Less than a year after Nepal’s youth-led movement reshaped the country’s political landscape, the same generation is back on the streets, this time protesting against Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah, the leader many of them once saw as a symbol of change.
The latest demonstrations, which gathered momentum over the weekend, have seen hundreds of protesters, activists, ride-hailing drivers and opposition supporters demand accountability over the death of a young app-based driver, while also voicing anger over the government’s eviction drive against landless squatters. For many young Nepalis, however, these incidents are only the tipping point of a growing frustration with an administration they believe has failed to deliver on its promises.
From Gen Z’s poster boy to public anger
Following the 2025 Gen Z-led protests that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government, Balen Shah rode a wave of youth support to power after his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a near two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Shah had campaigned on promises of transparency, efficient governance and sweeping institutional reforms. His government even unveiled an ambitious 100-point agenda to be completed within its first 100 days.
Months later, however, many young voters say little has changed. Instead, critics accuse the government of centralising power, bypassing due process and distancing itself from the very people who helped bring it to office. Opposition leaders have also questioned Shah’s limited public engagement and his reported absence from Parliament and his constituency since assuming office.
Death of ride-hailing driver becomes flashpoint
The immediate trigger behind the latest protests was the death of 25-year-old Pathao rider Ganesh Nepali.
The incident began outside Kathmandu’s Department of Passports, where municipal police reportedly asked Nepali to move his motorcycle over an alleged parking violation. After an argument, officers wheel-locked the bike and imposed a fine. CCTV footage showed Nepali returning later, siphoning petrol from his motorcycle, pouring it over himself and setting himself ablaze as a tow truck arrived.
Although police and bystanders rushed him to Bir Hospital, Nepali succumbed to his injuries after suffering severe burns. His family alleged that repeated fines and frequent confrontations with municipal authorities had pushed him into distress.
The incident sparked outrage after videos circulating online showed the badly burnt driver being helped into a vehicle instead of being carried on a stretcher. The visuals fuelled criticism over the emergency response and intensified public anger.
Protests spread across Kathmandu
Ganesh Nepali’s death quickly evolved into a wider anti-government movement.
Ride-hailing drivers, Gen Z activists, students and residents gathered at Kathmandu’s Maitighar Mandala before attempting to march towards Bir Hospital. Demonstrators carried placards demanding justice, compensation for the victim’s family and stronger legal protections for ride-sharing workers, while many also called for Prime Minister Shah’s resignation.
Protesters argued that the tragedy reflected broader governance failures, including arbitrary parking enforcement, excessive penalties and a lack of accountability within public institutions.
Eviction drive adds fuel to public anger
Public resentment has also been driven by the government’s controversial campaign to remove riverside squatter settlements in Kathmandu.
While the administration argues that clearing illegal settlements is necessary, critics say thousands of vulnerable families have been displaced without adequate rehabilitation.
According to estimates, more than 2,600 families have been affected by the eviction drive, but only a fraction have been accommodated in temporary shelters. Many families, including elderly residents and children, have been left without permanent housing or livelihoods despite Nepali law requiring rehabilitation before eviction.
The issue escalated further after authorities directed residents to vacate temporary holding centres, prompting fresh protests led by the United National Squatters’ Front and civil society organisations, who accused the government of violating constitutional rights and ignoring due process.
More recently, Gen Z activists alleged they were baton-charged and detained while visiting a holding centre in Kirtipur, adding another flashpoint to the growing unrest.
Opposition turns up the heat
The protests have also spilled into Nepal’s Parliament.
Opposition lawmakers accused the government of failing to protect ordinary citizens and questioned its handling of both the self-immolation case and the eviction drive. Several leaders demanded accountability, while some called for Shah’s resignation.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung defended the government’s response, saying the self-immolation case falls under the jurisdiction of the local government. He announced a five-member investigation committee, while three Kathmandu municipal police personnel linked to the incident have been taken into custody for questioning.
Why Gen Z feels betrayed
For many young Nepalis, the protests represent more than anger over two isolated issues.
The generation that rallied behind Balen Shah expected a government that would break away from traditional politics and deliver transparent, people-centric governance. Instead, many now believe the administration has become increasingly distant, with concerns ranging from forced evictions and aggressive policing to alleged disregard for democratic processes.
As fresh demonstrations continue, the protests underscore a striking political reversal: the same Gen Z movement that helped propel Balen Shah to power is now leading the calls for accountability against his government.