Political Crisis in Nepal: Youth-Led Protests, a Power Vacuum, and Implications for India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India and its neighborhood - Nepal); Current events of international importance.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Political instability in Nepal is a core topic for India's foreign policy.
Key Highlights from the News
Following the violent escalation of a strong youth (Gen Z-led) protest against corruption in Nepal, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned.
Protesters set fire to major government buildings including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the government headquarters, Singha Durbar, and attacked the homes of prominent political leaders.
The protests are primarily against the luxurious lifestyles and corruption of political leaders (anti-corruption protests).
With the Prime Minister's resignation, a large political vacuum has formed in the country.
Figures outside mainstream politics, such as Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and political leader Ravi Lamichhane, are likely to emerge as new power centers.
The Army stepping in to call for peace raises concerns about increasing military intervention in Nepalese politics.
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