 "KP Sharma Oli's resignation resignation marks the end of a political career that saw him hold office in 2015–16, 2018–21, briefly in 2021, and again from July 2024 until his exit today (September 9). File image/Reuters")
Two days of protests… That’s what it took for Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. “I have resigned from the post of prime minister with effect from today… in order to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems,” said KP Sharma Oli said in a letter to the president.
His resignation comes after protesters set fire to the homes of some of Nepal’s top political leaders in opposition to a social media ban that was lifted early Tuesday, a day after deadly anti-government protests when police opened fire and killed 19 people.
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And now, there are reports that the veteran politician is reportedly fleeing the country, with sources adding that he is heading to Dubai.
Here’s what we know so far.
Nepal sees violent protests
On Monday, protests broke out across Nepal after the government ordered for a ban on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, YouTube and many more. But they were fueled by growing frustration and dissatisfaction against the political parties among the people who blame them for corruption.
“I am here to protest about the massive corruption in our country,” Bishnu Thapa Chetri, a student, was quoted as telling the Associated Press. “The country has gotten so bad that for us youths there is no grounds for us to stay back in the country.”
“Our demand and desire is for peace and end to corruption so that people can actually work and live back in the country,” he said.
The demonstrations led to standoffs with the police, resulting in the deaths of 20 people. Later on Monday, the government even lifted the ban on social media with Nepal Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung saying, “The government has already decided to open social media by addressing the demand of Gen-Z.”
However, the protesters were in no mood to relent and on Tuesday (September 9), resumed their demonstrations. According to Nepali media, they attacked and set fire to KP Sharma Oli’s house. Local reports and videos shared on social media showed protesters attacking residences of the top political leaders in and around Kathmandu. The houses set on fire included those of Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the largest party Nepali Congress, President Ram Chandra Poudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and leader of the Communist party of Nepal Maoist Pushpa Kamal Dahal. A private school owned by Deuba’s wife Arzu Deuba Rana, who is the current foreign minister, was also set on fire.
Gen-Z protesters also broke into Nepal’s parliament and set fire to one of the buildings on the premises. Visuals showed that even as the building was on fire, thousands of protesters continued to march towards the parliament, shouting slogans and raising flags in the area.
The demonstrators also entered the Singha Durbar premises, breaking into the area through its western gate. They also reportedly set the gate on fire while forcing their way into the central administrative complex of Nepal.
Slogans such as “KP Chor, Desh Chhod”, “Take Action Against Corrupt Leaders” rung out loud across Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu.
KP Sharma tenders his resignation
Amid this volatile situation, KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation to President Ramchandra Paudel, acknowledging the country’s extraordinary circumstances and cited the need for a constitutional political resolution.
The letter read in part: “I was appointed Prime Minister on Asar 31, 2071 BS, under Article 76(2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Considering the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country and in order to facilitate further efforts toward a constitutional political solution and problem resolution, I hereby resign from the office of prime minister, effective immediately, under Article 77(1)a of the Constitution.”
It is reported that before resigning Oli spoke to Nepal’s army chief, urging him to take charge of the worsening situation. As per an India Today report, Nepal’s General Sigdel told him that the army could only stabilise the country if he relinquished power. Army sources also said the military is prepared to step in once Oli steps down.
Oli reportedly to flee Nepal; army airlifts ministers
Oli also reportedly asked the army for help to flee the country. He is seeking safe passage to Dubai, under the pretext of medical treatment, with a jet from Himalaya Airlines being placed on standby for his departure.
This rumour has intensified as helicopters were spotted over Lalitpur’s Bhaisepati area.
Meanwhile, ministers of the Oli-led government are being airlifted to the airport from their houses in army helicopters. At least five helicopters have been deployed to evacuate Cabinet ministers, even as curfews remain in force across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
With inputs from agencies