Nepal is currently facing one of the most turbulent political crises in its recent history. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is reportedly considering leaving the country and traveling to Dubai amid rising protests, violent clashes, and multiple ministerial resignations. Local media reports suggest that a private airline has been kept on standby to fly the Prime Minister out of Nepal if the situation escalates further.
Growing Protests Against PM Oli
The political unrest began with widespread protests led by students across Kathmandu and several districts. Demonstrators expressed anger over social media restrictions, corruption charges, and suppression of democratic rights. Within two days, the protests spiraled into large-scale violence, forcing authorities to impose high-security measures.
At least 19 people have been reported dead due to police firing during demonstrations. Over 300 others have sustained injuries, many of them students who were leading the protests. The use of live ammunition by security forces has fueled even more anger among the younger generation, with students and youth organizations demanding nothing less than the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Reports of Oli Planning to Leave Nepal
Amid the mounting unrest, reports indicate that Prime Minister Oli has delegated executive responsibilities to the Deputy Prime Minister, signaling a possible exit strategy. Media outlets have claimed that Himalaya Airlines, a private airline, has been kept ready to fly him to Dubai under the pretext of medical treatment.
According to insiders, the Prime Minister considers Kathmandu unsafe as protests have reached the capital’s most sensitive zones. Several government officials believe that top political leaders may attempt to leave the country to avoid direct confrontation with protestors.
Officials at Tribhuvan International Airport confirmed that staff members have been instructed to remain on high alert for VIP movement. Though no official orders have been made public, airport staff privately admitted receiving informal instructions to prepare for potential high-profile departures.
Escalation of Violence Across Nepal
The protests have now gone beyond mere demands for lifting social media bans. On Tuesday, demonstrators attacked residences of several political leaders. Reports confirmed that protestors set fire to the private residence of Nepal’s President and targeted properties belonging to senior leaders.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Raghuveer Mahaseth’s residence in Janakpur was also attacked with stones and vandalized by angry mobs. The violence reflects the growing frustration among citizens who believe the ruling leadership has failed to address corruption, mismanagement, and democratic suppression.
Ten Ministers Resign Amid Unrest
Adding to the political instability, ten cabinet ministers, including the Home Minister, Health Minister, and Agriculture Minister, have resigned in protest against the government’s handling of the crisis. Their resignations have left Oli’s administration in a severely weakened position.
Despite lifting restrictions on 26 social media platforms, the government has failed to calm the protesters. By the time the ban was rolled back, public outrage had already intensified. Citizens claim that the crackdown on digital platforms was only a symptom of a much deeper governance failure.
Protestors Target Coalition Leaders
The anger is not just directed at Oli but also at leaders of coalition partners. Protestors stormed the residence of Sher Bahadur Deuba, the President of the Nepali Congress and a key ally of Oli’s government. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to his property and destroyed at least half a dozen vehicles.
This marks a significant turn in the protests, as citizens are now targeting both ruling and supporting coalition leaders. The widespread violence shows how the movement has evolved into a nationwide rejection of the political establishment as a whole.
Historical Context of Nepal’s Political Instability
Since the restoration of democracy in Nepal, no Prime Minister has been able to complete a full five-year term. Coalition governments and fragile alliances have resulted in unstable leadership. Oli’s government, backed by the Nepali Congress, was seen as yet another coalition experiment, but ongoing protests have exposed deep cracks in the political system.
Protesters argue that the continuous cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and lack of accountability has left ordinary citizens disillusioned with political leadership. With no party securing a full majority, instability has become a constant feature of Nepal’s democracy.
Oli’s Position and Possible Resignation
Although Oli has not publicly announced plans to resign, his delegation of responsibilities to the Deputy Prime Minister suggests that he may be preparing for an exit. With increasing attacks on political leaders and their residences, his security has become a serious concern.
If Oli decides to leave for Dubai, it may not only mark the collapse of his government but could also plunge Nepal into a deeper political crisis. Opposition leaders and protest groups have already rejected partial reforms, insisting that nothing less than Oli’s resignation would end the unrest.
Protests Expand Beyond Kathmandu
While much of the international focus has been on demonstrations in Kathmandu, reports confirm that protests have spread across multiple provinces. Students, workers, and civil society groups have joined the movement, intensifying pressure on the government.
The protests, once centered on social media bans, have transformed into a nationwide call for systemic change. Citizens accuse the government of mishandling corruption scandals, failing to deliver basic services, and using excessive force against unarmed protestors.
International Reactions
Though neighboring countries and global organizations have yet to issue strong statements, international observers are closely monitoring the situation. Nepal’s instability has regional implications, given its strategic location between India and China.
If Oli flees to Dubai, it may raise further concerns about leadership accountability and democratic governance in Nepal. Human rights groups have already condemned the use of force against students and demanded independent investigations into the killings.
The Future of Nepal’s Democracy
The current crisis exposes Nepal’s fragile democratic structure, where coalition governments often collapse under pressure. For decades, political leaders have struggled to maintain stability, leaving citizens frustrated with recurring instability.
The question now is whether Nepal can navigate this crisis without plunging into further chaos. If Oli resigns or flees, the nation may face another cycle of coalition bargaining, interim leadership, and prolonged political uncertainty.
Nepal is at a crossroads as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli faces mounting pressure to step down. With 10 ministers resigning, violent protests spreading, and even coalition leaders being targeted, the crisis shows no signs of abating.
The reported plan to fly Oli to Dubai underscores the severity of the situation. Whether he resigns or attempts to escape, the demand for accountability will not disappear. The protests represent a larger struggle for democratic rights, transparency, and an end to corruption in Nepal.
As the unrest grows, the international community will closely watch how Nepal handles this critical juncture. The future of its democracy depends on whether leaders choose reform and accountability over denial and evasion.
