asserted, “Gen Z is awake 24/7. The following government will be under the influence of Gen Z. This is merely the beginning.”

Earlier that day, Oli resigned, submitting his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel, citing the abnormal situation in the country as protests escalated against his administration.

In his resignation letter, Oli stated he was resigning under Article 77 (1) of the constitution to facilitate a constitutional resolution of the ongoing crisis.

Oli was appointed Prime Minister on July 14, 2024, following a consensus with the Nepali Congress, the largest parliamentary party.

Some reports suggest that Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah may be appointed as an interim Prime Minister.

As protests escalated on the second day after the murder of 19 protestors on Monday, the ruling coalition appeared to dissolve with ministers, particularly from the Nepali Congress, resigning and increasing pressure on the government to step down.

General Secretaries of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, previously urged Prime Minister Oli to resign for the sake of progress.

Thapa and Sharma stated that the seven-point agreement reached between the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist–Leninist and Congress during the government formation was no longer valid.

It remains unclear what direction Nepal's politics will now take, as all lawmakers from the fourth largest party, Rastriya Swatantra Party, also submitted mass resignations, demanding an interim government.

Outraged by the fatal shooting of numerous individuals during the first day of protests organized by Gen Z, calling for accountability for corruption and a social media ban, demonstrators nationwide began to target the homes of leaders and government buildings.

On Tuesday, protestors stormed the parliament building in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, setting it ablaze. They had previously made unsuccessful attempts to damage the building on Monday, leading to a heavy police response and several fatalities.

They also breached Singh Durbar, the main administrative hub of the Nepalese government, and torched its main entrance.

The party headquarters of the ruling CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress in the Kathmandu Valley suffered vandalism and arson.

Reports of arson and vandalism in government offices across several regions have emerged from local media.

The authorities have noted that the atmosphere in Kathmandu remains tense as protests intensify in various areas of the valley, despite curfew measures imposed by local administrations.

Following the resignations of the Home Minister, Agriculture Minister, Health and Population Minister Pradip Poudel, and Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary—who expressed regret over the force used against Gen Z protestors—tensions continue to rise.

Videos showing protestors setting fire to Prime Minister Oli's residence in Balakot, Bhaktapur, have gone viral on social media. Protestors also forcefully entered Singh Durbar, the main administrative center of the government.