KP Sharma Oli Resignation: Nepal’s Political Crisis Explained
Introduction
Now, as landlocked Nepal’s democracy heads into uncharted territory, the spotlight is on KP Sharma Oli’s resignation, the prime minister who quit after days of protests. The accusations include failure to address the anger among youth, rising corruption, lack of development, and curbs on freedom of speech.
A Recognizable yet Polarising Leader
That same Oli, better known as KP Oli, has long been one of Nepal’s most recognisable political faces and also one of the most polarising leaders. According to critics, at 72 he resigned as Prime Minister following violent anti-government protests that continue to keep the Himalayan nation on edge.
Contradictions of Oli’s Career
For many ordinary Nepalese, Oli remains a figure of contradictions. Once a fiery young communist, he spent 14 years in prison during the Panchayat era between 1973 and 1987. Now, as democratic fever took over Nepal, Oli recast himself as an ultranationalist, telling people through public forums that he stood for national interest. KP Sharma Oli Resignation
Multiple Terms as Prime Minister
Oli served as Prime Minister of Nepal on two occasions, from 2015 to 2016 and from 2018 to 2021. In his current term, Oli promised reform, governance, and development, but within a year those promises began to ring hollow for many in Nepal.
Accusations of Corruption and Governance Failure
His government was accused of bypassing Nepal’s hard-won parliamentary democracy by bringing ordinances, especially on matters related to the economy. In recent months, corruption scandals started piling up, including one involving his top cabinet minister, the Home Minister, linked to a visa scam. Oli kept silent, and the Home Minister continued in office until last evening’s protests forced him to resign.
Reports now say that under Oli’s leadership, corruption became normalised, striking a deep chord with an increasingly restless youth. The KP Sharma Oli resignation therefore comes as a reflection of this deep public frustration.
A Broader Political Turning Point
His fall also comes amid broader political turmoil. Nepal has been a federal republic since 2008, when it abolished 240 years of monarchy. But this March, permanent protests swept through the streets, fuelled by both nostalgia for the monarchy and growing frustration with today’s politicians. For many young Nepalese, Oli personified the same cycle of broken promises, backroom deals, and elite collusion.
Most Violent Demonstrations in Decades
This autumn, Oli’s strongman image collapsed, spiralling into Nepal’s most violent demonstrations in decades. Scholars noted that 19 killings in police crackdowns within two days equalled as many as King Gyanendra’s forces killed during the 2006 democracy movement.
The KP Sharma Oli resignation thus mirrors turmoil across the region. Just last August, Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave Dhaka after student protests turned into a mass uprising. Now Oli too has been swept away by the streets, signalling deeper disillusionment with South Asia’s political class and a growing demand for clean governance.
India’s Role in Regional Stability
And now we come back to the bigger question: Is it the end of Oli’s long and controversial career, or will he make a comeback? Many analysts believe this is the final chapter. Other former leaders like Madhav Kumar Nepal and Sher Bahadur Deuba also face similar questions about their careers and their parties’ futures.
Given that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and now Nepal have seen youth-led uprisings topple governments, India’s role becomes critical. India remains one of the most influential powers in South Asia and the world. As the famous statement goes, “We can’t change our neighbours.” Therefore, India must build closer ties, strengthen economic cooperation, and maintain constructive relations with any government that comes to power in Kathmandu, Dhaka, or Colombo for the betterment of people on both sides.
Conclusion
The KP Sharma Oli resignation marks not just the downfall of one leader but also the rise of a powerful youth movement demanding accountability. For Nepal, it is both a moment of crisis and an opportunity for renewal. Across South Asia, the call is clear: people want honest governance, transparency, and a break from the cycle of corruption.
Author: Chitta Majhi – Blogger of trending stories, viral news, and global articles for 2 years
