By Prashant Jain, America News World
In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal’s recent youth-led protests have not only toppled the government but also propelled a new political figure onto the national stage. Sudan Gurung, a 36-year-old activist who emerged as the face of the grassroots uprising, has announced his candidacy for the country’s March 2026 general elections. In an exclusive interview with ANW Start Here, Gurung vowed to transform his movement into a “people’s government,” signaling a bold challenge to Nepal’s entrenched political elite.
Sudan Gurung, 36, rose to prominence as the face of a grassroots uprising led largely by Nepal’s Gen Z [Ranup Shrestha/Al Jazeera]
The protests, driven largely by Nepal’s Gen Z, erupted after the government imposed a controversial ban on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing their failure to comply with regulatory oversight. However, the demonstrations quickly escalated into a broader outcry against systemic corruption, state violence, and impunity. Dozens of young protesters lost their lives, and thousands were injured in clashes with authorities, fueling public anger and galvanizing the movement.
Gurung, speaking to Start Here host Sandra Gathmann, described the former government as “selfish” and “corrupt,” accusing it of dragging the youth into the political arena. “If it’s politics they want, that’s what they’ll get,” he declared, emphasizing that his group is mobilizing nationwide to form a “movement for change” rather than a traditional political party. Volunteers are already organizing legal and communications committees and gathering policy demands through platforms like Discord and Instagram, which proved instrumental in coordinating the protests.
The movement’s agenda extends beyond anticorruption efforts. Gurung outlined plans to bolster Nepal’s tourism sector and strengthen ties with neighbors India and China while maintaining national sovereignty. “We need to respect them, they need to respect us,” he said, advocating for balanced foreign relations without external interference. He also called on interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki to expedite investigations into corruption and the killings of protesters, aiming to bar discredited politicians from contesting the upcoming elections.
Gurung’s decision to run as part of a collective rather than an independent candidate underscores his belief in the power of unity. “Together, we are stronger,” he said, dismissing the idea of running solo to maintain the momentum of the youth-driven movement. Despite facing intimidation—Gurung revealed attempts to “demotivate” and “scare” him—he remains defiant. “I’m not scared … just killing me won’t do anything,” he told ANW “I need to save my nation because it’s now or never.”
The protests have reverberated beyond Nepal’s borders, impacting trade along the open India-Nepal border and drawing parallels to youth-led movements in South Asia, such as those in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In India’s Ladakh region, similar Gen Z-led protests demanding statehood and special protections turned violent, resulting in four deaths on September 24, 2025, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Nepal’s unrest has disrupted local markets, leaving traders struggling as cross-border commerce falters.
Gurung’s rise comes at a time when Nepal is navigating a fragile political transition. Sushila Karki, the 73-year-old interim prime minister, faces the daunting task of stabilizing the country ahead of the elections. Gurung’s movement, leveraging digital platforms like Discord, has tapped into the frustrations of a generation disillusioned with traditional politics. Analysts suggest this could mark a turning point for Nepal, potentially inspiring similar youth-led revolutions across South Asia.
As Gurung prepares for the electoral battle, his message resonates with a growing segment of Nepal’s population demanding accountability and change. Whether his movement can translate street protests into electoral success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Nepal’s Gen Z has ignited a political awakening that could reshape the nation’s future.