Nepal's Youth Protests Against Prime Minister Balen Shah Amid Growing Discontent

Youth Movement Resurfaces in Nepal

Less than a year after a youth-driven movement transformed Nepal's political scene, young activists are once again taking to the streets. This time, they are protesting against Prime Minister Balendra "Balen" Shah, who was once viewed as a beacon of change. Recent protests, which gained traction over the weekend, have seen hundreds of participants, including activists, ride-hailing drivers, and opposition supporters, demanding accountability following the tragic death of a young app-based driver. Additionally, they are expressing their frustration over the government's eviction campaign targeting landless squatters. For many young Nepalis, these events are merely the culmination of a growing dissatisfaction with an administration they feel has not fulfilled its promises.

From Hope to Discontent

After the 2025 protests led by Gen Z that resulted in the downfall of the KP Sharma Oli government, Balen Shah gained significant youth support, leading his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to a near two-thirds majority in Parliament. Shah's campaign was built on pledges of transparency, effective governance, and comprehensive reforms. His administration even introduced an ambitious 100-point agenda to be achieved within the first 100 days. However, many young voters now feel that little has changed. Critics argue that the government has centralized power, neglected due process, and distanced itself from the very constituents who helped elevate it to power. Opposition figures have also raised concerns about Shah's limited public engagement and his absence from Parliament and his constituency since taking office.

Tragic Incident Sparks Outrage

The immediate catalyst for the recent protests was the death of 25-year-old Pathao rider Ganesh Nepali. The incident unfolded outside Kathmandu's Department of Passports, where municipal police allegedly confronted Nepali over a parking violation. Following a dispute, officers wheel-locked his motorcycle and imposed a fine. CCTV footage later showed Nepali returning, pouring petrol over himself, and setting himself ablaze as a tow truck approached. Despite efforts to rush him to Bir Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. His family claimed that repeated fines and confrontations with municipal authorities had driven him to despair. The incident ignited outrage, particularly after videos surfaced showing the severely burned driver being assisted into a vehicle rather than on a stretcher, raising serious questions about the emergency response.

Protests Erupt Across Kathmandu

Ganesh Nepali's death quickly became a rallying point for a broader anti-government movement. Ride-hailing drivers, Gen Z activists, students, and local residents gathered at Kathmandu's Maitighar Mandala, attempting to march towards Bir Hospital. Protesters carried signs demanding justice, compensation for Nepali's family, and enhanced legal protections for ride-sharing workers, with many also calling for Prime Minister Shah's resignation. They argued that this tragedy highlighted systemic governance failures, including arbitrary parking enforcement, excessive fines, and a lack of accountability within public institutions.

Eviction Campaign Fuels Anger

Public frustration has also been exacerbated by the government's contentious initiative to clear riverside squatter settlements in Kathmandu. While officials argue that removing illegal settlements is essential, critics contend that thousands of vulnerable families have been displaced without proper rehabilitation. Estimates suggest that over 2,600 families have been impacted by the eviction drive, yet only a small number have been provided with temporary housing. Many families, including the elderly and children, have been left without stable housing or means of livelihood, despite Nepali law mandating rehabilitation prior to eviction. The situation worsened when authorities ordered residents to vacate temporary holding centers, leading to renewed protests led by the United National Squatters' Front and civil society groups, who accused the government of violating constitutional rights and ignoring due process. Recently, Gen Z activists reported being baton-charged and detained while visiting a holding center in Kirtipur, further escalating tensions.

Opposition Intensifies Criticism

The protests have also reached Nepal's Parliament, where opposition lawmakers have criticized the government for failing to safeguard ordinary citizens and questioned its handling of both the self-immolation incident and the eviction campaign. Several leaders have demanded accountability, with some calling for Shah's resignation. Home Minister Sudan Gurung defended the government's actions, stating that the self-immolation case falls under local jurisdiction. He announced the formation of a five-member investigation committee, and three municipal police officers linked to the incident have been taken into custody for questioning.

Gen Z's Disillusionment

For many young Nepalis, these protests symbolize more than just anger over two specific issues. The generation that once rallied behind Balen Shah anticipated a government that would break from traditional politics and provide transparent, citizen-focused governance. Instead, many now feel that the administration has become increasingly disconnected, with concerns ranging from forced evictions and aggressive policing to a perceived disregard for democratic processes. As new demonstrations unfold, the protests highlight a significant political shift: the same Gen Z movement that once propelled Balen Shah to power is now at the forefront of demanding accountability from his government.