Nepal denies claims of president's resignation amid nationwide deadly unrest UPDATED

Amid widespread speculation and media reports suggesting the resignation of Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel in the wake of violent nationwide protests, the Office of the President has issued a formal clarification stating that he remains in office.

According to a statement released by the Nepal Army, President Poudel has not stepped down from his position, contrary to earlier claims circulating in local and international media, India Today reports.

"Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel has not resigned from his position contrary to reports that he quit amid violent protests," the country's army said in a statement.

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Nepal was plunged deeper into political turmoil as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down amid massive anti-government protests that have swept the Himalayan nation, claiming at least 22 lives.

The twin resignations of Prime Minister Oli and, shortly thereafter, President Ram Chandra Poudel, come as the country faces a groundswell of youth-led demonstrations driven by anger over corruption, nepotism, and a now-reversed social media ban. Protesters, largely composed of Gen Z activists, have continued to defy curfews and clash with security forces across major cities, India Today reports.

The unrest, which erupted following Oli’s controversial decision last week to ban social media platforms, escalated rapidly and turned deadly—forcing the government to roll back the ban in the early hours of Tuesday.

In his resignation letter, Oli wrote that he was stepping down “in view of the adverse situation in the country” and to enable a political solution “under the constitution.”

Despite the rollback of the ban, protests have shown no signs of abating. Demonstrators have declared the country “under their control,” saying: “This country has come under our leadership. Our minimum [demands] are to form a civilian government and hold new elections.”

While jubilant crowds celebrated outside Parliament following Oli’s resignation, violence and arson continued across Kathmandu. Witnesses reported that several politicians’ homes were torched, including Oli’s private residence. The iconic Singha Durbar complex, which houses key government ministries, was also set ablaze, and thick smoke was seen rising from the federal Parliament building.

The protests, described by organisers as a “Gen Z movement,” have spread nationwide and are being fuelled by anger over systemic graft, youth unemployment, and growing inequality. Young Nepalis accuse the political elite of enriching themselves while failing to provide opportunities or economic stability.

Just hours before stepping down, Oli had appealed for calm, saying, “Any form of violence is not in the national interest. We must adopt peaceful dialogue and discussion.” However, according to army sources, Oli had earlier requested military assistance from Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel to ensure a safe exit. The Army Chief reportedly advised him to resign, warning that the military could only act to stabilise the situation if he relinquished power. Some sources claimed that Oli had been preparing to flee to Dubai.

The Nepalese Army, in a statement, signalled it was taking charge of the deteriorating security environment in the absence of political leadership. The army declared it was “fully committed to discharging its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, geographical integrity, national unity, and the security of the Nepali people.” It further added: “[The army] sincerely appeals to all, especially the youth, to play a constructive role in maintaining social harmony, peace, and national unity during these difficult circumstances.”

Following Oli’s resignation, a joint letter from Nepal’s Chief Secretary, Army Chief, Home Secretary, and Police Chief expressed “grief over the loss of life and property” and urged citizens to maintain restraint while calling for political dialogue to prevent further violence.

Shortly after Oli, President Ram Chandra Poudel also resigned. His departure, confirmed by aides, has left Nepal without its two highest political offices during one of its most severe internal crises since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

As protesters stormed the federal Parliament, scenes of chaos unfolded. Fires broke out across the complex, and plumes of smoke could be seen rising from nearby government buildings. The Singha Durbar premises, Supreme Court, political party offices, and residences of senior leaders were also targeted and set on fire.

In response to the escalating violence, security operations intensified. Around a dozen army helicopters were deployed to evacuate ministers and senior officials from ministerial quarters in Bhaisepati to Tribhuvan International Airport. At least five helicopters transported key ministers before the airport was shut down and all flights were cancelled due to fire hazards in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel is set to address protesters and citizens shortly as unrest continues across the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva