The Mastermind Behind Nepal’s Government Collapse Revealed

Nepal has witnessed the dramatic downfall of K. P. Sharma Oli’s government, and now, an unexpected name has emerged as the architect behind the movement. Once a DJ, now a political organiser, Sudhan Gurung, aged 36, is the founder of the youth-driven platform Hami Nepal (“We are Nepal”).

On Monday, violent clashes erupted during mass demonstrations, leaving at least 72 people dead and more than 1,300 injured. Analysts have described it as the most lethal political crisis in Nepal in recent decades.

Gurung and his organisation played a central role in mobilising Nepal’s youth. Their methods included:

• Using VPNs to bypass banned platforms.
• Spreading protest calls via Discord and Instagram, reaching millions.
• Fact-checking and debunking rumours to counter misinformation.
• Sharing emergency hospital contact numbers to assist the injured.

This digital activism not only strengthened their credibility but also turned Hami Nepal into a formidable influence.

One student, Karan Kulung Rai (18), said he had been invited into a Discord group of about 400 members, where calls for protests were first announced. The early posts by Hami Nepal were so impactful that they were later broadcast on national television.

Following Oli’s fall, Hami Nepal began directly engaging in shaping the interim leadership. The group persuaded the President and Army Chief to support the appointment of Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, as interim Prime Minister.

Karki, known for her uncompromising stance against corruption, has now become Nepal’s first female interim Prime Minister.

However, Gurung and his colleagues have made it clear that they will not join any cabinet.

“We do not want to become politicians. Sudhan Gurung simply supported the Gen-Z movement. We are the nation’s voice, not its leaders,” said volunteer Ronish Pradhan of Hami Nepal.

Alongside Gurung, two young activists became prominent online figures:

Thapa in particular emerged as the public voice of the movement. He emphasised that ensuring judicial independence would be the top priority of the interim government. He also added that some constitutional amendments may be necessary, but there were no plans to dissolve the constitution.

Sudhan Gurung’s history of social activism made him a respected figure even before this uprising:

• 2015 Earthquake Relief: He organised aid operations after the quake that killed 9,000 people.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: His team worked on the ground to provide support during the crisis.

Gurung’s journey from DJ to revolutionary organiser reflects more than just a political transition. It symbolises:

• The rise of Nepal’s youth in shaping the country’s destiny.
• A demand for cleaner politics and accountable leadership.
• The start of what many are calling a new era in Nepalese politics.

Through his leadership, the movement not only toppled a government but also carved out a future vision for Nepal’s political landscape.