Political Crisis in Nepal: PM KP Sharma Oli Resigns, Balen Shah Emerges as Youth’s Top Choice
Kathmandu (Nepal): Amid violent protests in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal over alleged corruption, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned from his post. President Ram Chandra Paudel has accepted his resignation, a presidential aide confirmed.
Following Oli’s exit, a new political equation seems to be taking shape in Nepal. Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, also known as Balendra Shah, is rapidly emerging as a potential candidate for the prime ministership.
Growing Support from Youth
At just 33, Balen Shah has openly backed the youth-led movement on social media. In a post, he wrote:
“I stand firmly with the youth and warn political leaders not to exploit this movement for their own political gain.”
His bold and straightforward message has struck a chord with young Nepalis, who now see him as a fresh alternative to traditional politics.
Protests Escalate
Just minutes before Oli’s resignation, Generation Z protesters stormed the parliament complex and set fire to one of its buildings. Demonstrators also torched Oli’s residence in the Balkot area of Bhaktapur and homes of other senior leaders.
The protests, which reignited after the ban on social media platforms was lifted, showed no signs of slowing down. Images revealed thousands of protesters waving flags and chanting slogans as a government building burned in the background.
Protesters even broke into the western gate of the Singha Durbar complex, Nepal’s central administrative headquarters, setting it ablaze. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s residence in Naikap was also torched, just a day after he resigned following police action against youth demonstrators protesting the ban on 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube.
So far, at least 19 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in the unrest. Under mounting pressure from the protests, Oli submitted his resignation shortly after hundreds of demonstrators stormed his office, shouting anti-government slogans.
Balen Shah’s rising popularity amid this political turmoil is being seen as a new direction for Nepal’s leadership. However, the crucial question remains: will he be able to ascend to the prime minister’s chair?