Oli’s ego has turned to ashes’: Nepal residents react after PM’s resignation amid protests

Kathmandu, Sep 9 (IANS) As Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned amid mass protests sweeping across the country, the announcement on Tuesday was met with mixed emotions - from anger to reliefas citizens accused him of leading a "corrupt" and "oppressive" government and some declared that "Oli’s ego has turned into ashes".

IANS spoke to several residents of Nepal, who expressed their reactions to the resignation, calling it inevitable after days of civil unrest and growing youthled demonstrations.

"This was expected. Prime Minister Oli had no option left but to resign. His government was corrupt and completely detached from the public’s needs," a resident said.

"More than 42 cabinet ministers have stepped down. There is no law and order left. I fear the military may soon take over."

Another protestor said: "Oli’s resignation was bound to happen. Ministers are resigning one after the other. Let’s see what comes next."

Condemning the use of force during the protests, one resident said: "It’s unacceptable that guns were used against protestors. What happened was wrong. But now, Oli has finally stepped down."

Pointing to systemic issues, another citizen said: "Under Oli’s government, corruption thrived. The people of Nepal received nothing in return. The youth, especially students and teenagers, took action—and it’s commendable."

Another added: "The situation left Oli with no other choice. His ego has now turned to ashes."

Yet another protestor said: "We’ve burned the Parliament and homes of corrupt parliamentarians. I want to burn down every house of those who betrayed the country."

Highlighting the power shift, another resident asserted that "Gen Z is awake 24/7. The next government will be under the control of Gen Z. This is just the beginning".

Earlier in the day, Oli resigned from his post. He submitted his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel, citing the abnormal situation in the country as protests intensified against his rule throughout the country.

In the resignation letter, Oli said he resigned from the post as per Article 77 (1) of the constitution to pave the way for a constitutional resolution of the current situation.

Oli was elected Prime Minister on July 14, 2024, as per a consensus reached with Nepali Congress, the largest party in the parliament. Some reports indicated that Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah could be appointed as an interim Prime Minister of the country.