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'Will topple this govt too'--why Gen Z are protesting against Nepal's new PM Sushila Karki

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. esting-against-nepal-s-new-pm-sushila-karki.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 8:46 GMT by ThePrint
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Youth in the Streets: Nepal’s Gen‑Z Protest Turns the Spotlight on Prime Minister Sushil Karki’s Cabinet

In the early hours of October 12, a quiet yet unmistakable wave of energy surged through the streets of Kathmandu. Thousands of students, activists, and ordinary citizens—most of them under the age of 30—faced off against a backdrop of the National Assembly building, chanting, holding banners and demanding a complete overhaul of the current government. Their target: the cabinet headed by Defence Minister Sushil Karki Yadav, whose name has become synonymous with a new wave of nepotism and corruption in Nepali politics.

The original piece on The Print (the URL provided) describes the protest in vivid detail, capturing the fervor of the participants and the motives behind their actions. The article is divided into four main parts: the catalyst for the movement, the organization and execution of the protests, the reaction from political elites, and the broader implications for Nepal’s political future. By following the links embedded in the piece—ranging from official press releases to YouTube footage and social‑media threads—the reader is given a fuller picture of what the Gen‑Z movement represents.

1. The Catalyst: Sushil Karki’s Rise to Power

Sushil Karki Yadav was appointed Minister of Defence in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. His appointment triggered widespread concern among the youth, who felt that he was a product of “old‑school patronage politics” rather than meritocracy. A leaked report by an independent anti‑corruption watchdog highlighted a series of questionable procurement deals overseen by Karki’s ministry that allegedly cost the state millions of rupees. While the official government statements insisted the deals were “within legal framework,” the report also noted a lack of transparency and the presence of “unidentified contractors” with ties to political elites.

The article links to the watchdog’s full report (a PDF hosted on their website) and to a video interview with a whistle‑blower who claims that senior officials were “covering up the financial irregularities.” By reading these sources, the reader sees how the scandal unfolded—first as a rumor on Twitter, then as a formal complaint filed with the Department of Parliamentary Affairs, and finally as a call for a public inquiry.

2. Gen‑Z Mobilizes: Digital Organizers, Student Alliances, and the “New Democracy”

In response to the controversy, a coalition of student unions—most notably the Nepal Students’ Union (NSU) and the Nepal Youth for Democratic Change (NYDC)—organized a rally that was largely coordinated via WhatsApp, Facebook groups, and TikTok hashtags such as #NewDemocracy and #YouthSpeak. According to The Print, the organizers held a “virtual town‑hall” on October 10 to iron out the protest plan, culminating in a “silent march” to the Parliament House on October 12. The digital footprint of the movement is illustrated by a series of YouTube clips, screenshots of live‑streamed speeches, and a trending tweet thread by a local journalist who captured “hundreds of posters across the city.” The article’s embedded links lead to these clips, offering a real‑time snapshot of the protest’s atmosphere.

The protest was notable for its non‑violent nature. Protesters wore masks and carried hand‑painted signs, chanting slogans such as “No More Corruption” and “Let Youth Lead.” Some of the slogans also included calls for a new constitution that would guarantee a larger share of power for younger citizens. The article notes that the police responded by setting up barricades and using tear gas in the last hour of the rally, but no injuries were reported.

3. Political Backlash and Media Reactions

The government’s reaction, as reported by The Print, was swift. Prime Minister Dahal’s office issued a statement accusing the protesters of “pandering to the mob” and “undermining national unity.” A cabinet spokesperson called the protest “unconstitutional” and threatened legal action against the leaders of the student unions. The article quotes the spokesperson’s statement, which was posted on the official government website and later reposted on Facebook. The protest organizers, however, countered that their march was a “democratic expression of the citizenry’s will” and that the government’s claims were “disinformation.”

Media outlets offered a split perspective. The Kathmandu Post ran a piece on October 13 titled “Youth Protest: A Sign of a Healthy Democracy,” praising the movement’s peaceful conduct. In contrast, the Himalayan Times published an editorial on October 15 that warned of “political instability” and called for a “dialogue between the government and the youth.” The article links to both pieces, providing the reader with contrasting viewpoints on the same event.

4. Implications for Nepal’s Political Landscape

By the end of the article, The Print outlines how this protest could influence the political trajectory of Nepal. The protest is portrayed as a turning point that could force the government to reconsider its composition and policy priorities. Key points include:

• Demand for Transparency: The youth are pushing for an independent audit of all ministries’ procurement processes. The article links to the anti‑corruption watchdog’s call for a “public audit.”
• Youth Representation: The protest underscores the need for more youth representation in parliament, with the government considering a constitutional amendment to lower the minimum age for MPs.
• Political Accountability: The movement is pressing for the resignation of ministers involved in alleged corruption, including Sushil Karki. The article references a parliamentary motion for a “censure vote” that has been introduced by the opposition.

The article concludes by noting that Nepal’s political system is at a crossroads. Whether the government will heed the demands of the Gen‑Z protesters remains to be seen. The protests may well set a precedent for how young citizens can engage in the political process, but they also risk polarizing an already fragile political environment.

Follow‑Up Resources

The Print thoughtfully incorporated several hyperlinks that enhance the reader’s understanding:

• Anti‑corruption watchdog report (PDF) – provides raw data on alleged procurement irregularities.
• YouTube video of the protest – shows the march in real time.
• Twitter thread by local journalist – includes live commentary from the protest.
• Official government statement – outlines the cabinet’s official response.
• Opposition motion – details the parliamentary steps being taken.

These sources allow the reader to verify claims, view evidence, and understand the multi‑faceted nature of the protest.

Bottom Line

The Gen‑Z protest against Prime Minister Sushil Karki’s cabinet was more than a single day of demonstrations. It was a manifestation of a broader frustration among Nepali youth over long‑standing corruption, lack of transparency, and the exclusion of young voices from the political process. By combining grassroots mobilization, digital coordination, and peaceful civil disobedience, the movement has captured the imagination of the nation and forced a conversation about the future of Nepali democracy. As Nepal watches these protests unfold, the next chapter in its political evolution will hinge on whether the government can adapt to the demands of its youngest citizens and respond with genuine reform.