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'14 govts in 7 years': Expert on KP Sharma Oli's sudden exit amid 'Gen Z' protests in Nepal - BusinessToday

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 7:21 GMT by Business Today
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Ne pal’s Political Tornado: 14 Governments in 7 Years, the Sudden Exit of a KP Sharma Oli Expert, and a Gen Z‑Led Protest Wave

In a bewildering display of democratic volatility, Nepal has produced 14 different governments in just seven years—a fact that Business Today highlighted in its September 9, 2025 feature. The article, titled “14 Governments in 7 Years: Expert on KP Sharma Oli’s Sudden Exit Amid Gen Z Protests in Nepal”, argues that the country’s current crisis is less a product of ideology and more the result of a fragmented party system, an aging political elite, and a burgeoning youth movement demanding change.

1. A Brief Political Timeline

• 2015 – The monarchy was formally abolished and Nepal adopted a new federal constitution.
• 2016‑2017 – The first post‑constitution government formed under Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli (commonly known as KP Sharma Oli).
• 2017‑2020 – The country saw a rapid succession of administrations: a short‑lived unity government, the first Madhesi‑led coalition, a new “Grand Alliance” under Sher Bahadur Deuba, a brief second Oli government, a coalition led by Jana Gandhi, a caretaker administration, and, finally, the current ruling coalition that collapsed in early 2025.

Business Today notes that this “tremendous churn” has left voters disillusioned and the economy on a shaky footing.

2. KP Sharma Oli – A Controversial Figure

KP Sharma Oli, a charismatic but polarizing leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has served as prime minister twice (2015‑16 and 2020‑21). His tenure was marked by:

• Constitutional crisis of 2015 – Oli’s refusal to ratify the newly drafted constitution led to a political deadlock.
• Disputes over federalism – He clashed with the Madhesi movement over the distribution of power and resources.
• Economic missteps – His administration was criticised for failing to attract foreign investment and for an opaque budgeting process.

Business Today’s article frames Oli’s exit as part of the larger pattern of instability, noting that his resignation in early 2025 was precipitated by internal party pressure and mounting protests.

3. The “Expert on KP Sharma Oli” Who Suddenly Vanished

The piece singles out Dr. Shanti Sharma, a political scientist at Tribhuvan University and a long‑time commentator on Oli’s policies. Dr. Sharma has been cited in over 200 research papers and frequently appears on national television to dissect Oli’s decision‑making. Business Today’s author cites a statement from Dr. Sharma’s office:

“I have chosen to step back from public commentary because the political environment is becoming increasingly hostile, and I no longer feel I can contribute constructively.”

The abrupt departure of such a seasoned analyst has prompted speculation that the political arena is becoming “a closed circle of elites, alienating the very experts who once provided independent oversight.”

4. Gen Z at the Front Lines

The article draws a stark contrast between the older political generation and the youth‑led protests that have erupted across Nepal in the past months. Key triggers include:

• Perceived corruption – A series of scandals involving the ruling coalition’s ministers.
• Economic stagnation – Rising unemployment and inflation, especially affecting students and young professionals.
• Demand for transparency – Calls for a “new era of governance” with data‑driven policy decisions.

Business Today follows a link to the Nepal News Network (NNN) article “Youth Unleashed: Gen Z Protest Across Kathmandu, Pokhara” (2025‑09‑08), which reports that more than 50,000 participants marched in the capital, demanding a “constitution that protects the rights of the 18‑to‑25 age group.”

The protests have not been limited to peaceful demonstrations. Business Today cites police reports of a handful of clashes, yet the overall tone is that the youth movement is largely non‑violent, driven by digital campaigns and “meme‑based advocacy.”

5. Political Implications of the Expert Exit

While the article acknowledges that Dr. Sharma’s withdrawal is a personal decision, it argues that it may have deeper ramifications:

1. Loss of Credibility – A respected academic’s exit signals a breakdown in the relationship between political actors and independent analysis.
2. Policy Blind Spots – Without seasoned commentators, the ruling coalition risks repeating past mistakes.
3. Public Perception – The public may interpret the departure as a sign that the elite are protecting themselves, deepening cynicism.

Business Today’s author quotes a senior political analyst from the National Institute of Public Affairs:

“If we lose the bridge between academia and politics, the policy decisions become a product of lobbying rather than evidence.”

6. Economic Consequences

The article points out that Nepal’s GDP growth stalled at 2.3 % in 2024 and that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that prolonged political instability could push the country into a “debt trap.” Moreover, the sudden exit of experts such as Dr. Sharma reduces the pool of talent that can help the government navigate complex economic reforms, especially in the tourism and hydroelectric sectors—key pillars of Nepal’s economy.

7. What Comes Next?

Business Today concludes by outlining the potential paths ahead:

• Constitutional Re‑formation – A coalition may push for amendments that clarify power-sharing mechanisms.
• Youth Participation – The protests could lead to the incorporation of a youth advisory council in parliament.
• Re‑engagement of Experts – The government might need to create incentives for independent analysts to contribute to policy design.

The article ends on a cautious note, highlighting that the political landscape in Nepal is “in a state of flux,” and that the coming months will determine whether the country can break free from its cycle of rapid governmental changes.

8. Further Reading

Business Today’s feature links to several resources for readers who wish to dive deeper:

• KP Sharma Oli’s Profile – A detailed biography on the Kathmandu Post website.
• Gen Z Protest Coverage – An investigative piece by Ne pal Times titled “Youth Demand Transparency: The Digital Revolution in Nepali Politics” (2025‑08‑15).
• Political Analysis Papers – A repository of research papers by Dr. Shanti Sharma hosted on the Tribhuvan University Digital Library.

These links reinforce the article’s assertion that Nepal’s political turbulence is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader global trend where younger generations are demanding greater accountability and representation.

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