Political Crisis Deepens as Violence Escalates Over Social Media Ban, Corruption, and Government Ignorance
Nepal in Turmoil: PM Oli Under Pressure
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli faces growing unrest as protests continue in Kathmandu for the second day, triggered by a controversial social media ban and accusations of corruption. Despite the escalating crisis, Oli has firmly stated he will not resign.
Ministers Resign Citing Government Ignorance
Several Cabinet ministers have quit or announced their resignation amid public outrage and political pressure:
- Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on moral grounds after deadly clashes.
- Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari stepped down Tuesday.
- Health Minister Pradeep Paudel announced plans to resign.
- Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary and Water Minister Pradeep Yadav also quit.
- Legislator Asim Shah and several ministers close to Congress leader Shekhar Koirala have tendered resignations.
Protests Turn Violent, Key Residences Attacked
- Protesters set fire to the home of President Ram Chandra Poudel.
- Residences of former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba were vandalized.
- Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tires and shouted slogans demanding Oli’s resignation, such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod” (KP Oli is a thief, quit the country).
Curfews Imposed Across Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu District Administration Office imposed a curfew from 8:30 AM until further notice, affecting Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts to control the unrest.
Government Response and Investigation Committee
Nepal’s Cabinet has formed a committee to investigate the recent violence and deaths during protests. PM Oli called for peace and dialogue, promising to meet with political parties and protest leaders.
What Sparked the Protests?
- A ban on 26 popular social media sites on Friday, citing non-compliance with government registration rules.
- Public anger quickly spread, with Gen Z youths leading demonstrations against corruption and nepotism.
- Protests turned violent after some demonstrators entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to use tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.
Protests Spread Nationwide
Besides Kathmandu, protests erupted in Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari, and Damak, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government.
Summary:
Nepal’s political crisis intensifies as PM Oli refuses to step down despite growing protests and ministerial resignations. The government faces demands to lift the social media ban, fight corruption, and address youth grievances.
Also Read : Nepal on Edge: Gen Z Protests Escalate as President and PM’s Houses Set on Fire
