KP Sharma Oli (PTI file photo)
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet resigned on Tuesday after massive protests and violent demonstration in the capital city over corruption charges and his decision to block social media platforms. His exit came after hundreds of demonstrators stormed his office.In his resignation letter to President Ramchandra Paudel, Oli acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances facing the country and stressed the need for a constitutional political resolution.The letter stated: “I was appointed Prime Minister on Asadh 31, 2071 BS, under Article 76(2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Considering the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country, and 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.” Protesters stormed Parliament, blocked roads, burnt tyres, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas. Oli’s private residence in Balkot was torched and vandalised as anger against his government escalated.The unrest came a day after 19 people were killed during demonstrations sparked by the sudden shutdown of major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, X, and Tencent-owned apps. Demonstrators had been demanding Oli’s resignation, accusing him of curbing freedoms and mishandling governance.
