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KP Oli made his first public appearance in Bhaktapur following the violent Gen-Z-led protests earlier this month that led to the collapse of his government in Nepal.
Nepal’s former PM KP Sharma Oli at a public event in Bhaktapur. (ANI)
Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made a public appearance on Saturday for the first time since his government was toppled by violent Gen-Z protests earlier this month, where he criticised the interim government led by Sushila Karki and hinted at a political return.
Oli, who had remained out of public view since his resignation on September 9, was initially sheltered by the Nepal Army before being shifted to a temporary residence. He attended a public event on Sunday organised by Rastriya Yuwa Sangh, the student wing of the CPN-UML, held in Bhaktapur.
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Speaking about the new government, Oli said, “The incumbent government is called the ‘Gen-Z government’, which is not made following Constitutional provisions, not through the vote of the people. It is made through vandalism and arson.”
Oli also revealed the details surrounding his resignation as violent protests swept through Nepal, triggered by a social media ban. “On September 9, following the incident of the day before, I resigned at around 11-11:30 am. Undesirable events had happened the previous day, and my attempt was not to escalate them further. But when I realised nothing was in my hand, I stepped down from the post,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
‘We Have To Make This Country’
The former Nepal PM also lashed out at the current interim government and said his party would bring back the rule of law and democracy in the Himalayan nation. “What does the government of publicity think? That we will hand over this country and flee abroad?”
“We have to make this country. We must make this country constitutional, democratic, and bring its politics back on track. We will bring the rule of law to the country,” Oli said, hinting at a comeback in Nepali politics.
His presence at the programme is widely seen as a strategic move to reconnect with the party’s younger base, many of whom were deeply critical of his leadership during the recent crisis. His re-emergence came nearly three weeks after Gen-Z citizens protesters demanded accountability from the government on corruption and economic mismanagement.
The protests, primarily driven by students and young citizens, rapidly escalated into Nepal’s bloodiest day since the 2006 pro-democracy movement, with the death of at least 74 people, including police personnel. Houses of several politicians were burned down by enraged protesters.
However, Oli pushed back against rumours that he ordered police officers to open fire on protesters, which dramatically escalated the violence. “What role did I play? After hearing about the news of the firing, I inquired about the situation… I was told that only the rubber bullets were fired. Later, I got to know that 14 people had died. I was asking how they were shot on the head? How can we stop it?” he said.
“I had that mindful thinking about measures to prevent the bloodshed and unfavourable situation in the nation. Those who are liable for the incidents would then blame it on KP Oli,” Oli added.
(with inputs from ANI)
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
Kathmandu, Nepal
September 27, 2025, 18:53 IST
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