By P.R. Pradhan
Nepali politics has witnessed a dramatic transformation. The supreme leaders of the three major parties, along with several ministers from the K.P. Sharma Oli-led government, are now under the protection of the Nepal Army, fearing for their lives. Sushila Karki has been appointed as the new Prime Minister.
The Gen-Z-led demonstration on September 8, which initially began as a peaceful protest, turned violent when the government responded with brutal force, leading to a mass killing of innocent youth demonstrators. As of this writing, 72 individuals—many of them Gen-Z protesters—have lost their lives, while hundreds more are undergoing treatment in hospitals across the country.
We must not forget: it was the ultimate sacrifice of these young demonstrators that led to the collapse of a corrupt political system. Their courage triggered the fall of leaders long seen as unaccountable and self-serving.
The constitution—perceived by many as imposed by foreign powers—is now on life support. President Ramchandra Paudel appears to be desperately trying to keep it alive, despite widespread public rejection. Parliament is effectively dissolved, and a new election date has been announced.
Gen-Z activists initially took to the streets demanding an end to corruption and the lifting of the ban on social media platforms. They were not politically affiliated; rather, they envisioned a prosperous, vibrant, and economically strong Nepal. In just two days, they succeeded in toppling a two-thirds majority government and ushering in an interim administration.
Unfortunately, these genuine Gen-Z voices have now receded from the scene. In their place, politically motivated individuals—many allegedly backed by foreign interests—have stepped in. There are growing concerns that Hami Nepali, the organization believed to have facilitated the Gen-Z uprising, may have been funded by the Barbara Adams Foundation, which is said to be linked to George Soros’s Open Society and the Tibetan Student Organisation supported by the Dalai Lama.
If this is true, Nepal may be heading down a dangerous path, similar to the geopolitical trajectory of Ukraine under Volodymyr Zelensky. Notably, for the first time in seven decades, the Dalai Lama—exiled in India—has extended congratulations to Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Are we becoming mere pawns in a geopolitical chessboard? This is a serious question that demands scrutiny.
Whether the uprising was organically fueled or manipulated by external actors remains a matter of investigation. Were the Americans involved behind the scenes? Are they attempting to capitalize on the situation? Is India orchestrating a new round of geopolitical intrigue amid the bloodshed of our youth? These are questions that cannot be ignored.
We believe the Gen-Z movement was fundamentally organic. However, there is no denying that foreign powers are now attempting to exploit the situation for their own interests. The fall of a corrupt government was inevitable, and the 1990 constitution—which aligned more closely with Nepal’s national interests—should never have been discarded.
Although the Nepal Army successfully curbed the violence, it failed to take decisive action against the existing constitution, thus allowing traditional political parties to continue manipulating the narrative and stoking conspiracy theories.
At this critical juncture, we must remain vigilant. Was there foreign involvement? Were Gen-Z demonstrators—knowingly or unknowingly—used as tools by external forces? If so, this must be addressed immediately. Allowing foreign influence in our domestic affairs could prove suicidal. Geopolitically, Nepal must never be used as a pawn against our two powerful neighbors, India and China. The nation should pursue a balanced, equidistant foreign policy with all friendly countries, including India and China.
The current constitution must be scrapped, and the 1990 constitution reinstated to ensure all political actors have equal space. If the interim government truly values this nation and its people, it must take bold steps toward constitutional restoration.
Whether acknowledged or not, the Nepal Army remains the backbone of the interim government. It must serve as a guardian against foreign interference and play a pivotal role in transitioning from the current flawed constitution back to the 1990 version, which offers a more permanent solution to our political crisis.
This government was formed on the blood of 72 brave youths—many from Gen-Z—who dreamed of a corruption-free Nepal. Their sacrifice demands action. An autonomous and powerful anti-corruption commission must be established immediately to investigate the abuse of power by high-ranking bureaucrats and political leaders.
Additionally, a special commission should be formed to investigate the killings during the uprising. Politically appointed individuals must be dismissed and replaced by professionals selected through merit-based systems. The judiciary and constitutional bodies must be freed from party influence.
The interim government should also consider introducing ordinances to amend or remove provisions in the current constitution that have created confusion and instability. Political theatrics will not solve Nepal’s problems—bold, decisive governance will.
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