Nepal is experiencing one of its most turbulent moments since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. What began as protests against a government-imposed social media ban has spiraled into a nationwide youth uprising, exposing deep frustration with corruption, elitism, and failed governance. At the same time, a parallel current of agitation is reviving demands for the return of the Hindu monarchy, reflecting growing disillusionment with Nepal’s republican experiment.
- The Spark: Social Media Ban
In September 2025, the Oli government banned Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and dozens of other platforms, citing non-compliance with new regulations. For Nepal’s digitally active youth, this was more than a technical policy — it felt like an attempt to silence dissent.
Within days, Kathmandu and other cities witnessed massive demonstrations, with protesters carrying placards, chanting slogans, and organizing despite internet restrictions. The “Gen-Z Revolt” was born.
- The Real Fire: Corruption and Betrayed Hopes
While the ban was the trigger, the underlying anger runs much deeper:
Corruption & nepotism: Political elites are seen enriching themselves while ordinary people struggle.
Unemployment & inequality: Despite economic growth projections of 4–5%, young people feel excluded from opportunities.
Repeated instability: Since 2008, Nepal has had more than a dozen governments, none able to deliver lasting reforms.
The youth protests soon became a referendum on the entire political class, not just one policy.
- Brutal Crackdown and Oli’s Resignation
The state responded with force — tear gas, rubber bullets, and live fire. At least 19 protesters were killed and more than 100 injured. Images of police firing on unarmed demonstrators spread quickly, intensifying outrage.
Amid mounting pressure, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, a dramatic moment signaling the erosion of government legitimacy. The caretaker administration has promised investigations and compensation, but public trust remains thin.
- Symbols of Resistance
Protesters adopted creative cultural icons to express their defiance. The “Straw Hat” flag from the anime One Piece emerged as a protest symbol, representing freedom, rebellion, and solidarity. This reflects how Nepal’s youth are using global cultural references to shape local movements.
- The Parallel Movement: Hindu Rashtra and Monarchy
Even as Gen-Z protesters pushed for accountability and democracy, another force re-emerged: calls to restore Nepal as a Hindu Rashtra with the monarchy reinstated.
Royalist groups, especially the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), organized large rallies earlier in 2025. Thousands gathered to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah, chanting “Come back King, save our country.”
Leaders like Durga Prasai, once linked to Maoists, have become surprising champions of monarchist causes, uniting different royalist factions.
On Republic Day (May 2025), protests demanded an end to federalism and secularism, calling instead for a referendum on monarchy and Hindu statehood.
For many, the monarchy symbolizes stability and cultural identity, especially as republican governments have failed to curb corruption and provide effective leadership.
- Two Currents, One Frustration
Although the Gen-Z revolt and the royalist revival differ in ideology, they share a common root: dissatisfaction with the current system.
Youth movement: Focused on democracy, transparency, and economic opportunity.
Royalist movement: Driven by nostalgia for stability, tradition, and the unity symbolized by the monarchy and Hindu statehood.
This dual crisis shows that Nepal’s republican system faces challenges both from within (young democrats demanding reforms) and from outside (royalists seeking an alternative model).
- What Lies Ahead
Nepal now stands at a crossroads:
Will the caretaker government manage to stabilize the situation and rebuild trust with the youth?
Will the monarchy movement gain enough momentum to push for a referendum?
Can Nepal reconcile its identity as a secular republic with a growing section of society demanding a Hindu Rashtra?
The answers will shape not just Nepal’s political structure but also its cultural and generational future.
The 2025 protests in Nepal are not simply about a social media ban. They represent pent-up anger at decades of corruption, unemployment, and political failures. At the same time, the crisis has reopened the debate over Nepal’s identity — secular republic vs. Hindu monarchy.
In essence, two visions of Nepal are clashing: one led by young protesters seeking democratic renewal, and another by traditionalists yearning for the return of monarchy and Hindu statehood. How Nepal navigates this moment will decide whether it can stabilize its democracy or slide into a new era of political transformation.
