Full Breakdown
Ousted Nepal Prime Minister's Party Holds Major Rally Amid Political Turmoil
12/13/2025, 5:52:12 PM
Massive Rally Marks Political Resurgence
On December 13, 2025, tens of thousands rallied in Bhaktapur, Nepal, for the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), led by ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. This event, estimated by police to have drawn around 70,000 attendees, is the largest political gathering in the country since the youth-led anti-corruption protests that resulted in Oli's removal three months prior. Organizers had initially claimed they would attract 300,000 participants. Political analyst Puranjan Acharya noted that this rally represents the biggest mobilization of supporters by any party in the capital since the protests.
Context of Political Unrest
The "Gen Z" protests, which erupted in September 2025, were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with government corruption and mismanagement. The unrest resulted in 77 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries, leading to significant economic losses estimated at $586 million in Nepal's $42 billion economy. Following the protests, the interim government, headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, dissolved parliament, a move that has been contested by the UML.
K.P. Sharma Oli's Political Position
During the rally, K.P. Sharma Oli criticized the dissolution of parliament as unconstitutional and reaffirmed his party's commitment to restoring it through a petition filed with the Supreme Court. He emphasized that the UML is misrepresented as being against the youth, stating, "We are being projected as anti-Gen Z youths. But this is not true." The rally served as a platform for Oli to assert his influence and seek re-election as UML president, a position he is contesting against his deputy, Ishwar Pokharel. The outcome of this election will be pivotal as Nepal prepares for new parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel addressed the crowd, asserting that despite their ousting, the party "still lives in the hearts of the people," using the rally's turnout as evidence of ongoing support. The party's leadership is positioning itself to regain political power amid a challenging landscape marked by recent protests and governmental changes.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the significant turnout, there are dissenting views regarding the UML's role in the political crisis. Critics argue that the party's previous governance contributed to the corruption issues that sparked the protests. The interim government's actions, including the dissolution of parliament, have also faced scrutiny, with some viewing it as an attempt to consolidate power amid ongoing instability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While police estimates placed attendance at 70,000, organizers claimed a much higher figure of 300,000 participants. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in accurately gauging public support and the potential for inflated claims in political mobilizations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are being projected as anti-Gen Z youths. But this is not true,” — K.P. Sharma Oli, Ousted Prime Minister
- “The presence of so many people in the rally is a proof of this.” — Shankar Pokhrel, UML General Secretary
This rally marks a significant moment in Nepal's political landscape, as the UML seeks to reclaim its influence in the wake of recent upheaval and prepare for upcoming elections.
