Did Nepal's Former PM K.P. Sharma Oli Claim Foreign Influence in Gen Z Protests?
Synopsis
Nepal's former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has raised serious allegations about foreign interference in the Gen Z protests that led to his government's removal. As tensions rise, these claims open a debate on the geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the influence of major powers in Nepal's political dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Foreign Influence Allegations: K.P.
Sharma Oli claims foreign entities orchestrated the protests.
Political Unrest: The protests have raised questions about Nepal's future stability.
Geopolitical Implications: Nepal's location makes it a focal point for India and China.
NED Funding: Investigations suggest foreign funding may have influenced the protests.
Upcoming Elections: The situation may affect the scheduled elections in March.
New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) Senior officials from Nepal's previous administration, including ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, have emphasized the presence of “foreign hands” in the Gen Z protests that resulted in the government's removal in September 2025.
In an interview with Russia's state-run global news outlet, RT, Oli stated, “That (the uprising) was not a simple and usual thing. That was unusual, and it couldn’t have taken place all of a sudden. It was organised in a planned way; it was evident even at that time and later on.”
On Tuesday, the RT website featured additional comments from Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepal's former foreign minister, who supported Oli's claims. “Those elements who were actively engaged with the deep state, who used cross-border misinformation and disinformation to instigate the violence, they were active,” Gyawali remarked to RT India.
He further asserted that Kathmandu's deepening ties with India and China, along with its goal of becoming a bridge for economic growth between the two nations, may not have been well received by some global powers.
In the interview on Monday, Oli mentioned that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had cautioned that protests similar to those in their nations could also transpire in Nepal. “Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were telling us… Leaders were talking that such things would happen, and things happened. It was an attack on our democracy, to send them back to poverty,” he communicated to RT.
He added that the current conditions in Nepal do not favor conducting elections. Following Oli's ousting last year, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was designated as Nepal's interim prime minister. A general election is anticipated in March.
Gyawali also mentioned that foreign powers “wanted to exploit Nepal’s geostrategic location for their agendas.” Thus, Nepal's engagement with its neighboring countries may have upset some major powers.
RT cited earlier reports from a US-based news site, The Grayzone, which disclosed that the US government’s National Endowment for Democracy (NED) allocated significant funds for educating Nepalese youth to orchestrate the protests.
The NED is described as a nonprofit funded by the US State Department to support “democratic initiatives” globally. Its website states that it serves as “a valuable resource for information related to democracy worldwide.”
According to RT, investigations by The Grayzone indicated that the Gen Z protests in Nepal occurred as the US aimed to diminish Chinese and Indian influence in Kathmandu.
The Russian network further reported that the International Republican Institute (IRI), a NED subsidiary, has faced accusations of financing covert operations in Bangladesh. Additionally, NED has been charged with channeling millions to support Ukrainian political entities and anti-Russian factions.
RT India was inaugurated on December 5 last year, marking the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, a tradition commencing in 2000 when President Vladimir Putin visited India.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective while reporting on sensitive political matters such as the recent allegations by K.P. Sharma Oli. While the claims of foreign interference are serious and warrant further investigation, it is equally important to ensure that all voices in the political spectrum are heard, fostering a balanced dialogue that respects the democratic process.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations made by K.P. Sharma Oli?
K.P. Sharma Oli has alleged that 'foreign hands' were involved in the Gen Z protests that led to his ousting as Prime Minister.
What did Pradeep Kumar Gyawali say regarding these allegations?
Pradeep Kumar Gyawali supported Oli's claims, stating that elements connected to the deep state used misinformation to instigate violence.
When was Nepal's general election scheduled?
A general election in Nepal is scheduled for March.
What role does the NED play in the allegations?
The NED is accused of funding initiatives to influence democratic movements, including the protests in Nepal, as reported by The Grayzone.
Why are Nepal's relations with India and China significant?
Nepal's engagement with India and China is seen as a strategic move, which may have triggered concerns among some global powers.
