Nepal Protest: Protesters Set Fire to PM Oli’s House Amid Calls for Resignation

Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli is at the center of Nepal's gravest political crisis in years, as violent protests led by students spread across the country demanding his resignation.

The unrest began last week after Oli's government imposed restrictions on social media, a move widely condemned as authoritarian. On Tuesday, despite a ban on public gatherings, thousands poured into the streets across several districts, openly defying the government's orders.

Residence Set Ablaze

The protests took a dramatic turn in the evening when demonstrators set fire to Oli's private residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur. Though he was at his official residence in Baluwatar, the incident symbolized the depth of public anger directed personally at the prime minister.

Stones were also thrown at other political leaders' homes, including those of Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and Sher Bahadur Deuba, but Oli has borne the brunt of the outrage, with slogans and banners demanding his immediate resignation dominating the demonstrations.

Oli's Political Crisis

In a sign of collapsing parliamentary support, 21 MPs from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) - once an opposition ally - resigned en masse. The resignations, coupled with mounting street pressure, have weakened Oli's authority and fueled speculation about early elections.

Despite the backlash, Oli attempted to project control by convening an all-party meeting at 6 p.m. "I am in dialogue with the relevant parties to assess the situation and find a meaningful conclusion," he said, appealing for calm.

Deadly Unrest Forces Concession

The protests have already turned deadly, with at least 19 killed and more than 300 injured. In an apparent bid to defuse anger, Oli announced the lifting of the social media ban, admitting that the restriction had intensified tensions.

"The government was not in favour of stopping social media use," Oli wrote in a letter of condolence to victims' families, adding that an investigation committee would probe the deadly clashes.

Oli's Future Uncertain

Even after reversing the ban, Nepal's youth continue to rally against him, framing Oli as the embodiment of entrenched corruption and political stagnation. With his residence attacked, parliamentary numbers shrinking, and international concern mounting, Oli now faces the toughest test of his political career.