Nepal’s long-standing and tough-talking political figure, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, with a history of communist involvement and four terms as prime minister, was removed from power in 2025 due to violent demonstrations by young protesters. Following the deadly anti-corruption protests in September that claimed the lives of 77 individuals, the 73-year-old leader is now making a bid for a political resurgence.
Heading the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), Oli aims to reclaim parliamentary control in the upcoming elections on March 5. His primary challenge comes from Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old former rapper turned mayor, who is positioning himself as a representative of the youth-driven political transformation. The election campaign kicks off this Monday.
During the past week, Oli has been actively engaging with communities and rallying for votes, framing the elections as a contest between those who destruct and those who construct the nation. The protests against Oli’s government were initially sparked by social media restrictions but were fueled by broad discontent over economic stagnation and widespread corruption.
As a lightning rod for protester anger during his tenure as prime minister, Oli stepped down on September 9, 2025, amidst violent demonstrations that led to the destruction of his residence, the parliament building, and government facilities. In his resignation communication, Oli expressed hope that his departure would facilitate progress towards a political resolution and address the prevailing issues.
In January, Oli provided a statement to a commission established by the interim administration to examine the crackdown on the youth-led uprising, refuting allegations that he had ordered the use of force against demonstrators. Despite facing criticism, Oli remains steadfast about his political future, securing a resounding re-election as the CPN-UML chief in December.
Described by political journalist Binu Subedi as having authoritarian tendencies, Oli’s leadership style is characterized by a reluctance to entertain dissent or advice, even within his own party. Known colloquially as “KP,” Oli has cultivated a personality cult within his party, with slogans like “KP Ba, we love you” adorning rally banners.
Oli’s political journey spans nearly six decades, including a period marked by a ten-year civil conflict and the abolition of Nepal’s monarchy in 2008. Engaged in underground communist activism since his youth, Oli faced imprisonment at a young age for his efforts to challenge the monarchy’s authority. Despite his incarceration, Oli continued his resistance through writings and poetry, eventually transitioning into mainstream politics upon his release in 1987.
Having served as prime minister multiple times, Oli acknowledges the limitations of Marxist and Leninist ideologies as universal solutions. His most recent term in office was characterized by a coalition government with the Nepali Congress, which has now replaced its former leader with Gagan Thapa. Oli’s tenure has been marked by a delicate balancing act between Nepal’s influential neighbors, India and China, while also engaging in nationalist rhetoric against India’s perceived dominance in bilateral relations.