'Gen Z Protests Created Terror': Nepal's Ousted PM Oli Says Govt Trying To Arrest Him

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 20:14 IST

KP Sharma Oli stepped down in early September after widespread protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z youth, who demanded his resignation over corruption allegations

Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. (AFP file photo)

Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday accused the current caretaker government of trying to arrest him without “sufficient grounds". He also claimed that the Gen Z protests, which led to his resignation, had “created terror" in society.

Speaking to the media in Kathmandu for the first time since his ouster, Oli said his party, CPN-UML, would seek the reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives.

He added that the government under interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki was formed in an “unconstitutional manner" and was not serious about holding the general election scheduled for March next year.

Oli stepped down in early September after widespread protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z youth, who demanded his resignation over corruption allegations and a controversial ban on social media. The protests turned violent in parts of the capital and led to a crackdown by security forces.

The former PM alleged that he was almost attacked at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar during the protests and had to be rescued by the Nepal Army. He also claimed that his mobile phone was seized for several days and that some of his security personnel had been withdrawn despite ongoing threats.

Oli said the Gen Z protests were partly driven by “external elements" and accused the media of not covering acts of vandalism that took place during the demonstrations. He said key government buildings, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court, were damaged, but these incidents were largely ignored by the press.

He also criticised the youth-led “Nepo-kids" campaign, which had targeted the children of powerful politicians and officials for allegedly living off their parents’ corrupt earnings.

“I couldn’t accept the Nepo-babe campaign launched by the Gen Z youths, which created terror among the Nepalese people," Oli noted.

Despite pressure, Oli has refused to step down as party chairman, unlike other top leaders who resigned after the protests.

“I may come back to power if people vote for me," he told journalists, adding that both the country and his party still need him. “I am still capable of contributing to the country and the society."

(With inputs from PTI)

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