Nepal’s Gen-Z revolt against 'nepo kids': Six nepotism incidents that sparked the deadly protests

Smoke billows from a burning supermarket building of Nepal's renowned retail chain Bhat-Bhateni, a day after it was set ablaze by protesters in Kathmandu on September 10, 2025.

Nepal is in the midst of one of its most turbulent moments in decades. What began as anger over a short-lived social media ban has exploded into a nationwide movement led largely by Gen Z. Beneath the immediate spark lies a deeper grievance: the sense that political power, public jobs and even cultural spaces are reserved for the children of the connected while ordinary citizens struggle with unemployment and rising prices.

From social media hashtags to street protests

For more than a year, hashtags such as #NepoKid, #NotMyNepal and #MeritOverLegacy have filled Nepali timelines. Young people shared stories of privilege and unfair advantages, and those posts gradually shifted into real-world protests. When Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government tried to suppress online criticism, resentment only deepened. Within days, Kathmandu and other cities saw large demonstrations that turned violent. The resignation of Oli’s government has left a vacuum filled with calls for clean governance and a truly merit-based system.

Why nepotism became the flashpoint

The anger goes beyond one law or one leader. Many young Nepalis believe the state has become a closed circle of families handing posts and perks to their relatives. The wealth displays of influential leaders’ children on social media have added salt to the wound. Against a backdrop of economic crisis and high unemployment, these images have come to symbolise a wider inequality between the ruling elite and the average citizen.

Six incidents that fanned public outrage

Appointments without merit: One of the most cited examples involves Saugat Thapa, the son of a provincial minister in Gandaki. He was given a senior government post despite limited experience, prompting accusations that procedures had been bypassed for political reasons. The #MeritNotNepotism hashtag trended nationwide.

The film industry’s closed doors: Nepal’s cinema world has also been accused of favouring political families. Reports of a politician’s daughter landing a lead role without acting credentials sparked protests by struggling artists. Some producers promised open auditions but family influence remained strong.

Banking and contract scandals: Allegations surfaced of a senior officer’s son receiving a large bank loan without proper collateral, followed by misuse of funds. Investigations named high-level officials but resulted in only minor reforms, fuelling cynicism about accountability.

Perks for coalition families: KP Oli’s coalition partners were criticised for promoting their own relatives. Names such as Shreya Karki, Vivek Sharma and Tara Thapa became shorthand for perceived favouritism in politics and business opportunities. Reports of these practices even led to rifts within Oli’s own party.

Beauty pageant controversy: Former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada faced accusations of benefiting from her father’s position as health minister, including claims about a $50,000 Miss World Foundation grant. The case became a talking point about how privilege can extend into high-profile social projects.

A tragedy that became a symbol: The movement took a more emotional turn after the death of Usha, an 11-year-old girl allegedly killed by the son of a government official in a road accident. Her story captured national attention and became a symbol of how power and privilege can lead to impunity.

Beyond hashtags: A political crossroads

The Gen Z-led protests have revealed the scale of frustration with an entrenched patronage system. They also highlight the risk for any government that tries to silence online dissent. With the old leadership forced out and a search under way for a credible interim administration, Nepal stands at a crossroads. Whether the movement translates into lasting reform or fades under pressure will depend on how the next leaders respond to demands for transparency and meritocracy.