Is Nepal Facing a Deeper Crisis After PM Oli's Resignation?

Kathmandu, Sep 9 (NationPress) Under mounting pressure from Gen-Z protests that have tragically claimed the lives of 19 individuals, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation on Tuesday afternoon. Oli delivered his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel, citing the unprecedented turmoil in the nation as protests escalated against his governance.

In his resignation letter, Oli mentioned that he stepped down in accordance with article 77 (1) of the constitution to facilitate a constitutional resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Oli had been elected Prime Minister on July 14, 2024, following a consensus with the Nepali Congress, the parliament's largest party.

Reports suggest that Mayor Balen Shah may be appointed as an interim Prime Minister in the wake of these events.

As demonstrations surged on the second day following the deaths of 19 protestors on Monday, the ruling coalition seemed to fracture, with ministers from the Nepali Congress resigning and intensifying pressure for the government to step down.

General Secretaries of the ruling Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, had previously called for Prime Minister Oli to resign to pave the way forward.

They emphasized that the significance of the seven-point agreement established between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and Congress during the government's formation was no longer applicable.

The political future of Nepal remains uncertain as all lawmakers from the fourth largest party, Rastriya Swatantra Party, have resigned en masse, demanding an interim government.

Fueled by outrage over the loss of lives during the initial day of protests organized by Gen-Z, who are seeking accountability for corruption and an end to the social media ban, demonstrators across the nation began attacking the residences of leaders and government buildings.

On Tuesday, protestors stormed the parliament building at Baneshwor in Kathmandu, setting it ablaze. They had attempted to damage the structure even the day before, which resulted in a strong police response and further loss of life.

Additionally, they breached the Singh Durbar, the government's main administrative center, and set the main gate on fire.

The headquarters of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and the Nepali Congress in the Kathmandu Valley were also vandalized and incinerated.

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

The authorities reported that the atmosphere in Kathmandu remains precarious as protests have escalated in several areas of the valley, despite a curfew imposed by local administrations.

Following the resignation of the Home Minister, Agriculture Minister, Minister for Health and Population Pradip Poudel, and Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary, who expressed remorse for the violent crackdown on Gen-Z protestors, the situation continues to deteriorate.

Videos showcasing the burning of Prime Minister Oli's residence in Balakot, Kathmandu, have gone viral on social media. Protestors also forcibly entered the Singh Durbar, the central administrative hub of the government.

Chief District Officer at the Lalitpur District Administration Office, Suman Ghimire, stated that protestors set fire to the residence of former Prime Minister Dahal and were gathering outside residences designated for government ministers.

"The situation is tense as protests have erupted in various parts of the district," he remarked.

Similarly, the Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur, Namaraj Ghimire, confirmed that tensions persist in the district.

"We have exercised maximum restraint and have refrained from using lethal force against protestors," he clarified.

Local media reports also indicate the torching of residences belonging to former Prime Minister Deuba, President Ram Chandra Poudel, and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.