Top News

Political Crisis Erupts in Nepal

In just a week, widespread anger over government corruption, failure, and increasing inequality has plunged Nepal into a severe political and social crisis. The movement, primarily fueled by Generation Z, led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Following the government's collapse, the nation finds itself without a functioning parliament or cabinet. As conditions deteriorated, the military intervened, enforcing a curfew and initiating talks with demonstrators, although tensions remain high in urban areas.

The unrest has resulted in 31 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries due to police actions. Protesters have set fire to government buildings, the residences of political leaders, and even hotels in tourist hotspots, with the Parliament building being completely destroyed.

From Online Outrage to Street Protests

The discontent stemming from rising unemployment, inflation, and poverty quickly transformed into a generational uprising. Protesters began targeting the affluent children of political leaders on social media, labeling them 'nepo kids.'

Content showcasing the lavish lifestyles of these youths went viral on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and X, with hashtags like #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal and #NepoBabies garnering millions of views. These posts contrasted the extravagant lives of the elite with the struggles of ordinary citizens facing poverty and inflation.

Criticism of 'Nepo Kids' Intensifies

Shringhala Khatiwada, the daughter of former health minister Birodh Khatiwada and a former Miss Nepal, was among the first to face backlash, with her home being torched after images of her luxurious travels circulated online. She also lost over 100,000 followers on Instagram.

Shivana Shrestha, a popular singer and daughter-in-law of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with her husband Jaiveer Singh Deuba, became targets of social media criticism, symbolizing the wealth of political families. Similarly, Smita Dahal, granddaughter of former Prime Minister Prachanda, faced backlash for flaunting expensive handbags while many citizens struggle financially.

Images of Saugata Thapa, son of Law Minister Bindu Kumar Thapa, also went viral, depicting him surrounded by luxury items. Protesters in Kathmandu and other cities have burned down the homes of these leaders, expressing outrage that while ordinary people suffer, these 'nepo kids' indulge in extravagant lifestyles.

Corruption and Inequality at the Core

Transparency International's report highlights Nepal as one of Asia's most corrupt nations. A report revealed a $71 million scam linked to the construction of Pokhara International Airport, while leaders were accused of misappropriating quotas for Bhutanese refugees. Despite these scandals, those responsible have not faced justice, reinforcing the belief that the powerful are above the law.

Military Intervention Following Government Collapse

As the crisis escalated, Prime Minister Oli, aged 73, resigned, along with several senior ministers, leaving Nepal without leadership. President Ramchandra Paudel, 80, has called for peace, stating, 'I am consulting and making every effort to navigate through this challenging situation,' urging citizens to 'exercise restraint and help maintain peace.'

With the government dissolved, the military has imposed a curfew in Kathmandu and other major cities, maintaining a strong presence on the streets. Nepal stands at a pivotal moment, as this mass movement not only exposes governmental failures but also reveals the deep-seated inequality, public discontent, and institutional corruption that threaten to dismantle the country's political framework.

---