Nepal Protest: Anarchy in Kathmandu as PM Oli Resigns

On September 9, 2025, Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down following bloody anti-corruption demonstrations in which 19 people died after being shot by police. The overthrow came in the wake of a series of youth-based protests against corruption as protesters stormed government offices, the Parliament and Supreme Court among others. Following the resignation, Army Chief, Ashok Raj Signal urged dialogue, Kathmandu Mayor, Balendra Shah encouraged protesters to be ready to have talks. India was also concerned with the violence with PM Modi showing his condolences and calling upon the reinstatement of peace.

Key Points in Detail

Political Crisis and Firing.

• Following the death of 19 individuals in police firing, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned in order to ensure a political resolution.
• Oli has been a major subject of blame by the Opposition with regard to rampant corruption and mismanagement.
• Oli has stepped down, providing a political vacuum which has been filled by a caretaker Prime Minister and a paralysed Parliament.
• President Ram Chandra Poudel accepted the resignation and called on all concerned to participate in a peaceful dialogue.

Protests and Escalation

• Protests organized by Gen Z-led movements attacked government offices, such as the Parliament and Supreme Court and Singha Durbar (seat of government).
• The protesters burned down government buildings, houses of top officials and media houses such as the Kantipur Publications.
• The demonstrations arose due to agitation of political corruption and the extravagant lifestyles of the political elite.
• Curfew was called but demonstrations were held all day long leading to rampant violence.

Meanings of Influential Personalities and Politics.

• Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel made a plea to get peace, requesting the protesters to suspend their activities and enter into a dialogue.
• The former independent candidate Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah supported the protests and demanded the Army Chief to talk with him.
• Ravi Lamichhane, the leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) , came out of jail on security grounds, which gives room to the possibility of the formation of an alliance with Mayor Shah.

International Reactions

• Indian PM Narendra Modi raised his concern over the violence saying it was heart-wrenching and urged the citizens of Nepal to have peace and normalcy.
• The Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA ) in India is keeping a close track of the situation and is requesting all concerned to exercise restraint and encourage the Indian nationals to put off any travel to Nepal.
• The reservations exhibited by India are grounded on the realization that the political crisis in Nepal needs non-partisan diplomatic intervention without necessarily projecting that India is interfering with the affairs of Nepal.

Ideological Dimensions

• The demonstrations are being termed as ideological battle, corruption and the breakdown of governance are the core of the protests.
• Increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling elite is captured in the slogan: Nepal, political elite lives lavishly by spending the tax money of our parents.
• The generational gap in Nepal politics has been highlighted through youth-led protests where Gen Z has been demanding transformation and accountability.

Conclusion

The political crisis in Nepal after the resignation of PM Oli has seen unprecedented violence with protests that grow to anarchy and destroy state institutions. This has set a political vacuum where the nation is in need of direction. The international response particularly that of India is guarded yet favorable to peace and to dialogue. In the case of UPSC, this occurrence is a case study of political instability, issues of governance and influence of civil society in bringing about political change.