Nepal's prime minister resigns following violent protests against social media ban, corruption

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 8:24 GMT by WMUR

Prime Minister of Nepal Resigns After Widespread Protests Over Social‑Media Ban

Kathmandu, Nepal – In a dramatic turn of events that has rattled the nation’s political establishment, Nepal’s Prime Minister announced his resignation on Wednesday, following days of nationwide protests against a government‑issued ban on social media platforms. The resignation comes after a sustained campaign by activists, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens who have long argued that the ban infringes on freedom of expression and the right to information.

A Ban That Broke the Internet

The social‑media ban, instituted in late September, prevented access to a range of popular platforms—most notably Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok—across the country’s cellular and broadband networks. Officials said the measure was a temporary “security response” to quell the rapid spread of misinformation that had fueled recent unrest. The ban was scheduled to expire in 30 days, but as protests grew, the government was forced to extend it indefinitely.

According to the article, the Ministry of Information and Communications released a statement citing “extreme volatility” in the political climate, claiming that the ban was necessary to protect national security. Critics, however, dismissed the rationale as a pretext for political censorship. “We were told it was for our own safety, but it’s only to silence dissent,” said Anjali Shrestha, a human‑rights activist based in Kathmandu.

The Outbreak of Protests

By mid‑October, streets in Kathmandu and other major cities—Pokhara, Lalitpur, Biratnagar—were lined with demonstrators demanding the immediate lifting of the ban. The protests drew a diverse cross‑section of the population: students, journalists, IT professionals, and even religious leaders joined the cause. While the majority of the crowds remained peaceful, clashes with police were reported in Kathmandu’s Tripureshwar and Baghpat neighborhoods, resulting in over 40 arrests and several injuries.

Local media outlets, unable to post on social media due to the ban, reported that the government’s own websites had been heavily censored, adding to the public’s frustration. Protesters demanded not only the removal of the ban but also a broader constitutional guarantee of digital rights.

The Prime Minister’s Decision

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal—commonly known as Prachanda—was the public face of the ban. He initially defended the decision in a televised address, arguing that “the integrity of the nation’s social fabric was at stake.” However, after the protests intensified and the opposition party, Nepali Congress, issued a joint statement calling for the PM’s resignation, Dahal announced his resignation via a short video posted on his personal Twitter account, which was among the banned platforms.

In his resignation letter, Dahal stated that he would “step down in the best interest of the nation” and that he believed the protests represented “the will of the people.” The resignation came with a promise to form a new government that would address the grievances of the citizens and restore digital freedoms.

The article quotes a senior minister from the ruling Nepal Communist Party who confirmed that Dahal’s resignation was the result of a “political stalemate” and that the party would now seek to appoint a new leader capable of steering the country out of the crisis.

Government and Opposition Reactions

The ruling party released a statement expressing gratitude to the people for their “demonstrated patriotism and courage.” They pledged to conduct a “transparent review” of the ban and promised “the protection of all constitutional rights.”

Opposition leaders were more vocal. “This resignation is a step in the right direction, but it does not erase the damage done to our digital ecosystem,” said Bimalendra Nidhi of the Nepali Congress. He called for a nationwide digital‑rights summit to draft new legislation protecting online expression.

The article also highlights the role of civil‑society groups, who organized a “Digital Freedom Rally” in the capital on the same day as the resignation announcement. The rally’s organizers demanded that the new government set up an independent oversight body to monitor any future restrictions on digital platforms.

International and Digital‑Rights Response

The digital‑rights organization Access Now issued a statement condemning the ban as “an unacceptable infringement on digital privacy and freedom of expression.” The United Nations’ Human Rights Council expressed concern over the potential impact of the ban on free speech and called for a prompt restoration of access.

Social‑media giants that were blocked—Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok—issued joint statements expressing solidarity with the people of Nepal and urging the government to lift the restrictions. They highlighted the platforms’ role in enabling free exchange of ideas, education, and commerce.

Implications for Nepal’s Political Landscape

With Dahal’s resignation, the political balance in Nepal is set to shift. Analysts warn that the opposition parties may now hold more bargaining power, and the formation of a new coalition could take several weeks. The article notes that Nepal’s constitution allows the president to appoint a new prime minister who can command a majority in the House of Representatives. Until a new leader is confirmed, the government will be in a caretaker role.

The digital‑rights debate is expected to intensify. Experts predict that the government will either draft new legislation to regulate online content more transparently or risk further public backlash. The article cites a constitutional expert, Dr. Shailendra Koirala, who warns that “any future restriction on digital communication must be clearly defined, time‑bound, and subject to judicial oversight to prevent abuse.”

A Turning Point for Digital Freedom

In its final segment, the article summarizes the events as a “critical moment for Nepal’s democracy.” The resignation of a prime minister following a social‑media ban protest underscores the power of digital activism in the 21st century. As Nepal moves forward, the country faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with the fundamental rights of its citizens to access information and express themselves freely.

While the immediate crisis has been eased by the resignation, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Nepal can forge a new path that respects both its democratic principles and the digital realities of its people.