Nepal’s ex-pm arrested amid protests, new government rises
Kathmandu – Nepal’s political landscape shifted dramatically Saturday as authorities arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, actions stemming from investigations into the violent September protests that toppled the previous government. The arrests, swift and decisive, occurred just a day after Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, was sworn in as Prime Minister following a landslide victory for his Rastriya Swatantra Party.
A commission's findings spark action
The arrests follow a commission’s report, established by the interim government, which recommended prison sentences – potentially up to 10 years – for Oli, Lekhak, and the police chief on duty during the demonstrations. The protests, fueled by widespread discontent over corruption and governance, erupted last September, leaving 76 people dead and over 2,300 injured. What few reports initially emphasized was the scale of the destruction: offices of the prime minister and president were torched, alongside police stations and the homes of prominent politicians, forcing many to flee by military helicopter.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung, announcing the arrests via social media, declared, “No one is above the law.” The statement, delivered with characteristic bluntness, underscored the government’s commitment to accountability. But the move has already ignited a firestorm of protest from Oli’s supporters, who gathered near the former prime minister’s office, chanting slogans and clashing with riot police.
The sheer speed of the proceedings – from the commission’s report to the arrests themselves – raises questions about the new government’s priorities. Shah’s victory, propelled by a wave of “Gen Z” activism, signaled a deep yearning for change. The appointment of Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge, as Nepal’s first female prime minister during the transitional period pointed to a desire for stability and integrity. But the new administration's willingness to take on a figure as powerful as Oli so early in its tenure could reshape the political calculus of the nation.
The protests that brought Shah to power were not simply a rejection of the status quo; they were a visceral expression of frustration. The burning of government buildings and the targeting of political elites revealed a depth of anger that had been simmering for years. Now, with Oli’s arrest, the question becomes whether this new government can deliver on its promises of reform without further destabilizing the country.
The immediate challenge will be managing the fallout from the arrests. While Gurung insists this is “just the beginning of justice,” the scenes of unrest on the streets of Kathmandu suggest a long and turbulent road ahead. Seven protesters were detained during Saturday’s clashes. The political future of Nepal now hinges on the delicate balance between accountability and stability—a balance that will be tested in the coming weeks and months.