The Fall Of KP Oli's Popularity: A Result Of Corruption, Youth Frustration, And Internal Party Conflicts (Analysis)

Khadka Prasad Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister of Nepal and leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), once stood as a dominant figure in the country’s political landscape. Rising to prominence for his role in promulgating Nepal's new constitution in 2015 and overseeing infrastructure development, Oli was initially lauded for his strong nationalistic stance, particularly on border disputes with India. However, his leadership has since been marred by accusations of corruption, internal party divisions, and ineffective governance, leading to a significant decline in his popularity.

Urbanization has played a key role in Oli’s diminishing support. As cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Dhangadi rapidly grew, urban populations became increasingly vocal about their need for better public services, infrastructure, and job opportunities. Oli's government faced growing criticism for its failure to address these issues, with many accusing his administration of slow progress on major infrastructure projects, rising corruption, and inefficient government agencies. These shortcomings led to widespread disillusionment, especially among urban residents, who began to shift their support to alternative political parties promising more effective leadership.

The fragmentation of Nepal's political scene also played a significant role in Oli’s downfall. New political forces, such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party, capitalized on the public's growing frustration with traditional parties. These new parties, using modern campaigning techniques and leveraging social media, resonated more effectively with younger, urban voters. In contrast, Oli’s leadership seemed out of touch with the changing political dynamics, leading to a loss of support from the younger generation that increasingly sought more progressive, transparent, and accountable leadership.

Once a dominant political force, KP Oli now faces the challenges of an evolving political environment where his influence has waned significantly, particularly among Nepal’s youth and urban electorate.