KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Rammnath Adhikari resigned from his post on Tuesday, adding to the political turmoil following the deadly crackdown on Gen Z-led protests.
Adhikari, a Nepali Congress (NC) leader aligned with Dr Shekhar Koirala faction, confirmed that he stepped down after Dr Koirala, currently on a visit to China, directed ministers from his faction to quit the government. “I have already made up my mind. The curfew has prevented me from reaching the ministry, but I am prepared to resign,” Adhikari said.
Adhikari’s resignation comes a day after Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, also from the NC, resigned hours after police opened fire on Gen Z demonstrators, killing at least 19 youths in Kathmandu Valley and two more outside.
From the Koirala faction, three ministers were serving in the coalition government: Adhikari, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pandey and Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary.
The government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing mounting criticism, not only from the opposition but also from leaders within the ruling alliance, who have begun calling for Oli’s resignation.
Meanwhile, Gen Z protesters resumed demonstrations in Baneshwor on Tuesday morning, despite a curfew imposed in the capital.