Kathmandu: Tensions flared outside the Nepal Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar late Sunday night as ‘philanthropist’ Sudan Gurung and his Hami Nepal group staged a protest, demanding the resignation of Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, barely two days after she was sworn in as Gen Z’s choice. Protesters, including families of those killed in the recent GenZ movement, chanted slogans such as “Don’t play politics over the dead” and “PM should resign”.
The protest follows public dissatisfaction after Karki appointed three key ministers without reportedly consulting Hami Nepal, the group that led the Gen Z protests. The new ministers include: Om Prakash Aryal, legal adviser to Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, as home minister, Rameshwor Khanal, former finance secretary, as finance minister and Kulman Ghising, former CEO of the electricity authority, as energy minister.
After the protests that began on 8 September in Kathmandu and spread out across the country the next week, Nepal was plunged into a state of uncertainty amid a power vacuum. The protests were led by Hami Nepal, a youth-led foundation that galvanised a national movement demanding sweeping political reform.
Hami Nepal’s leader Sudan Gurung and his supporters had been calling for the immediate dissolution of Parliament and the installation of an interim administration reflective of Nepal’s Gen Z demographic.
While the ministerial appointments were made with the intention of bringing in capable technocrats, Sudan Gurung criticised the process, specifically targeting Om Prakash Aryal, saying: “This Om Prakash lawyer is making himself the home minister by sitting inside,” he said in anger, accusing him of bypassing the youth coalition.
Supporters of Hami Nepal claim the GenZ movement, which brought about major political shifts and helped elevate Sushila Karki, has now been hijacked by political insiders.
Gurung, speaking outside the PM’s residence declared: “The most powerful people in Nepal are the people. No one can stop us. I will pull them down from the place where we have placed them,” he said, hinting at the growing rift between his group and the newly formed government.
Press conference turns chaotic
Earlier on Sunday, a press conference held by Sudan Gurung at the Reporters Club in Kathmandu turned violent. While recounting behind-the-scenes negotiations that took place at the President’s Office, Gurung issued a warning: “If our demands are not met, this government will also be toppled.”
When journalists challenged Gurung during the event, the exchange turned heated. He reportedly used threatening language, which led to a physical altercation between his supporters and members of the press. The press conference ended in a scuffle, with both sides pushing and shoving inside the venue.
Gurung clarified that the GenZ movement does not seek to repeal Nepal’s Constitution, but demands that it be amended. He reiterated the group’s primary demands: Dissolution of the current Parliament, formation of an interim government that reflects GenZ aspirations and governance by new, capable, and uncorrupted leaders.
Despite his early endorsement of Karki, even bowing to her feet after she was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Poudel at Sheetal Niwas (the President’s official residence), Gurung has now taken a critical stance. “We are not seeking a prime minister. We don’t need a government. If we did, I would have taken the post myself. We want change. After reaching the chair, there should be no arrogance. Now, every Nepali’s voice must be heard.”
He then called on political parties to embrace a new generation of leaders and urged that old leaders step aside to allow for meaningful reform.
The other Gen Z youth icon rapper and Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah had also supported Sushila Karki for PM. Shah has considerable sway with Nepal’s youth. In 2022, contesting as an independent candidate, he defeated candidates of Nepal’s dominant parties—the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML)—to become the 15th mayor of Kathmandu.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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