Former Nepalese Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli made his first public appearance on Saturday in Bhaktapur, nearly three weeks after resigning in the aftermath of the Gen Z protests that shook the nation on September 8. Following his resignation on September 9, Oli had remained largely out of public view, initially taking shelter with the Nepal Army before relocating to a temporary residence. His return coincided with a meeting of the CPN-UML party secretariat, as confirmed by Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, and marked a deliberate effort to re-engage with younger party members, particularly students who had voiced strong criticism of his leadership during the recent crisis.
Oli attended a public programme organised by the Rastriya Yuwa Sangh, the student wing of CPN-UML, signaling his strategic attempt to reconnect with the youth base within his party. His reemergence comes in the context of the violent nationwide demonstrations led by Gen Z protestors, who called for political accountability, an end to entrenched corruption, and the reversal of a controversial social media ban. These protests, primarily driven by students and young citizens, escalated into Nepal’s bloodiest unrest since the 2006 pro-democracy movement, resulting in a death toll of 74, including 21 killed on September 8 and additional fatalities in subsequent days.
The demonstrations originated near the federal parliament, where protestors demanded transparency and reforms. Police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and live ammunition, even firing from inside the parliament building after protestors breached its gates and set the entrance on fire. The ensuing violence forced Oli’s resignation and the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister. While Oli denied any orders for the crackdown, his administration faced widespread condemnation for its handling of the protests.
Now being referred to as the Gen Z Revolution, the September 8 uprising has drawn parallels with the 2006 movement that ended Nepal’s monarchy and deposed King Gyanendra. With the parliament dissolved and elections slated for March next year, the country remains in a volatile political transition, with demonstrations continuing across Kathmandu and other urban centers. Oli’s public return appears intended to maintain his influence within party politics and the broader national landscape, despite widespread public backlash and the ongoing unrest.
