Kathmandu: The young activists who shook Nepal’s political establishment and forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli are now moving into a new role: selecting the leaders who will guide the nation through its fragile transition. Once dismissed as “street protestors” and “digital rebels,” these activists have emerged as powerful influencers in the country’s interim political framework.
The movement began with anger over corruption, mismanagement, and a controversial decision to ban social media platforms. What started as digital dissent on Discord and Instagram soon spilled onto the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. The group Hami Nepal meaning “We Are Nepal” became the nerve center of the protests, with its founder, 36-year-old Sudan Gurung, rallying thousands of young citizens. His journey from DJ sets to digital organizing marked a generational shift in how power is contested in the Himalayan republic.
The uprising was not without bloodshed. Demonstrations turned violent as security forces clashed with protestors. By official counts, at least 72 people were killed and more than 1,300 injured in weeks of unrest. The human cost underscored the determination of Nepal’s youth to challenge entrenched political elites, while also highlighting the risks of sudden upheaval in a still-fragile democracy.
In the aftermath of Oli’s fall, Hami Nepal refused to transform into a political party. Yet, its influence has been undeniable. The group played a pivotal role in elevating Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice widely respected for her uncompromising stance against corruption, as interim Prime Minister. Her appointment is historic, making her the first woman to lead the government in Nepal’s history. Activists see her leadership as a guarantee that the transition will remain focused on accountability and transparency.
The activists insist they do not want formal political power, but their behind-the-scenes role in shaping the interim cabinet shows otherwise. Gurung and his colleagues have been instrumental in demanding the removal of figures tainted by corruption and in ensuring that new appointments reflect integrity and competence. This paradox exercising “power without office” is reshaping Nepal’s political discourse and challenging long-held notions of how authority is legitimized.
Even within Hami Nepal, debates rage over the future. Some argue that the movement must remain outside government to preserve its credibility. Others believe that true reform may eventually require constitutional changes and direct participation in governance. For now, the consensus is to act as watchdogs and power brokers while leaving the mechanics of office to trusted leaders.
The challenges before Nepal’s interim leadership remain immense. The activists demand judicial independence, transparency in governance, and a framework for credible elections scheduled for March 2026. Yet, balancing youthful idealism with the realities of political negotiation will not be easy. The old political class, though weakened, has not disappeared. International observers are also watching closely, wary of instability in a country strategically positioned between India and China.
What is happening in Nepal is more than a change of leaders. It is the emergence of a new script for political power one written by digital activists, grassroots mobilization, and a restless younger generation. Whether this experiment will lead to lasting reforms or fade into another cycle of disillusionment remains to be seen. But for now, Nepal’s youth have seized their moment, transforming protest into participation and shaping the country’s uncertain but hopeful future.