Ramesh Lekhak Quits as Home Minister After Protest Deaths

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stepped down from his post, handing his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at Baluwatar while the cabinet meeting was underway. His office later confirmed the move.

The decision comes amid a nationwide Gen-Z protest. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 19 people have died across the country due to injuries sustained during the demonstrations. Hospitals reported fatalities as follows: 8 at Trauma Center, 3 each at Civil Hospital and Everest Hospital, 2 each at KMC Hospital and B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, and 1 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. In addition, 347 people are receiving treatment for injuries in various hospitals nationwide.

Lekhak decided to vacate the post taking moral responsibility for the loss of lives. He had earlier communicated within his party that stepping aside was the only appropriate course of action after the tragedy.

The decision came after the Nepali Congress leadership held an emergency meeting. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba urged Lekhak to resign, paving the way for broader political discussions on the unfolding crisis. Shortly after, Lekhak headed to Baluwatar and officially handed over his resignation.