'Bangladesh, now Nepal, who is next?': Manish Tewari questions powers behind Gen Z-led protests

Demonstrators hold flags as smoke rises at the Parliament complex, during a protest against Monday's killing of 19 people after anti-corruption protests in Nepal. Reuters

As the unprecedented protests plunge Nepal into a deeper crisis, senior Congress leader and former minister Manish Tewari has questioned the triggers behind what is being called Gen-Z demonstrations.

Reacting to a news report about how the 'nepo kids' trend snowballed into a larger fight against corruption, Tewari drew a parallel between Nepal and Bangladesh. "Was #nepokids spontaneous or sponsored, striking a deep chord with #GenZ battling unemployment and income inequality to lead a life of dignity (sic)," Tewari wrote on X.

He also added that a 'sophisticated social media campaign' had once again led to the downfall of a government. Raising concerns, Tewari said that first it was Bangladesh, followed by Nepal. "Who is next?" Tewari asked.

Was #nepokids spontaneous or sponsored that struck a deep chord with #GenZ battling unemployment & income inequality to lead a life of dignity.

A sophisticated social media campaign has again felled a government in South Asia .

Bangladesh now Nepal who is next ?…

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— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) September 10, 2025

Border Districts Feel the Pinch of Nepal Unrest

Meanwhile, unrest in Nepal has cast a shadow across Uttar Pradesh’s border districts, where markets lie empty, travel plans stand cancelled, and families with cross-border ties struggle with disrupted communication.

In Bahraich’s Rupaidiha town, normally bustling with Nepali shoppers, markets have fallen silent.

“Usually, our markets thrive because Nepali buyers come here for daily needs. But now, the markets are deserted. Families on both sides are connected by marriages, so the unrest has left people here anxious,” said Dr. Uma Shankar Vaishya, chairman of the local nagar panchayat.

Locals added that Nepal’s temporary social media ban had even cut off conversations with relatives across the border. The restoration of WhatsApp and Facebook brought some relief, but worries linger.

“People are very angry after the deaths during protests in Kathmandu. Schools are closed, markets shut, and demonstrations are intense in Nepalgunj too. The situation is tense, and Indian vehicles are not being allowed in,” said Vikas Gupta, a trader from Nepalgunj, in a WhatsApp message.

In Maharajganj’s Sonauli, bus operators and travel agents reported heavy losses as the border shutdown kept tourists away.

(With PTI inputs)