Nepal’s Turmoil: Protests against Inequality and Corruption Ignite Nationwide Revolt

New Delhi: Nepal is witnessing one of its turbulent phases in recent history, with week-long protests escalating into a full-scale national movement against political inefficiency and systemic corruption.

The demonstrations, spearheaded by Nepal’s Gen Z, compelled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. Security forces clamped down on the protesters, leading to at least 31 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. Furious crowds torched government offices, politicians’ homes, and even hotels in tourist hotspots. In an unprecedented scene, the Parliament building itself went up in flames. With the leadership in disarray, the army has imposed strict curfews while attempting to negotiate with demonstrators.

Public Anger Peaks

Social media Platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and X, became battlegrounds where posts highlighting elite lifestyles spread like wildfire. Hashtags such as #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal and #NepoBabies garnered millions of views. Side-by-side images of flashy cars, designer outfits, and fine dining stood in sharp contrast to visuals of ordinary Nepalese enduring floods, blackouts, and escalating food prices.

Former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada, daughter of ex-health minister Birodh Khatiwada, emerged as a lightning rod of criticism. Viral content showcased her lavish travels, sparking outrage. Protesters even set her family home ablaze, while her social media following plummeted by over 1 lakh.

Singer Shivana Shrestha, daughter-in-law of ex-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with her husband Jaiveer Singh Deuba, drew heavy backlash for showcasing extravagant lifestyles “worth crores.” Smita Dahal, granddaughter of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda," was condemned for flaunting high-priced handbags, while Law Minister Bindu Kumar Thapa’s son, Saugat Thapa, was vilified for his extravagant lifestyle.

Across Kathmandu, demonstrators torched residences of these political families, chanting that “while the common citizen is buried in poverty, these nepo kids parade clothes worth lakhs.”

Corruption and Collapse

Nepal has long ranked among Asis’s most corrupt nations. Transparency International highlights deep-rooted embezzlement, including the $71 million scandal linked to Pokhara International Airport. Further outrage grew after revelations of refugee quotas being sold for profit. Yet, prosecutions remain rare, strengthening the belief that political elites operate within an untouchable enclave.

As violence spiraled, Prime Minister Oli, aged 73, stepped down after four terms in office, leaving Nepal without a functioning government. Several ministers followed suit, worsening the leadership vacuum.

President Ramchandra Paudel, 80, has appealed for calm: “I am consulting and making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation,” he urged, calling for unity, restraint, and restoration of peace.